John O. Morgan's Obituary
John O. Morgan, of Tacoma, passed away on his 90th birthday, August 1, 2014.
John was born August 1, 1924, to Morgan Morgan and Elsie Morgan, in Des Moines, Iowa. He was the youngest of three children. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy after high school graduation and served in WWII in the South Pacific. When WWII ended, he returned to finish his studies and receive his degree at Cornell College, where he met his future wife, Shirley. They were married a year later in the college chapel at Cornell in December of 1946. He later received his MBA from University of Puget Sound in 1970.
John's association with the YMCA began during high school, working as a camp counselor. After graduating from college John and Shirley moved to Chicago where he began his YMCA career working for the Chicago Y. Chicago was followed by YMCA positions in Pomona, CA, Pasadena, CA and Eugene, OR before moving in 1969 to accept a position with the Tacoma YMCA.
In 1969, the community leaders of Tacoma agreed that it was critical for the health and well-being of the families and the youth to have a place to gather, build community and improve their quality of life. They made the decision to reinvest in the YMCA to help make that effort come to lie. At that point, though, the YMCA was not making the impact they wanted, so it was determined that a new executive director was needed. The community hand-picked John Morgan, who was an executive director of the Eugene YMCA.
John took over the leadership of the Y, located on 714 S. Market St. . At that time, the Y had only 600 members, in a facility that was on multiple levels, and a bit worn down. John methodically set out to win over the community, which was evidenced in his commitment to quality service, facility cleanliness, and quality programs. John lead the way, teaching classes and building relationships with the key community leaders. George Weyerhaeuser and Bill Phillips were two prominent leaders who paved the way for John and the future success of the Y.
John focused on 5 key priorities:
- Youth Swim Lessons
- Adult Physical Education
- Adaptive Swim
- Camping Services
- Competitive Gymnastics
This was a Good to Great formula; be the best in the world at what you are doing, and stay focused on that.
John turned around the downtown branch financially, and the board and he began to look for a new site to grow the Y. They landed on S. Pearl St. At that time, banks did not perceive the Y as a good investment, and the community was not stepping up to cover the cost of a new building project. John was able to convince Bill Phillips, of Puget Sound National Bank, to take a chance and the new Y became a reality. George Weyerhaeuser, and the Weyerhaeuser Company, donated the wood to help build it.
John showed leadership throughout the project, working at the downtown branch during the day, and then painting the new building until midnight, every day until the project was completed.
The new Y on S. Pearl St. was the first of its kind, over 100,000 sq. ft., with multiple pools, a gymnasium, and racquetball courts. The community response was overwhelming, and within the first year there were 15,000 members. After 2 years, the north gym was added, and the loan was fully paid off in 5 years. John hand delivered the final payment to Bill Phillips. The word around Tacoma was that, for the first time, it meant something to belong to the Y.
John was a giant in the YMCA movement and was recognized nationally for his leadership during his 41 year career. He developed quality staff and volunteer leadership, but first and foremost, always led by example.
John had a rich and fulfilling life, was loved by many and will be deeply missed.
John's wife of 67 years, Shirley R. Morgan, predeceased him in death. He is survived by his three children: John Morgan, Jr., Jean Dawkins, and Jay Morgan; and two granddaughters, Kasie Dawkins and Kai Morgan.
A memorial service to celebrate John's life will be held Saturday, August 23rd, at 10:30 a.m. at University Place Presbyterian Church, 8101 27th Street West, Tacoma, WA 98466. 253-564-2522.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made in John Morgan's name to:
YMCA Camp Seymour
Attn: Michelle LaRue
4717 S. 19th Street
Tacoma, WA 98465
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