On October 6, 2013, surrounded at home by loving family, the great big heart of Robert Phillips Morris finally stopped after a valiant, cheerful, and years' long fight against multiple myeloma cancer. Rob's 81 years in this life were filled with his family, many friendships, and an irrepressible optimism that extended his life and associations with others.
Rob was born in Salt Lake City to Thornton Dinwoodey ("Spide") and Nola Page Morris on May 20, 1932. Rob grew up on Salt Lake's Arlington Drive as a member of the "Arlington Alligators", attending Wasatch Elementary, Bryant Jr. High, and East High Schools, where his speed and hands made him a potent threat as a receiver on the football field. Following high school he took his game to the University of Utah where he played football for his beloved Utes under Coach "Cactus" Jack Curtice, as an all-conference end, winning three consecutive Skyline Conference championships. Rob later played semi-professional football for the Petaluma Leghorns. At the U he followed his two older brothers Din and Sandy into Beta Theta Pi Fraternity, and gained many new brothers and life-long friends. His greatest accomplishment during those years, however, was winning the heart of Carlyle Olsen of Mt. Pleasant, Utah, marrying her on October 2, 1956 at the Hotel Utah. Their marriage was later solemnized in the Salt Lake Temple of the L.D.S. Church.
After marrying Carlyle, they lived for a time in California where Rob learned the furniture business. On returning to Utah Rob owned and operated the Robert Morris Furniture Gallery in Salt Lake City. In the late 60's, Rob decided his true calling was real estate, and started a decades-long pursuit of building and developing primarily in Park City, Utah. Some of the crown jewels of Rob's portfolio in real estate development include the Stein Erikson Lodge, Yarrow Hotel, the Pine Inn and Temptation condominiums, and the Holiday Village Shopping Center. Rob's great vision gave birth to these landmarks and others, and he had a principal role in positioning Park City as a world class resort town. Rob's passion for western lands led Governor Leavitt to appoint him to a six-year term with Utah School Trust Lands ("SITLA"). Rob was a deadly putter, and had an acute card sense.
Rob was preceded in death by his mother and father, and by his two older brothers Din and Sandy. Rob is survived by his wife and best friend Carlyle, who took great care of him in his last years. Rob is survived also by his younger brother Rick (Carol), and children Mark (Catherine), Michael (Liz), Tim (Linda), and Page Juliano (Don), 13 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Rob's family expresses their deep appreciation to all who provided kind and loving care to him in his final years, including the Huntsman Cancer Institute, Dr. Adam Cohen and Angie, Muriel and Lori, and the kind professionals at Care Source who greatly eased Rob's last days. In lieu of flowers, friends are encouraged to make donations to the Ute Conference Little League Football program.
Funeral Services for Rob will be held at the Bonneville Stake Center, 1535 East Bonneview Drive, Salt Lake City, Utah, on Friday, October 11, 2013, at 12 noon, where friends and family may gather for a visitation from 10:30-11:45 a.m. prior to services. A reception celebrating Rob's life will take place between 4:00 and 6:00 p.m. that same day, following interment. Online condolences may be made at www.LarkinCares.com
