Richard "Rick" Ivan Morel

Rick was born on July 14, 1947, to Ivan P and Rita E. (Sheridan) Morel and his beloved Sister, Patricia Ann, in Watertown, Massachusetts (who all predeceased him). The Family moved to Colorado when Rick was 8. His Father, Ivan, came to work for Fred H. Meunier (Co.) in the Pipe Organ Business. Rick’s dad eventually bought the business, Ivan P. Morel and Associates, Inc. When Rick graduated from high school he decided he liked the “pipe organ” and really liked working and learning from his Dad. When his Father retired, Rick took over the business. He loved his work. They installed, built, refurbished and provided service to pipe organs in 5 states.

Rick not only loved the pipe organ but he loved the history of pipe organ. Rick’s company refurbished the pipe organ at the Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception on Colfax in Denver. Rick was present at the Cathedral making sure the organ worked perfectly when the Pope visited in 1993. Rick spent the last 10 years or more trying to bring “new blood” into the Business of Pipe Organs. He was dedicated in preserving historical files on many incredible instruments. He celebrated his 58th anniversary being employed at Morel and Associates on May 8, 2024.

When Rick was 25 he met and married the love of his life – Sharlie Ann Kern. They had so much fun together. Their marriage is what most hope and dream of. They celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on September 1, 2023 with their “Chosen Family”, so wonderful.

Rick was a great “study”. He loved to talk about and investigate almost any subject. He loved all sports especially baseball. He was an amazing woodworker and a perfectionist in everything he did. Rick loved anything techie. He was tenacious in learning what he didn’t know. He was kind and considerate of everyone and everyone’s friend. He will be missed.

Rick is survived by his wife, Sharlie Morel, Brother in law, Harrell Johnson, Nephew, James and Carissa (wife) Johnson, their Kids, Brandon & Claudia Johnson and Dominick Johnson, Nephew Doug and Tracy (wife) Johnson and their Kids, Derek Johnson, Shaina, Jeff and Emmett Blandin all residing in Colorado.

Rick is also survived by a special “Chosen Family”, Bruce and Diane Durham, their Kids, Stacy Crowell (Rick’s Godchild) and her son Gabe Crowell, Gina Marie Durham (Rick’s Godchild) and her son, Mark Durham and his daughter, Lexi Durham and Jeff Kerschner (Gina’s Partner), Barbara Boger, Glenn Blanco and Don Belshaw (Rick’s work associate for over 50 years) all residing in Colorado.

There will be a Memorial Service for Rick Morel at Montview Presbyterian Church on Wednesday, August 21, 2024 at 10::00 AM. This will be a very wonderful and special service as Rick and his father, Ivan, provide years of loving care for the Montview Pipe Organs. Phil Bordeleau, the Music Director, at the Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, Colfax in Denver plans to dedicate a concert to Rick Morel in the spring of 2025. A reminder notification will be provided for these dates.

There are no specific Memorial donation suggestions. When you do donate to your favorite charity, simply remember Mr. Rick with a good thought like “ Long Live the Pipe Organ”!