Charles Grant Morrison

“Papa”

March 18, 1922 - November 14, 2010

Charles Grant Morrison passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on Sunday afternoon, November 14, 2010. He had just arrived at a practice with the Oratorio Society of Utah, one of the singing groups of which he was a member.

Grant was born on March 18, 1922, to Arthur William and Esther Elizabeth (Elggren) Morrison only 27 minutes after his twin brother Reed, making him the baby of 11 siblings. They always joked that they were “womb mates” and Uncle Reed was “Uncle Papa” to all of Grant’s children who called Grant “Papa”.

Papa loved music and singing. From the earliest age, he and Reed sang in choirs and chorales, singing countless duets at funerals and family gatherings. Grant was a lifelong member of the Swanee Singers, often performing solos, even well into his eighties. He also sang with the Utah Chorale and the Utah Symphony Chorus.

Following his graduation from South High School, he served his country in World War II, and was assigned, at one time, to a tank unit under General Patton. Later he was selected for an Intelligence unit.

He received the Victory Medal, American Campaign Medal, European, African and Middle Eastern Campaign Medals, and the Good Conduct Medal. After his service, he attended the University of Utah, graduated Summa Cum Laude, missing valedictorian by 1/10th of 1%, and graduated with a degree in accounting. He subsequently became a CPA and practiced this profession until retirement. He also was a lifelong tennis player, playing in leagues for the Salt Lake Tennis Club and Park City Racquet Club and winning a number of tournaments. He was invariably gracious both in winning and losing.

He married his high school sweetheart, Marilyn Patricia Cunnington on December 6, 1943, while in the service, and they had nine children. She passed away September 9, 2006, after 63 years of marriage. He later married Elizabeth Bradshaw, who has been a great comfort and companion to Papa. Both marriages have been solemnized in the Salt Lake City Temple.

Papa is survived by his wife, Elizabeth and all nine children from his first marriage: Dixie Dixon (husband Daniel, recently deceased); Bill (Dianne) Morrison; Scott (Launa) Morrison; Brian (Kathleen) Morrison; Tim (Karen) Morrison; Marilee (Gordon) Beh; Britt (Kay) Morrison; Suzie (Kevin) Woodward; and Melissa Gleave. Also, great friends Pamela Olsen, Tina Kirkham, Dick Calder and close relatives Rachel Morrison, Jack and Jim Cumberledge and 76 grandchildren and 102 great-grandchildren.

Predeceased by brothers Wendell, Adrian, Francis, Clarence, and Fred, and sister, Anna Marie. Survived by twin brother Reed, and sisters Jenna Vee, and Marjorie. The 11th sibling was a twin boy to Francis who did not survive. Also preceded in death by grandson John and great-granddaughter Halie.

The family will receive friends and relatives at a viewing Friday evening at Wasatch Lawn Mortuary, 3401 S. Highland Drive from 6:00 – 8:00 pm. Funeral services will be held Saturday, November 20, 2010, at the Riviera LDS Ward at 601 E. Mansfield Avenue (3115 South), at 2:00 p.m. with viewing preceding services at 1:00 - 1:40 p.m. Burial immediately following services at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park with Military Honors.

The family wishes to extend its appreciation for all of the efforts made to save Papa’s life by the paramedics and ER staff at the IMC.