Harold Morrison, 89, Salina, passed away at his home Friday, Sept. 2, 2022, after a 10-year battle with Parkinson’s disease. Harold was born July 3, 1933, in Salina to George R. Morrison and Rachel E. (Bell) Morrison. Harold was raised on the family farm on north Ohio Street and attended school through eighth grade at Stimmel School (District # 27). He graduated from Salina High School (Washington Building) in 1951.

After enlisting in 1953 he served two years in the US Army. Harold returned to Salina and enrolled at Kansas Wesleyan University and was a member of the 1956 and 1957 championship football teams.

While attending KWU, he worked part-time loading trucks for McCune Paper Co. Upon graduation from KWU in 1959, he continued working for McCune Paper Co until his retirement as general manager in 1986.

He and Ernestine Ball of Salina (SHS ’54) were married in 1956 and in 1961 they built a home on the family farm where Harold joined his father and brother, Don, operating the 100-year-old wheat farm.  They raised two daughters, Kimberly and Teri Ann, and after much begging from Kim the family bought their first pony in 1964 and their first Quarter Horse in 1969.  This led to bigger and better horses, riding lessons, saddles, trucks, trailers and traveling all over the country attending small and large Quarter Horse shows for the next 35 years.

Harold served as youth director for the Kansas Quarter Horse Association for 10 years and was President of the KQHA in 1994-1995. He was voted into the Kansas Quarter Horse Association Hall of Fame in 2005.

Harold was also a multi-gallon O negative blood donor to the American Red Cross.  From its early beginning in the 1960’s, Harold and Ernestine were avid supporters of the Salina Community Theatre.  He and his pick up truck were always available to help with any and all back stage jobs.

He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Ernestine, daughters Kim (Fred) Norwood, New Cambria; Teri (Michael) Johnson, Temple, TX and grandson Brandon (Mandy) Norwood, Salina. He was preceded in death by two brothers, Don and Leslie.

A casual gathering for memories and stories will be at Ryan Mortuary at 2 pm on Friday, Sept. 9. Interment will be at Roselawn Memorial Park. The celebration will continue at 4 pm at Blue Skye Brewery in downtown Salina.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Salina Animal Services or the Kansas Quarter Horse Association Youth Scholarship Fund.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Harold Morrison, please visit the floral store.