William F. Morse

MORSE William Frederick Morse passed away peacefully on January 8, 2010, in Scottsdale, AZ after a long bout with Alzheimer's. He was born on July 25, 1930 in Huntington, Long Island, NY and lived in Upper Arlington, OH from 1963 to 2006. He is preceded in death by his parents William and Mabel Morse, and his loving wife of 49 years Sylvia Cathro Morse. He is survived by his brother, Robert (Carol); and by his children and 12 grandchildren, William Morse (Cindy), Devin and Nora; Steve (Laura), Brett and Mallory; Bruce (Beth), Jessica and Sarah; Paul (Wendy), Amanda, Corey, McKenzie and Natalie; Susan Morse; Brenda Maxey (Cullen), Will and Lizzie. He graduated from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in 1951 with a degree in Chemical Engineering and was a member of Alpha Chi Rho. In 1995 he completed a 32-year career at Columbia Gas System as Vice President of Research. Morse was known internationally as a strong advocate for research and commercialization of natural gas technology. He was instrumental in setting up the Gas Research Institute, Natural Gas Vehicle Coalition, the American Gas Cooling Center and the Industrial Gas Technology Commercialization Center. He has received numerous industry awards and served on numerous task forces, including the Gas Industry Research Award, induction into the American Gas Association Industrial and Commercial Hall of Flame, Advisory Council of the Ohio Energy Commission, Scientific Institute for Public Policy, AGA and GRI Technical Advisory Committees. He holds six patents for natural gas equipment. He was admired in the industry for his "wit, whip and wisdom." Bill was an active member of Muirfield Village Golf Club, Scioto Country Club and the Athletic Club of Columbus where he remains the undefeated leg wrestling champion. A supporter of the Upper Arlington Booster Club, he also coached baseball and basketball. Despite all of these accomplishments, he would say his proudest was his marriage to Sylvia and graduating six kids from college. A celebration of Bill's life will be held at Schoedinger NW Chapel, 1740 Zollinger Rd, Columbus, OH 43220 on Thursday, January 14, 2010 at 6 p.m. As in his life, all are welcome. Online condolences at www.schoedinger.com. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hannah Neil Center for Children, 301 Obetz Rd, Columbus, OH 43207, www.star.org or 1-800-837-5591.