Robert Morrison

Morrison, Robert Lee Age 89, passed away on April 10, 2011. Bob was a longstanding pillar in the place he called home his entire life, Waukegan. He was born here, on August 25, 1921 to Charles and Anna Morrison. Bob's early years were highlighted by playing sports and working in the family store, the Globe Department Store. The Globe was established in 1898, by Charles Morrison and had expanded to 5 locations (2 in Waukegan, 1 each in Lakehurst, Antioch and Fox Lake) by the time Bob retired in the mid 90's. The Morrison family established an early tradition of giving back to the community they had chosen for their home. Bob's contributions to Waukegan and the surrounding area are too numerous to list in this short space (he would also find it a bit embarrassing), however, a sampling of his favorite charities are The United Way, Boys and Girls Scouts of America, The American Diabetes Foundation, The Myasthenia Gravis Foundation, The Waukegan Public Library and the Waukegan Park District. Growing up and into his later years, Bob was always an active participant in many sports and was a huge fan of all sports. He was a tennis champion, played football at the University of Michigan in 1941 and 1942, and played semi-pro football for the Waukegan Merchants. On most Wednesdays and Sundays, he could be seen playing tennis at the local club or park. Following the war years he married the love of his life, Janet Lewin, and returned to Waukegan, working at the store with his Dad, his 2 brothers, Jerome and Seymour, and his sister Clara. The Globe closed permanently in the mid 90's and Bob was widowed in 1992, when Janet passed away after a long battle with Leukemia. During his retirement, Bob continued to work tirelessly to better the Waukegan community. He was instrumental in bringing the College of Lake County to downtown Waukegan (where it is now housed in the old Globe building) and helped raise funds to build the Field House at the Hinkston Park sports complex. It is important to note that some of Bob's biggest accomplishments were of the kind you never read about. Numerous people in the Waukegan community have their own stories of Bob's generosity that never made the papers. Bob is survived by his daughter Ginny Kalish (Marc), his son David Morrison (Heather), his daughter-in-law Nancy Morrison, his sister-in-law Mosette Morrison, and his nephews, Charles, Murph and Andrew. He has 7 grandchildren, Jason, Mandy, Robert, Patrick, Bonnee, Aimee and Julee. He has 2 great grandchildren, Gabriella and Olivia. He was pre-deceased by his wife, Janet, and his son, Rob. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting any donations be sent to the Waukegan Park District, where a fund has been set up to assist in the enhancement of the Janet Morrison Picnic Pavilion, located at Bowen Park, which will be re-named the Bob and Janet Morrison Picnic Pavilion. A memorial gathering will be held later in the year in Phoenix, Arizona.