ForeverMissed
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Frederick K. Morris, born August 25, 1935, died peacefully on Groundhog Day, surrounded by his loving family, finally succumbing to prostate cancer after battling it for nearly two decades.  Fred is survived by his brother Austin, married to Sandy; his children, Jeff and his wife, Lori, John married to Karen, Jen and her husband Dan; his closest friend, Genie Fortier and her family; and his grandchildren Ellen, Tyler, Violet, Justin, Cole, Arden, Garrett, Luke and Caroline.  He was married from 1960 to 1992 to Sue Mackay Morris, who passed in 2016. 
Fred and Austin were raised in Westfield, Massachusetts by Augustine (Gus) and Frieda Morris. Fred graduated Suma Cum Laude from Tufts University in 1956, with a Bachelors Degree in Mechanical Engineering. He later earned a Masters degree from RPI.  In 1956 he went to work for Hamilton Standard, an aerospace manufacturer, as a principal engineer.  There he spent the majority of his career, rising to the company's executive management team, retiring in 2000.  At Hamilton Standard he met Sue, his future wife, Harlan Brose, his lifetime hunting companion, Genie, and countless other lifelong friends, many of whom gathered to celebrate his 80th birthday in 2015. 
Fred will be remembered in his career for his tenacity, his mentorship and his commitments to success upon every project he worked, be that the original Apollo space suit backpack, the space suit and life support systems for the US Space Shuttle, (including defending the shuttle's space toilet in front of the US Congress), or the aircraft maintenance and overhaul systems programs that launched the international business development portion of his career.
Fred was a world traveler, having visited six continents, and using a myriad of excuses to plan trips including skiing in Chile, eating in Paris or Italy, exchanging cultures in Moscow, or gathering family and friends for beach vacations on Cape Cod or in the Outer Banks of North Carolina, and hunting excursions to Newfoundland and South Africa.  He'd rafted through the Grand Canyon, helicopter camped on the Kamchatka peninsula, and skied in the Rockies, the Alps, the Andes and at home in the Berkshires and Green Mountains. 
Fred was generous, funding his grandchildren's college investment accounts and having given away some of his favorite sports cars to family and friends. He was funny, drank vodka gimlets to prevent scurvy, and courageous, leaping into skydiving and bungee jumping, activities that required no skill, just daring.  He lived by example enjoying an active, robust life, surrounding himself with loving companions wherever he went. He's already missed. 
Due to the pandemic, a memorial service is not planned at this time. In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in memory of Frederick Morris to support cancer research and patient care at:
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, P.O. Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284

SatTen
August 25, 2023
August 25, 2023
Forty-eight years ago, Custer rode in for the occasion. Hope he's still wandering the pastures.
February 2, 2023
February 2, 2023
Happy birthday to the most generous, exuberant, and funny man I have ever known! Your family and friends must laugh less often without your corny humor! But I bet Harlan and Bud laugh often remembering your joint shenanigans! Rest well, dear friend!
February 2, 2022
February 2, 2022
I think about my best friend Fred every day. We had great times together. When we were young our times together, away from work, always included our families. The highlight of every year was deer hunting season. Early years Harlan always shot the deer. The latter years, on my land I might add, Fred shot all the deer and usually big bucks. Wouldn’t you know, in the year Fred left us I shot the biggest deer of my life and Fred wasn’t with me so that I could gloat. He did plenty of gloating when he was getting the big bucks. I really miss my hunting buddy.
March 22, 2021
March 22, 2021
My sincere condolences to the entire Morris family.

Fred taught us many lessons at HS throughout his tenure. He was a dynamic leader that put his heart and soul in the company and drove it's success.

I credit Fred with teaching me the importance of our customers. Fred made sure that we always put our customers first in whatever task was at hand. He reminded us that without our customers, we didn't exist as a business. He showed us by example how to bring value to customers and realize the incredible responsibility we all had in providing critical life support technologies to astronauts. While this could be a daunting endeavor, Fred made it fun. He was an inspiring leader and so many of us at HS will truly miss him. God speed, Fred.
March 2, 2021
March 2, 2021
As I remember Fred, it is his love of family and friends, his giving spirit, and his love of personal freedom and space that resound. This passage from a Merritt Malloy poem reminds me of Fred.

‘When I die, give what’s left of me away to children and old men who wait to die.
Look for me in the people I’ve known, or loved.
And if you cannot give me away, at least let me live in your eyes and not your mind.
You can love me most by letting hands touch hands, by letting bodies touch bodies,
And by letting go of children who need to be free.
Love doesn’t die, people do.
So when all that’s left of me is love,
Give me away.’

And then, lest I become maudlin, I say:
‘One hen, two ducks, three squawking geese, four limerick oysters, five corpulent porpoises, six pairs of Don Alverson’s tweezers...’,” you know the rest!

RIP, Fred!
February 26, 2021
February 26, 2021
I was so very sorry to hear of Fred’s passing, another one of the Pillars of Hamilton gone too soon. Fred was a warm and welcoming guy who always looked out for us young executives providing guidance and encouragement when ever you needed it. I enjoyed working and traveling with Fred and was always amazed by his resilience and energy. I particularly remember a late night game of “snooker” with a group of Brits as we tried to close a deal over several good bottles off Armagnac, not surprisingly Fred was up and fresh at six the next morning ready to take on the day. I am better for having known Fred and I will always be grateful for the life lessons he shared. RIP Fred
February 25, 2021
February 25, 2021
Fred came into my life at a very impressionable age. Our relationship was cemented by shared experiences on international trips at Hamilton...starting with a stern lecture on ego late at night in a Tokyo hotel and through many adventures in Russia in the early 90's. I rely on his many teachings today, perhaps the most relevant being "the great thing about youth is that it is self-correcting". Even in his later days Fred made an effort to be part of my family's life, traveling to see my son play football for Columbia University. He passed 31 years to the day that I first met him...those 31 years would have been so different without him.
February 21, 2021
February 21, 2021
Dear Jeff, John, Jen, and Genie
My sincere sympathy to you for the passing of a fine man who had a lasting impact on my entire adult life. 
In the early 1960s, Fred managed a small group of engineers who were part of our company team to win business on the space program. He had a very strong will to win which he once described as competitive fervor. Fred taught us how to write superior technical proposals. He was demanding and would get exasperated when we did dumb things but he was always fair, a great mentor and boss.
Fred had a well-deserved reputation for being very tight with company money. For business travel, he insisted that we use economy hotels such as the Cavalier Hotel and car rentals such as Airways, still found under Cheap Car Rentals. He closely scrutinized our expense reports and around the office some called him Frugal Fred, among other things.
When on the road, we sought out interesting activities when our business days were complete. Fred had a keen interest in the performing arts so the Pink Pussycat and Largo Clubs were visited during trips to Los Angeles.
On a few occasions, well before Team Building was invented, Fred invited the office group (8 to 10 people) over to his house after work to use the pool and enjoy a picnic. Although surprised when a group arrived, Sue was always a very gracious hostess. The following morning, the guests had left leaving a few wet bathing suits and other clothing in the yard. 
Fading memories include Fred coming to a Halloween party dressed as a tree. He also had a Roamobile 6X6, fun for the kids but a challenge to maintain. 
Fred was a good judge of character and he made some great people choices for our group. At one point, we needed another secretary so Fred interviewed a number of young women. Part of the interview was Fred dictating a short letter to be recorded in shorthand and then typed. Barbara did a perfect job except Fred included the word NASA in a sentence and she typed Nassau. Fred made an allowance and hired her because, in 1963, most people had not yet become familiar with NASA. THANK YOU, FRED. Barbara and Charlie
February 17, 2021
February 17, 2021
First of all, my deepest condolences to Fred’s family. I worked for Fred as his finance controller when he was responsible for the company's International Businesses. We traveled together numerous times to Europe and it was quite clear that the management of the businesses ( Ratier, Nord Micro, Microtecnica , Marston, Claverham and Nauka ) had nothing but the highest regard for Fred, both as a leader and a friend. I shared that sentiment as well. I will forever miss his friendship.
February 17, 2021
February 17, 2021
For Fred’s family —
I am so sorry for your loss. Learning of Fred’s passing has hit me really hard.  I was one of the fortunate beneficiaries of Fred’s mentorship and support at Hamilton Standard. Most everything I want to write about Fred has already been said very well in other tributes. He was indeed an incredible boss, with his contagious enthusiasm, his inspiring focus and intensity, and that incredible smile. His love of life was an amazing example. Thank you, Fred, for your confidence in me. God bless you all.
February 16, 2021
February 16, 2021
Untied Technologies always called the EMU, Spacesuit, the corporation's product centerpiece. I call it Fred's product centerpiece. Fred was so instrumental in winning that business for us. I worked at Hamilton for 39 years, 30 of those years on the EMU program and it was pure joy and pride working on that product that Fred and his proposal team brought home to us, thanks Fred!!! I used to volunteer for events at the New England Air Museum Space Days and everyone of those events Fred always came by and we talked about the past and the future of the EMU. It was always a pleasurable conversation and enjoyed the time with Fred. I will miss those conversations. He was always an ambassador for our space business, and he will be sorely missed by all.

God bless Fred
Bill Higgins
February 16, 2021
February 16, 2021
My deepest condolences to the entire Morris family at your loss. 
Fred was truly one of a kind and I feel blessed to have known him, both professionally and as a friend. I first met Fred over 50 years ago (circa 1970) during a site visit to Hamilton Standard when I was a young engineer working for the NASA Manned Spacecraft Center in Houston, TX. In the years that followed, I remained at NASA and was fortunate to be involved with Fred and Hamilton Standard in the development of the waste collection concept leading to the production of flight hardware for the Space Shuttle toilet as well as the production of flight hardware for the Space Shuttle active thermal control system. Throughout the years, Fred's intelligence, leadership, and commitment to success, coupled with his timely sense of humor always were his trademark and an inspiration to me.
Fred definitely will be missed, but I will always remember his smile.
God's peace to all.
February 12, 2021
February 12, 2021
To Fred’s family
I worked for Fred as EMU (Space suit) Program Manager when he ran Hamilton Standard Space Systems. He hired me sight unseen. The day I met him, I asked what his expectations of me were. Unlike past bosses who would give me a page long written list, Fred gave me that look (you know the one) and said, “The EMU Program is this company’s crown jewel, so don’t F**k it up”. No doubt as to what he expected! I managed to hold on to that job for 10 years thanks to Fred’s guidance, leadership, and more occasional “one-liner” advice. Fred was a great mentor to myself and many others and I can say unequivocally the best boss ever. My sincerest condolences to his family.
February 11, 2021
February 11, 2021
Jeff, John and Jen: I arrived at HSS in 1982, the same year your dad arrived as our new VP. He, indeed, was one of a kind, a wonderful, understanding man, who later became my friend. My heart breaks for all of the Morris family for this loss, and pray you will find peace and comfort in all the memories. RIP my friend.
February 9, 2021
February 9, 2021
Jeff -
Sorry to learn of the loss of your father. He sounds like an exceptional man.
Kathy Agresta
February 9, 2021
February 9, 2021
To The Morris Family,
I worked at HS for nearly 40 years. We were lead by many fine leaders. None better than Fred. It starts with being a good honest person and Fred was at the top of that list. He was genuine. He could easily interface at the executive level and more importantly roll up his sleeves and comfortably be there for the 9 to 5 workers. Well, at HS that was more like the 6 to 6 folks. Often at work celebrations he raised his glass with us.  Today I raise my glass to Fred. May he rest in peace. My condolences to all who loved him. 
February 9, 2021
February 9, 2021
G'day, As a technician at the Hamilton Standard's Johnson Spacecraft Center field office I had the good fortune of working with Fred during Project Apollo. The last time I saw him was in June of 2018 at the HS retiree's luncheon in Windsor Locks where we reminisced about the "good old days" working on the back pack. I will always remember him as a good friend and work compatriot. There is a saying in Australia which Fred embodied; it used when a person has a long and interesting life; it comes from Cricket ,"he had a good innings." He will be remembered!
February 9, 2021
February 9, 2021
Dear Jeff, John and Jennifer, I'm so sorry for your loss. You dad, the Porsche guy, will forever be remembered by the Smith family on Harmony Hill Rd. We all loved your mom and dad. Terrific funny people who had a true zest for life. My mom, LaVerne, was especially fond of both of them as they always had her in stitches. I'm sure there is a bright red Porsche with a full tank of gas waiting for your dad. Please know you are all in our thoughts today. All our love, the Smiths(Larry, LaVerne, Diane and Paul)
February 9, 2021
February 9, 2021
Dear Jen and family, Sending love, hugs and continued support for you all in the loss of your exceptional father. Fred was truly one of a kind. His intelligence, spirited sense of humor, and most of all his steadfast, powerful and protective love for you will live on forever. Fred was blessed to have such a nurturing family and he will forever be looking over you all, and cheering you on. Love to you Jeff, John and Genie. XOXOXXOXO Mel
February 8, 2021
February 8, 2021
I was honored to know Fred for more than 50 years while working in his Hamilton Standard organization for decades, including several years when he was my immediate supervisor.
I was fortunate to always have great bosses, but none better than Fred. The things I learned from him would fill a book. He was the smartest person I ever worked for, and a work hard/play hard guy who was always fun to be around.
Over the last year, our phone calls were something I looked forward to, but the one I will always remember is our long and final call two weeks before his passing.
Fred was a special guy, truly one of a kind, and he will be greatly missed by me and all who knew him.
Rest in piece, my dear friend.
February 8, 2021
February 8, 2021
"Time flies like the wind.
Fruit flies like bananas."

This was Fred's parting wisdom to us. Perfect.

We love you Fred!

Eric and Sharon
February 8, 2021
February 8, 2021
Jen, Jeff and John
A piece of my heart broke away with the loss of my dear friend Fred. I am blessed to have had Fred in my life, he inspired me and often left me in awe with his life achievements and with his zest of life (and thirst of vodka!). What truly inspired Fred, was his love for his family. His eyes would shine and his famous smile would spread across his handsome face when he shared stories of his children, grandchildren and brother. He was so very proud of each one and they meant the world to him.
Our friendship and the years of memories will stay with me forever.

My condolences to Fred’s entire family.

~Kathy (also an angel/minion)
February 8, 2021
February 8, 2021
I met Fred through Genie more than 30 years ago. Fred was one of the smartest men I have ever met. He was also strong, inquisitive, caring, generous, brave and incredibly witty - just a fun guy to be around. We shared so many wonderful times together and I will always treasure that time with Fred. To say he will be missed is an understatement. I will love and miss my dear friend forever.
~Sue a/k/a one of the Angels/Minions
-
February 8, 2021
February 8, 2021
John, Karen and Family,

Your father was the guy we all want to be as we get older. Such a fun, interesting, and witty guy. He clearly loved his family and spending time with his children and grandchildren. He will be missed but there will be many happy memories. God bless.
February 8, 2021
February 8, 2021
Dear John, Karen, and family,
We are very sorry for the loss of your dad.
We wish you comfort and lots of love during this difficult time.
Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.
Love,
Cathy, Neil, Nicole, and Sean
February 8, 2021
February 8, 2021
To Jen & Family,
I am so truly sorry for your loss. Especially at this most difficult time. Your dad was a second father of mine while I was growing up in middle school, high school and college. I remember him so fondly. He was funny, witty, entertaining and larger than life. His love and devotion to his family was always so apparent. I am glad that he is at peace although I know you must miss him terribly. My thoughts are with you all at this time.
Sincerely,
Paula
February 7, 2021
February 7, 2021
Thank you everyone for your well wishes and consideration of our families.

Jeff, John, Jen & Genie

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SatTen
August 25, 2023
August 25, 2023
Forty-eight years ago, Custer rode in for the occasion. Hope he's still wandering the pastures.
February 2, 2023
February 2, 2023
Happy birthday to the most generous, exuberant, and funny man I have ever known! Your family and friends must laugh less often without your corny humor! But I bet Harlan and Bud laugh often remembering your joint shenanigans! Rest well, dear friend!
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Mr Fred.

February 8, 2021
Hi, I have known Fred for over 40 years. He was the kindest man with the biggest heart I've ever known. Having conversations with him over the years, I've come to realize his intelligence level was far superior to any other person I've ever known! When I first met him we became instant friends (I think). Little did I know of all the inspirations he would teach me through my life, and I don't think he was even trying.  
He will truly be missed by me and my entire family. He was one of a kind!
My deepest sympathy to Jeff, John and Jen and families.  May his memories carry you through this difficult time.

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