Richard Charles Morse (Rick) passed away in Townsend, Montana on Monday, September2, 2019. He was 86. Rick was born to Harry and Ruth Morse on April 10, 1933 in Long Island, New York. He graduated from Oklahoma A&M where he met and later married his wife Carolyn.
Upon graduation from Oklahoma A&M Rick served as a captain in the United Army during the Vietnam War Era. Following his discharge from the Army in 1965, Rick initially pursued a career of teaching at the college level.
Rick became a professor at Northwest Community College in Powell, Wyoming in 1967 where he taught until 1982. During his tenure at Northwest Community College. Rick and Carolyn had a small farm outside Powell where he raised a variety of livestock. While teaching at Northwest was a demanding job, it was important to him that his children have the opportunity to grow up in a farm environment.
The Morse family loved to camp and fish. Through their camping adventures Rick and Carolyn were introduced to Rendezvous and became avid participants. In 1982 Rick decided to leave his teaching career and he and Carolyn moved the family to Red Lodge, Montana where he opened a small fly fishing and weaving supply shop. Rick was a skilled fly fisherman and became licensed as a fly fishing guide on the Little Bighorn River. On her part, Carolyn had become quite skilled at spinning and weaving. While living in Red Lodge Rick and Carolyn became increasingly active in Rendezvous.
In 1999, seeking a little milder winter climate, Rick and Carolyn moved to Townsend, Montana. Rick and Carolyn were both devoted Christians. In Townsend they were among the founders of Trailhead Church where Carolyn had a flourishing puppet ministry and Rick often gave the Sunday sermon.
Rick is remembered as being his own man, a man of high integrity who was devoted to God and his family. He always did his best to do the right thing. He is survived by his three children: Kathleen, Daniel and Mike.
A memorial service is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. Monday, September 9, 2019 at United Methodist Church, 200 N. Cedar St., Townsend, MT 59644. A reception will follow the service in the fellowship hall of the church. Please visit below to offer the family a condolence or share a memory of Rick.
Sandy Vanover says
I was out of town and so sorry to hear the news of Rick’s passing. He was a wonderful Christian friend. Always a big smile for everyone. He will be missed by many. Sending prayers for peace and comfort to all that loved him.
Jerry P Fahrenthold says
I always enjoyed rendezvousing with Rick & Carolyn throughout the years. He was a fine gentleman.
Marilyn Ann Madaio says
Rick Morse is my father’s sister Ruth and Harry Morse son IAM his cousin Marilyn Ann Madaio from Wilkes Barre Pennsylvania we had alot of good times with my aunt and uncle and Rick Morse at all holidays Christmas and New years in Long island New York City those are my memories of him may his soul rest in peace amen
Marilyn Ann Madaio says
ALOT OF GOOD TIMES WITH MY FAMILY IM HIS COUSIN MARILYN ANN MADAIO FROM WILKES BARRE PA MEORIES WILL LIVE IN MY HEART FOREVER ALL THE GOOD TIMES WE HAD