Robert Allan Morris

Robert Allan Morris was born in Astoria on Sept. 14, 1948, to Lawrence Western Morris and Helen Ovdia Johansen. He grew up in Astoria.

Robert attended St. Mary, Star of the Sea School, starting in grade school until graduating from high school in 1967. He played basketball for Star of the Sea and played on the team of the western champs in 1967.

Rob then attended Clatsop Community College, earning an associate’s degree in business. He then attended Portland State University, majoring in marketing. He was a college football player, and played tight end for Portland State.

Robert is a U.S. Army veteran. He joined the Army in 1970 and worked his way up to be a drill sergeant. He spent time at Fort Polk in Louisiana, Fort Ord in California, Fort Lewis in Washington state, and eventually Camp Rilea in Oregon, where he was in the Army Reserves.

Robert was the owner of Robert Morris’ Oregon Glass Service in Oregon and Washington state from 1973 to 1999. Then following, Robert closed his business and worked for his son, Ryan, at Morris Glass & Construction, as an estimator for commercial and residential projects until he retired in 2014 from the construction industry.

He was a faithful member of St. Mary, Star of the Sea Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus in Astoria.

Robert’s family and faith were most important to him. His children and grandchildren meant the world to him. Spending time with family and friends, and carrying on traditions, were always special to Rob.

He loved elk, deer and duck hunting with his son, Ryan. He had a love for seafood, clam digging, camping, sitting by the campfire, football, basketball, golf, skiing, traveling, family vacations, hosting annual Rod Run parties, old cars and working on them, and fishing in the Columbia River on the family boat.

Robert passed away on Nov. 30, 2020, over the Thanksgiving holiday, while he and Nathan were visiting Ryan, Kimberly and Beckett at their Arizona home.

He married Sally Hope in 1971; they had two children, Ryan and Rachel. They later divorced. He married Supannee Somsuk in 2005; they had one son, Nathan, and Supannee’s son, Saharat. They later divorced.

Robert is survived by his children, Robert “Ryan” Morris (Kimberly), of Flagstaff, Arizona, and Astoria, Rachel Hopkins, of Eugene, Nathan Morris, of Astoria, and stepson, Saharat Jitmala, of Warrenton; grandchildren, Beckett Morris, Saeda Suhm and Halia Hopkins; siblings, Bill Lee Morris (Cheryl Morris), of Pasco, Washington, Larry L. Morris (Judie J. Johnson), of Brush Prairie, Washington, and Betty Anderson, of Fairview. In addition, Rob has numerous family members, including cousins, nieces and nephews.

Robert is preceded in death by his parents, Lawrence Western Morris and Helen Ovdia Johansen, and a sister, Ellen Fenton.

Robert was an original. He was the best friend you’d ever have. He was loyal and would never let you down; he was always there when you needed him. If you ever met him, you’d never forget him.

There will be a graveside service at the Prairie Cemetery, officiated by Rev. William D. Oruko of St. Mary, Star of the Sea, on Dec. 21 at 1 p.m. A reception will follow at 3 p.m. at the Astoria Golf & Country Club.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Knights of Columbus, in care of St. Mary, Star of the Sea Church in Astoria.