Ronald Edward Morse

On the evening of December 15, 2018, RONALD EDWARD MORSE began a new journey, reassured in his final moments of how much he was loved, and how much love he brought to those in his world. A storyteller at heart, he carried himself with pride and took pride in everything he crafted. His family was his biggest joy, and every minute they got with him was filled with love and meaning.

Born in New York, Ron moved with his parents, William and Helen, and older brother, Charles, to the Santa Clara Valley and spent his young adult life engrossed in the California car culture of the 1950s and 60s. Street racing for pink slips and hopping up motors at the Fremont and Half Moon Bay Drag Strips began a life-long career as an automotive mechanic at Lutz Ford in Palo Alto. Once retired, Ron filled his days with swinging golf clubs he’d modify himself, firing antique rifles, hiking, biking, woodworking, and building hot rods. Ron was deeply intrigued by the long reach of his Hawaiian bloodline, spending hours of detective work uncovering the clues of his heritage. Weekly car shows with his close friends kept him young at heart, and his charm was apparent in every conversation he struck up with a stranger. Ron found joy, laughter, and warmth through the bonds formed with every dog and cat in his life. He found wonder in the clean air of the mountains and solace in the salty crashes of waves along the California coast.

There are no words to describe his pride in his family and friends.

With unfathomable love, Ron leaves behind his wife of 50 years, Linda Morse; daughter, Katie Morse; son, Scott Morse; daughter-in-law, Danielle Morse; and grandsons, Finn and Elijah Morse.

If you knew Ron, please carry his love with you. And if you didn’t, it is hoped that you can sense him in the family he leaves behind, and in how they’ll try to honor him.

A private Celebration of Life is planned for February.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his honor to the Pacific Whale Foundation: https://www.pacificwhale.org/you-can-help/make-donation/