Richard Ree Morgan Sr.

          Beloved husband, father, and papa, Richard R. Morgan, Sr., passed away on November  13, 2023. Richard was born in Winlock, on April 15, 1935, minutes ahead of his identical twin brother, Robert. Raised in Winlock by parents John Henry and Verna Morgan, Richard was the fourth of six siblings. He graduated from Winlock High School in 1953. After taking some junior college classes, he enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1955. Upon completing three years in the service, mostly in the Middle East, Richard returned home and graduated from Washington State University in 1960 with a bachelor’s degree in Police Science and Administration. He met Hazel Harris while working as a deputy sheriff in Lewis County. They married in October 1961. Richard and Hazel moved to Longview in 1965 when he accepted a position as probation officer for the Cowlitz County Juvenile Court. He later was promoted to Juvenile Court Director, where he remained until he retired in 1988.

            Richard was a loving husband to Hazel and dedicated father to Philip, Paula, Richard, Jr. (Devanie), Joseph (Dawn) and Courtney. He raised his kids with a firm, but loving hand, making sure they knew right from wrong. When his grandchildren came along, he let their parents do the disciplining and became chief cheerleader on the sidelines of numerous soccer games and music recitals.

            Richard was an active member of St. Rose Parish, doing volunteer work with the Knights of Columbus, participating in weekly Adorations and getting his wife and five kids to church on time every week.

            Richard’s primary creative pursuits were photography and woodworking. Finding pictures of him is difficult, because he preferred to be behind the camera, rather than in front of it. Post-retirement, Richard became a regular volunteer in the woodshop at R.A. Long High School. For many years he mentored students, while also building beautiful furniture for his family and community. To relax, he enjoyed regular walks around Lake Sacajewea, usually with peanuts in his pocket to feed the squirrels.

            Once the kids were launched, Richard and Hazel enjoyed multiple trips with a variety of friends. They traveled to several places in Europe; took an Alaska cruise, where a photographic side-trip to Mt. Denali was a highlight for Richard; and took an epic month-long cross-country road trip with Charlie and Mary Lang, which spawned years of stories that began, “On that trip with Charlie and Mary, we . . .”

            Richard is survived by Hazel, his wife of 62 years; his five children and seven grandchildren (Hannah, Michael, Katherine, Delaney, Keely, Carson and Morgan); his youngest brother, James; and numerous nieces and nephews.

            Funeral services will be held at St. Rose Catholic Church, Longview, on Tuesday, December 5, at 11:00 a.m.

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