Douglas Morrell
Douglas Dyer Morrell passed away peacefully on Aug. 28, 2024, in Portland, Ore.
Doug was born in Wadsworth, Ohio on Dec. 6, 1941. He graduated from Wadsworth High School, Ohio, in 1959. He received a bachelor’s degree in history and political science from Kent State in 1963 and his master’s degree in business administration from Southern Illinois University in Edwardsville in 1975.
He was drafted into the United States Army in 1965. He received an honorable discharge and started working at the Department of the Army in St. Louis, Mo. There he met his wife of 53 years, Janet Morrell. Doug was later transferred to Zweibrucken, Germany. He was able to travel around Europe with his wife and young children, enjoying hiking and bicycling. In 1981, Doug transferred to the U.S. Army Armament Munitions and Chemical Command – Rock Island Arsenal, moving the family to Long Grove.
He was patient with his daughters in trying to instill interest in mathematics and athletics, even though the effort never took hold.
Beyond family, his great passions were gardening, reading, and community. He took early retirement in 1999 to work at Borders Book Store, where he could be surrounded by one of his favorite things – books. At Borders he found fellow-minded people and often attended trivia nights with them. Doug served on the Scott County Library Board of Trustees for 11 years. He was involved in several book groups and was always in search of the next giant tome to read.
Doug joined the Master Gardener program in 2013 and volunteered over 300 hours. He worked in the Horticulture Clinic helping the public with gardening questions, assisting with demonstration gardens, mentoring new master gardeners and he served on the board of directors. His ever evolving and expanding garden in Long Grove was testament to his joy in gardening.
He enjoyed bicycling and running, participating in the Bix 7 and RAGBRI several times.
Classical music and opera were ever present in his home and car. Doug loved attending the Quad City and Portland symphonies. Once it was too difficult to attend the concerts in person, he joined listening and discussion groups at his senior living community.
Doug and Jan moved to Portland in 2018 to spend more time with their cherished grandsons. There was always time for a game of chess with the boys.
Doug will be deeply missed by his children, Amy (Geoff) Harker and Hannah (Shea Doyle) Morrell; and grandchildren, Samuel Harker and David Harker; as well as numerous extended family members and friends.
Douglas was predeceased by his wife, Janet Morrell; parents, Max and Florence; and siblings, Nancy and Kathleen.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Scott County Library System Foundation.
The family wishes to send a special thank you to the staff at The Ackerly at Timberland and OHSU hospital.
Memorial services for Janet and Doug in Eldridge to follow.
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