Obituary of Thomas F. Morrison

THOMAS F. MORRISON Latham-Thomas F. Morrison, 79 of Latham, beloved husband of Doris Paterson Morrison, entered into eternal life on Tuesday, September 29, 2009 at the Community Hospice Inn at St. Peter's Hospital, in Albany with his loving family at his side. Born and educated in Troy, he was the son of the late Thomas and Mildred (Durant) Morrison. He was a graduate of Troy High School class of 1949. Tom served his country with the U.S. Navy for four years during the Korean Conflict. He was employed by the Latham Postal Service for 33 years and in 2009 received his 50 year pin in the NALC. In 1982 he was appointed by the Town of Colonie as Director of Civil Defense and later became Director of Emergency Management retiring in 2005. Tom was the door attendant at the Dufresne & Cavanaugh Funeral Home in Latham for many years. He was a life member of the North Colonie Ambulance Squad. He was a 45 year member and "Old Timer" of the Latham Fire Department and served as Chief from 1972 until 1974. In 1975 he was named "Fireman of the Year" for the Town of Colonie. Tom served on many committees and held various offices including the following: In 1974 he was a member of the Town of Colonie Advisory Board, in 1976 he was elected Town of Colonie Fire Coordinator, 1980 Chairman to draw up plans and organize a Town Disaster Plan, 1982 President of the Past Presidents and Chiefs Club in the Town, 1982 Chairman to help organize a town Hazardous Materials Committee, served on the Albany County Advisory Board for 9 years and on the American Red Cross Disaster Committee in Albany. Tom was a 46 year life member of the Colonie Elks Lodge #2192 and served as Exalted ruler from 1971 until 1972. He was named "Elk of the Year" in 1966 and "Citizen of the Year" 2001-2002. He held many positions at the Elks Lodge and served as Chairman for numerous lodge events. In the New York State Elks Association Ritual Contest 1992-1993, Tom was the All Star Candidate for Colonie Lodge and placed second with the team in Portland Oregon for the Nationals. Tom was a member of the Colonie Men's Republican Club, the Friends of Pryun House, FASNY, NYS Association of Fire Chiefs, National Association of Letter Carriers and Past Exalted Rulers Association. He was a communicant of Calvary United Methodist Church in Latham. Tom enjoyed vacations in Cape Cod every summer and taking cruises. He was quick of wit and always was able to make people laugh. He will be missed by all who knew him. Tom is survived by his beloved wife of 55 years Doris L. Paterson Morrison of Latham, his loving children Robin L. (James) Briggs of Colonie, and Jan M. Neil of Colonie, his cherished grandchildren, Christopher, Geoffrey, Gregory and Kate Briggs and Lindsay and Kayla Neil, his sister Ruth Neils of Latham and Bernice Morrison of Troy, his brother David (Sandy) Morrison of Richmond VA, and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents he was predeceased by his brother in law Malcolm Neils. Funeral Services will be held on Friday October 2, 2009 at 11:30 a.m. in Calvary United Methodist Church Belle Ave. and Ridge Place in Latham with Rev. John Phillippe officiating. Relatives and friends are invited and may call at the Dufresne & Cavanaugh Funeral Home 149 Old Loudon Road Latham on Thursday from 3-7 p.m. Interment with full military honors will be Friday October 2, 2009 at 1:30 p.m. in Saratoga National Cemetery in Schuylerville. The family is deeply grateful to the staff at the Julie Blair Nursing and Rehabilitation Center and Albany Medical Center. The compassionate care from the nurses and staff at "The Community Hospice Inn" and St. Peter's Hospital will never be forgotten as the family sat by his side. The family requests donations to the Community Hospice of Albany 445 New Karner Rd. Albany, NY 12205 in memory of Thomas Morrison. For directions, information or to light a memory candle for the family, please visit www.dufresneandcavanaugh.com.