Neil Howard Morse

Passed away peacefully at his home in Eureka on April 6, 2011. He was 71 years old. Neil was born in Dighton, Massachusetts, on August 14, 1939. In 1951 he moved with his family to Arcata, California, where he graduated from Arcata High School in 1957. Neil attended Humboldt State University and Sonoma State University, receiving a BA from the latter. He served in the National Guard from 1962 to 1968. Neil worked for Simpson Paper Company pulp mill for 26 years and was an active member of various clubs and organizations, including the Friendship Circle and Moose Lodge, throughout his life. Neil especially enjoyed singing in the Ferndale Community Choir and being a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Eureka. Neil was preceded in death by his sister Cynthia Roberts of Arcata; nephews Arthur Booth and Kevin Booth of Massachusetts; and his parents Howard and Louise Morse of Arcata. He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Suzanne and Andrew Schmidt, of Redding, California; his sister Patricia Payne, of Fortuna, California; his sister and brother-in-law, Caryl and Arthur Booth, of Raynham, Massachusetts; nieces Michele Cook and Mary Coyle of Spokane, Washington; Patty Morris of Washington; and Cynthia Booth of Massachusetts; and nephews Steve Roberts and Thom Payne of Eureka; and Tom Booth of Massachusetts. A memorial service will be held at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Eureka on Friday, April 15, at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to Immanuel Lutheran Church. Arrangements under the direction of Paul's Chapel, Arcata, CA 707-822-2445, www.paulschapel.com.

Published in Eureka Times-Standard from April 10 to April 12, 2011