GARY LEE MORRIS

GARY LEE MORRIS                                                                                                             JUNE 15, 2020

Gary L. Morris, 91, passed away peacefully on Monday, June 15, 2020, at the Palouse Hills Assisted Living in Moscow, ID.

Gary was born on Aug. 10, 1928 in Potlatch, ID to Victor and Jennie (Robinson) Morris.  He attended the Freeze County School for three years, and the Potlatch Schools, graduating from Potlatch High School in 1946.  Gary attended the University of Idaho for 1 year.

On November 19, 1949, Gary married Ginger Holcomb in Plummer, ID, and the couple made their home at the Gold Creek Ranch at Potlatch where they farmed.  The couple raised swine and dairy cows, selling milk to the Carnation Company as well as over 100 customers in the area.  Later they raised grains and grasses until their retirement in 2005.  After moving to Princeton, ID, Gary enjoyed developing a large fruit orchard, making apple cider and raising a large garden which he shared with friends, family members, Backyard Harvest and the Potlatch Food Bank. In 2019 the couple moved to Palouse Hills Assisted Living in Moscow, ID.

Gary was a member of the Latah County Grain Growers, Idaho Grain Producers Association, the Latah County Soil Conservation District, the Inland Empire Dairy Association, and served for 5 years on the Steiger Tractor consumer advisory council.  In 1959, Gary received the Outstanding Young Farmer of the Year award.  Throughout his life time Gary served on various governmental and civic affairs committees.  He was on the Potlatch School Board for 20 years, serving 1 year as President of the Idaho School Board Association.  He served as Latah County Commissioner from 1975-1980, and was elected President of the Idaho Association of Counties in 1977.  Gary was dedicated to improving public health and served as President of the Idaho North Central District three separate times over 36 years.

Gary enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening, bowling and talking to people.  Over the years he and Ginger opened their home to exchange students, and were generous and helpful to all in need.  Gary was a visionary, building one of the first air seeders, and was the first to raise and promote timothy hay in our region for export to Japan.

Gary leaves behind his devoted wife Ginger of Moscow, ID, a son Carey R. Morris of Colville, WA, a daughter Gina L. Morris of Post Falls, Idaho, one brother Tom Morris of Louisville, KY, a grandson Sean Burnet (Annjie) of Pullman, WA, two grandchildren, Samantha and Joey, one great-great grandchild, and a nephew Mike (Barb) West of Princeton, ID.   Patrick McAleney of Florence, OR, and Henrianne King Westberg of Moscow, ID, join the family in mourning his loss.  He was preceded in death by a brother Richard Morris, of Lewiston, ID. 

A memorial graveside service for Gary Morris will be held on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2020, 2:00 P.M. at the Potlatch Cemetery, Potlatch, ID with Pastor Kathy Kramer officiating.

Memorials may be given to the Potlatch Ambulance Fund, Box 63, Potlatch, ID  83855.

Kramer Funeral Home of Palouse, Washington is caring for the family.  Online condolences may be left at www.kramercares.com

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