Robert C. "Bud" Morrison

Robert C. “Bud” Morrison, age 87, of Munising, died early Friday morning, December 10, 2021 at his home under the loving care of his family and North Woods Home Hospice.  He was born on November 18, 1934 in Seney, Michigan to the late Everett and Mildred (Rutherford) Morrison.  Bud grew up on Bay Street in Munising and became an entrepreneur at a young age.  He would give tours of the Tannery Falls to the tourists and sell them pop when they were done with their hike.  Bud graduated from Wm. G. Mather High School in 1952 and entered into the United States Navy.  He was a supply clerk and was honorably discharged in 1956.  Bud married Patricia M. Larson on June 9, 1956 and together they raised their three children.  He earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematics from Northern Michigan University and began his teaching career in Munising.  Bud later returned to NMU and earned his master’s degree.  As a teacher, Bud was able to spend his summers working alongside his family as a captain on the Pictured Rocks Cruises.  Bud retired from teaching in 1986 and was able to continue his duties at the cruises until 1995.  He later worked as a ferry captain transporting visitors back and forth to Grand Island.  Bud was an avid poker player and enjoyed yearly trips to Las Vegas and daily coffee runs to the casino in Christmas.  He also enjoyed playing bridge with friend Bob Cowell and online cribbage with Jane Rice.  Bud was a member of the Masons and enjoyed golfing.  Following a major heart attack, Bud struggled with his restrictions and depression. He found great therapy in writing.  Bud wrote over seventy books, ranging from science fiction, to fictional stories about Grand Island, and local history books.  Bud would get a big smile whenever he would receive a small royalty check in the mail from one of his published books.

He is survived by his wife of 65 years – Pat Morrison of Munising; children - Christine Morrison and Robert (Janet) Morrison both of Munising; daughter-in-law – Penny Morrison; grandchildren – Kris (Jodie) Morrison, Amber (Brandon) Dvorak, Chelsey Morrison, Deidre Morrison, and Derek Morrison; great-grandchildren – Piper, Kaylin, Gavin, and Kasey; sister – Donna Brisson; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.  Bud was preceded in death by his parents, son Kevin Morrison, sister Virginia “Honey” (Harold “Salty”) Johnson, brother Richard “Dick” (Jeannie) Morrison, and brother-in-law – Bernard “Bernie” Brisson.

Visitation will be at the Bowerman Funeral Home on Wednesday, December 15, 2021 from 1:00 until 2:00 p.m.  Pastor Jason LaFlamme will conduct Bud’s funeral at 2:00 p.m.  Interment will be in the spring at Maple Grove Cemetery.