Gary Morrison

Gary “Coach” Morrison of Olivet Michigan, (born November 15, 1934) passed away at his home in Lansing, MI, early Sunday morning January 3, 2021. Gary was preceded in death by his father, Gordon Earl Morrison and his mother, Estella Anna May (Hoover) Morrison. He is survived by Judith A. Morrison, his spouse of 62 years; his brother, Steven Morrison; 4 children, Scott, Randy, Gary, and Heather; 11 grandchildren; and 3 great grandchildren. Gary was a graduate of Battle Creek Lakeview High School and Kalamazoo College where he was a storied athlete, earning Athletic Hall of Fame honors from each. His well accomplished coaching career spanned 51 years, beginning at Galesburg High School and most notably over 43 years at Olivet College. While at Olivet his basketball, baseball, and golf teams combined for 21 MIAA championships, an accomplishment earned by only 10 other coaches in MIAA history. He was inducted into Olivet College’s Hall of Fame in 2004. Despite all of his coaching success, he was most proud of the future endeavors of his former players and the relationships he was able to maintain long after their graduations and right up to the time of his passing. Gary loved to golf, fish, and garden. Even while battling health issues of late, he was always planning for the next day; evident by the golf clubs in the garage, the fishing pole “at the ready” in his car, and his planted seeds found sprouting the morning of his death. The Morrison family wishes to extend their heartfelt appreciation to all of our friends in the Olivet Community, at Olivet College, the Olivet Congregational Church, former players and coaches, and the many others who filled a life worth celebrating. Given ongoing health and safety concerns, the family is planning a family only service for spiritual support on Saturday, January 16, 2021, at 11 A.M. at the Olivet Congregational Church with Pastor Jack Brown officiating. At 1 P.M. there will be a celebration of life service hosted by Olivet College that you can view via zoom at https://olivetcollege.zoom.us/j/2604372638 . Those desiring, may make contributions in Gary’s memory to the Olivet Congregational Church https://www.olivetcongregational.org/, PO Box 368, Olivet, MI 49076.