Uncle Charlie taught me how to read a topographic map, how to identify a bird by its call, and how to be comfortable being the smartest person in the room without making anyone feel small.
3 years ago
Charles Edward Morrison
January 24, 1950 – April 2, 2023 · 73 years
"Curiosity was his compass. Kindness was his north star."
Biography
Charles Edward Morrison was a high school science teacher who turned ordinary classrooms into laboratories of wonder. Born in Tucson, Arizona, Charlie studied geology at the University of Arizona and spent two decades teaching earth sciences before moving to biology. His students called him "Professor Tornado" for the controlled chaos of his lessons. Charlie is survived by his partner of 30 years, Louis, and the thousands of students he sent into the world with a love of asking why.
Messages & Tributes (7)
+ Write a MessageI am a biologist because of Mr. Morrison. I told him that the year before he died. He cried, then said: Well, don't make me regret it. That was him exactly.
3 years ago
He let us dissect owl pellets on the first day of class every year. It was disgusting and we loved it. He knew exactly what he was doing.
3 years ago
Charlie, you were my partner, my best friend, and the funniest person I have ever known. Thirty years wasn't enough. Nothing would have been enough.
3 years ago
Professor Tornado. I haven't thought about that nickname in twenty years, and now I can't stop smiling. He earned it every single class.
3 years ago
He assigned us to go outside and just observe — a tree, a puddle, a bug — for an hour and write about it. I thought it was silly. Now I think it was the most important thing I learned in school.
3 years ago
Charlie Morrison could make a room full of teenagers excited about plate tectonics. That is not nothing. That is extraordinary.
3 years ago