Submitted by his wife
Robert ‘Rob’ Bruce Morrison was born in Tawas City‚ Michigan‚ on March 15‚ 1964. Rob was named for his father and a maternal family name. He was the fourth of five children born to Robert E. and Barbara LauBach Morrison. In August 1967‚ Rob and his family moved to Highland Park‚ Michigan‚ where he attended kindergarten through third grade. After joining the YMCA there‚ Rob discovered his love of water‚ excelling in freestyle swimming‚ individual and medley. This early passion led later to frequent trips to the ocean‚ scuba diving and fun-filled cruises with his wife and children.
In August 1974‚ Rob and his family moved to Houston‚ Texas‚ where Rob graduated second in his class from Lutheran South High School. He also lettered in three sports: football‚ soccer‚ and baseball.
After attending St. John’s College in Winfield‚ Kansas‚ on a soccer scholarship‚ Rob graduated in 1988 from Concordia College in Mequon‚ Wisconsin‚ with a B.S. in Biology. It was at St. John’s that Rob met the love of his life‚ his soul mate‚ Laura Brewer. They married on May 23‚ 1987‚ and moved to St. Louis in June 1988.
After working at Monsanto and Forest Park Golf Course‚ Rob joined the St. Louis Fire Department in June 1990‚ following in the footsteps of Laura’s father and uncle.
Rob and Laura were blessed with two wonderful children‚ Matthew Robert‚ born July 5‚ 1990‚ and Megan Loralei‚ born June 21‚ 1993. Matt and Megan were Rob’s pride and joy. He was totally devoted to them‚ relishing his time with them.
In addition to his fire fighting‚ Rob taught at Word of Life Preschool. He was an avid golfer and skier‚ and dreamed of retirement in the New Mexico Mountains.
As with everything in his life‚ Rob approached his job with dedication‚ passion and commitment. He was never more proud than when he rescued two children from a burning apartment one month prior to his death. It was with that same unselfish spirit that Rob gave his life on May 4‚ 2002‚ attempting to save the life of a fellow firefighter.
Rob is missed more that words can express by the family‚ friends and firefighters he leaves behind.
This past Sunday September 12th 2021 I selected a tag with Captain Morrison’s name from a pegboard containing the names of First Responders and Military people who have given their lives protecting others. I carried his name with me as we participated in the Patriot Run in Wentzville, MO. I came to this sight because I wanted to know more about this selfless person and to shared my gratitude and thanks for a life; though cut short, still inspiring us to care deeply and give sarcrifically. Surely this man followed his faith in Christ and found his reward. Thank you Captain Morrison for living out the Fireman’s creed. “I shall sell my life dearly to my enemy fire, but give it freely to those in peril. With God’s help I shall endeavor to be one of His noblest Works”. We see you still today and are better for it.
– John Anderson