Reginald E. (Reg) Morgan

Reg Morgan passed away Wednesday, October 19, 2016, at the home of his daughter and son-in-law in Tacoma, Washington.

He was born June 19, 1931, to Gemma Paglieri Morgan and Reginald E. Morgan Sr. in Seattle, Washington, graduating from West Seattle High School.

In 1980, his work in fisheries research with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service brought him to the Coulee for a fish population study on Lake Roosevelt. When that project ended in 1984, Reg retired and began a second career as a writer and volunteer.

For many years he wrote an outdoor column, "Outdoor Report," for the Wenatchee World and a general interest column, "Morgan's Musings," for the Grand Coulee Star. In addition, he had occasional columns in other regional newspapers and magazines.

Reg's volunteer efforts were many and varied. His care for young people was reflected in many of his activities. He began by keeping the clock for the high school girls' basketball team and worked with the Raider Booster Club. Reg greeted arriving students at the elementary school in Grand Coulee Washington, and received the PTA's Golden Acorn award for his faithful service. He served on the oral boards for Lake Roosevelt graduating seniors. To provide an alternative to prosecution for young offenders, Reg served on the Okanogan County Community Board. In a Santa suit made for him by Nellie Trefry, he played Santa at the Wright Elementary Christmas parties, as well as arriving on Christmas Eve at the homes of those wishing to surprise their children.

He was one of the founding members of Planet Earth Players and uttered the first lines on stage in their initial production, "Deadwood Dick," then continuing as an actor, producer and director. He volunteered at the visitor information booth in Coulee Dam for years.

As a member of St. Benedict's and St. Henry's Catholic Churches, Reg sang in the choir and served as a lector. For many years, he administered the funds from Catholic Charities to help those in need and organized a group of area pastors to better serve those asking for help. He was one of St. Henry's parishioners who volunteered at the food bank and delivered Meals on Wheels for the meal program at the senior center.

Reg was a lifelong, avid fisherman and waterfowl hunter. He enjoyed the many hours fishing from his pickup at "Geezer Beach" and looked forward to the years when there was ice on Banks Lake for ice fishing. He appreciated the opportunities to hunt geese with Bob Pachosa and friends, and supplied the family with pillows and comforters made from the goose down. He brought the Ducks Unlimited banquets to the Coulee Area for several years, raising funds for that organization and making available wildlife art that still hangs in area homes. With Bill Brashears, he established the Banks Lake net pens to improve the fishing on Banks Lake. In the 1990s, he served on the Washington State Fish and Wildlife Commission.

Reg is survived by his wife of 56 years, Linda; daughter, Valerie Morgan-Krick (Brad Krick), and their sons, Matthew and James of Tacoma; son, Dan Morgan of Pacific, Washington, and his son, Brandon (Jia Zhen) of Portland, Oregon; and son, Jeff Morgan (Judy Mladineo) of Tacoma. He was preceded in death by his daughter-in-law, Betty Morgan.

A funeral Mass will be held at St. Leo's Catholic Church in Tacoma at 12:10 p.m. on Thursday, November 17, and a memorial Mass at St. Henry's Catholic Church in Grand Coulee on Tuesday, November 22, at 10 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the local food bank or to St. Henry's Catholic Church.