Richard N. MORSE

MORSE, GLOECKLER

Posted By: Sarah Thorson Little (email)
Date: 3/29/2008 at 10:20:04

Richard N. "Dick" Morse
1924 - 2008

A time to depart this life.
On March 3, 2008, Dr. Richard "Dick" N. Morse, 84, departed his life at the Braswell's Community Convalescent Hospital in Yucaipa. Dick was welcomed into his heavenly home by his parents, Cortland and Lette Morse.

A time to be born.
Dick was born Jan. 6, 1924 in Belmond, Iowa. He grew up in the Los Angeles area.

A time to grow.
In 1947, Dick graduated from the University of Idaho with a B.S. degree. From 1952-1953 he was enrolled at San Francisco State pursuing a M.A. degree. Dick received his doctorate in education (Ed.D) from the University of Oregon in 1958.

A time to share love.
During Dick's second teaching assignment he met and dated a Scafter native, the former Leona Gloeckler. Leona was a secretary to the Richland School District's Superintendent. On Sept. 19, 1952 they were united in holy matrimony in San Francisco, a marriage that was blessed for 56 years.

A time to live.
Dick began his work experience in education as a teacher in the Los Angeles City School. From 1950 to 1952 Dick taught at the Richland School District. He spent three years in the Sutter County School as teacher and principal. Dr. Morse served as curriculum consultant for Barstow Unified School District from 1958 to 1961. From 1961 to 1965 he served as curriculum consultant in San Leandro Unified Schools. In 1965 he became an elementary school principal at Hanford Elementary Schools. In 1968 he accepted the position of visiting professor at the University of Vermont. Before coming to Victorville, Dick spent six years as an Associate Professor at United States International University (U.S.I.U.) at San Diego. Dr. Morse was employed in the Victor Elementary School District as principal of Park View Elementary School from 1975 until his retirement in 1984. Dr. Morse's professional affiliations include Phi Delta Kappa, Association Supervision and Curriculum, National Society for Study of Education, American Education Research Association, National Education Association and California Retired Teachers Association.

A time to explore hobbies.
Bicycling was an activity that occupied a special place in the life of Dick Morse for several decades. He enjoyed the unique perspective you can have by seeing the world on two wheels instead of the more usual four-wheel modes of transportation. His adventurous spirit not only allowed him to experience the sights and sounds of southern California, it also led him to tour Washington, the Oregon coast, as well as touring countries in Europe when in his early seventies. Dick held several key positions in the Victor Valley Bicycle Club. He believed in promoting the cycling experience as one to be enjoyed by young and old.
Dick was a very active member of the High Desert Theater Art Guild (TAG). During his tenure with TAG he served as producer of several on-stage productions.

A time to mourn.
Dick leaves cherished memories to his wife, Leona Morse of Apple Valley; his brother, Larry Morse and his wife, Sue Anna, of the Bay Area; a host of loving nieces; nephews; extended family; and many dear friends.

A time to remember.
A commemorative service will be held at 1:30 p.m. April 12 at the Hi Desert Church of Religious Science, 18575 Corwin Road, Apple Valley.

Daily Press, CA
Hesperia Star, CA
and Desert Dispatch, CA
March 28, 2008