Rory Watson Morgan

Our most loving grandfather, father, and brother, Rory Watson Morgan passed away on June 19, 2017 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Rory was born on December 5, 1956 in Dumas, Texas to Grant Block Morgan and Mary Letitia Watson Morgan. He was the youngest of four children; siblings are Grant, Dino, and Brad. Upon premature birth, Rory developed both croup and phenomena. The doctor told his mother to not give him a name because he would not live two weeks. Fortunately, he overcame those illnesses and grew to be healthy boy. Rory spent his childhood living in Texas with his family. He enjoyed swimming, playing sports, and traveling with his father on sales trips. He loved Halloween, wearing the homemade costumes his mother had made him. Rory was into scouting and was a good student. In Rory's Life History, he said "At age 13, I did have an important friend that came in my life that influenced the rest of my life. That was Mitchel Heaps and his father Leon Heaps. They were our Home Teachers. I started attending MIA and church". Rory continued to spend time with the Heaps throughout high school, even as they moved away, Rory would visit their family in the summers. During high school he played football and was on the swimming team. In swimming he went to State, in the 200 yard medley relay, swimming butterfly. Rory graduated from Robert E. Lee High in 1975. He attended Brigham Young University, studying medical tech. At the end of his freshman year, he decided to serve a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. After working and saving for his mission, and with the support of the Heaps and other church members, he served a two year Spanish speaking mission in Sydney, Australia. In Rory's life history, he professes that his mission was not the best two years of his life, it was the most enriching 2 years. He earned valuable study skills that would serve his academic career. And, he grew closer to his Father in Heaven and Jesus Christ. After his mission he continued his education at Weber State College, changing his major to Zoology. During this time Rory met Cynthia Ann Avery at a church young adult activity. Their courtship commenced over the course of the year, and they married in the Salt Lake City LDS Temple on December 14, 1979. Rory continued his schooling and worked while supporting his new family. Their first child Gregory Watson, was born on January 26th, 1981. Rachel Elizabeth came along next on October 9, 1982. By this time, Rory knew he needed to support his family, so he finished a Master's degree in Occupational Health and Safety as quickly as he was able. A new job opportunity took them to California where two more children were added to the family. Jeffery Jay on February 6, 1986 and Melissa Noreen on March 24, 1988. The family stayed in California for two more years, until a new job opportunity took them to Tulsa, Oklahoma. Rory devoted his life to his family. He worked very hard to build a beautiful home for them to enjoy and grow close together. In fact, the family spent many hours working in their home and yard together on Saturday mornings and even some holidays. Greg said that Dad would often say "Many hands make light work" "Cutting down trees was never light work, but it was fun to see the tall tree come down and work towards the goal of neatly stacking all the wood for later use. We're not a farming family by any means, but there's not a Morgan that doesn't know how to do work out in the yard because of Dad." Greg also shares his many good memories of watching football together and Dad going to his football games. Greg said "I always looked forward to the comments you had after the game on how we played. I was famous for telling the other players the advice dad gave me. Things like "You'll never get hurt if you hit the other guy harder that he hits you." And It's important to get the first hit in the game to start winning the psychological game". Rachel remembers a time in high school when she needed new running shoes for track. Dad somewhat happily agreed to buy her the most expensive pair of pink Nike's she wanted so very badly, when he could have easily purchased another pair of perfectly good shoes for half the price. He also took her out to ice cream after track meets, even when she didn't do very well. Later while Rachel was in college, very far from home, she was missing Mom's homemade Halloween cookies very much. Dad took the time to carefully package several cookies in a tin can, in closed with slices of bread to keep the cookies extra soft. They arrived in perfect condition and Rachel felt much love that day. Jeff remembers the time he and dad took 1st and 2nd place in the pinewood derby. That was a great day. He always told Jeff to give it his all. The whole 110% and nothing less. Another favorite memory of Jeff's was one Halloween when Dad carved a large pumpkin to fit over his head. Dad then sat on the front porch and pretended to be a stuffed scarecrow. When kids came trick-or-treating at the house, he would move his body just enough to give the kids a scare. Jeff admired his dad so much, he wore that pumpkin to school the next day. Melissa always loved dancing with her Dad, whether they were at home in the dining room or at Stake Dances. He was always the first one to ask her to dance. Melissa was never too embarrassed to dance with her Dad. Melissa and Dad also spent a lot of time watching TV together, especially "Friends", college football on Saturdays after yard work, and Friday night movies with Dad and Mom. To insure the needs and wants for his family, Rory worked hard as a Certified Industrial Hygienist for companies such as Williams, Boeing, and Linde. He diligently served in various teaching and leadership positions in the church. He loved preparing lessons for his classes as well as Family Home Evenings in his home. His children remember several object lessons he used to help illustrate gospel principles and important life lessons. These lessons often involved Rory's fun sense of humor. During one particular family home evening lesson he came out wearing a dress and a hang bag. We think he was trying to teach us the importance of making a good first impression but we will never forget the fun we had together. He was involved in the scouting program, young men's, and was even a nursery leader. After his children moved out, Rory found new interest in collecting guns, hunting, and even reloading his own ammunition. He enjoyed getting to know his adult children even better through these activities. Rory's family will never question how much love he had for them. He constantly told the children how proud he was of each of them. He will forever be remembered as a father who would do anything for his family.

Rory Watson Morgan

December 5, 1956 - June 19, 2017