Obituary for Robert James Morrison
Artist and Art Professor Robert Morrison, age 77, passed away on December 16th, 2018 at his home in Reno, Nevada.
Robert was born October 20th, 1941 in Fresno, California. He graduated from Fresno High School, where he was a member of the track team and won several medals in the 100 yard dash, including a City Track Meet. He earned his BA Degree in Art at Fresno State University in 1962. Robert was a member of the SAE Fraternity. He also earned his Masters Degree in Design at Stanford University. Robert taught art at The University of California, Davis, and went to work at the University of Nevada, Reno as an Art Professor in 1967.
Robert was very passionate about art and design. He had an in-depth knowledge of the styles and techniques of many types of art, including sculpture, water color, and sketch. He was well known for helping his students understand how to encompass their emotions and creativity and express those feelings truly in their creations. And he was very good at showing them how to fine tune their art skills to create the pieces. His main goal was to help his students learn how to really think, and be analytical in their choices in art, work, and life.
Robert loved his art, and created many works that acquired critical acclaim, which included a bronze statue in front of the Nevada State Capital building in Carson City, a giant sun dial piece at the University of Nevada, Reno campus, and many others. His work has been exhibited in New York, Dallas, San Antonio, San Francisco, Sacramento, and Reno, as well as reviewed in many regional and national art publications. Such appreciation of Robert’s works of art earned him the Governor’s Arts Award, and fellowships from the National Endowment for the Arts, and the National Arts Council.
Robert was also passionate about sports cars, and racing them. He loved to go to the Autocross track and compete in his many sports cars. His Porsche 911 was his favorite. He really pushed himself to get better and better at mastering the race courses. His last race was in October of this year.
He is preceded in death by his Parents, Paul and Ellen Morrison, his brother Bill Morrison, and his son David Morrison. Robert is survived by his partner of 39 years Lynn McLellan, his children, Jens Morrison, Jennifer Anne Kavanagh (Tyler), and Roderick Morrison, his grandchildren Ansel and Nora Morrison, and several nephews, nieces, and cousins. He is also grieved by his ex-wife and friend Susan Quinn, and his dear friend Trish Andrew, as well as many friends too numerous to mention but all exceptionally important and loving.
Funeral services will be held at 1:00PM on Saturday, January 5th at the Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, 501 California Ave., Reno, Nevada (on the corner of California Ave. & Arlington Ave.). There will be a celebration of Robert on a different date to be announced later. In lieu of flowers a donation to the Churchill Arts Council Foundation Scholarship Fund, or the Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd Endowment Fund would be gratefully accepted.
Robert was born October 20th, 1941 in Fresno, California. He graduated from Fresno High School, where he was a member of the track team and won several medals in the 100 yard dash, including a City Track Meet. He earned his BA Degree in Art at Fresno State University in 1962. Robert was a member of the SAE Fraternity. He also earned his Masters Degree in Design at Stanford University. Robert taught art at The University of California, Davis, and went to work at the University of Nevada, Reno as an Art Professor in 1967.
Robert was very passionate about art and design. He had an in-depth knowledge of the styles and techniques of many types of art, including sculpture, water color, and sketch. He was well known for helping his students understand how to encompass their emotions and creativity and express those feelings truly in their creations. And he was very good at showing them how to fine tune their art skills to create the pieces. His main goal was to help his students learn how to really think, and be analytical in their choices in art, work, and life.
Robert loved his art, and created many works that acquired critical acclaim, which included a bronze statue in front of the Nevada State Capital building in Carson City, a giant sun dial piece at the University of Nevada, Reno campus, and many others. His work has been exhibited in New York, Dallas, San Antonio, San Francisco, Sacramento, and Reno, as well as reviewed in many regional and national art publications. Such appreciation of Robert’s works of art earned him the Governor’s Arts Award, and fellowships from the National Endowment for the Arts, and the National Arts Council.
Robert was also passionate about sports cars, and racing them. He loved to go to the Autocross track and compete in his many sports cars. His Porsche 911 was his favorite. He really pushed himself to get better and better at mastering the race courses. His last race was in October of this year.
He is preceded in death by his Parents, Paul and Ellen Morrison, his brother Bill Morrison, and his son David Morrison. Robert is survived by his partner of 39 years Lynn McLellan, his children, Jens Morrison, Jennifer Anne Kavanagh (Tyler), and Roderick Morrison, his grandchildren Ansel and Nora Morrison, and several nephews, nieces, and cousins. He is also grieved by his ex-wife and friend Susan Quinn, and his dear friend Trish Andrew, as well as many friends too numerous to mention but all exceptionally important and loving.
Funeral services will be held at 1:00PM on Saturday, January 5th at the Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, 501 California Ave., Reno, Nevada (on the corner of California Ave. & Arlington Ave.). There will be a celebration of Robert on a different date to be announced later. In lieu of flowers a donation to the Churchill Arts Council Foundation Scholarship Fund, or the Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd Endowment Fund would be gratefully accepted.