Ronald Rennie Morgan

Ronald Rennie Morgan passed away May 30, 2016 with his family by his side. Ron was born February 12, 1942 in Berkeley, California, the eldest child of Gertrude Rennie and James Hudson Morgan. His interest in architecture began at an early age. He loved building tree houses and underground tunnels near his boyhood home. With boundless energy and curiosity, he often stayed outdoors all day. Ron became good friends with his future wife, Jane Winfield, at Berkeley High School. She recalls that he wore his own version of a uniform every day - a white collared shirt and jeans, never did homework, and always came up with the correct answer when challenged by his teachers. After graduation Ron and Jane exchanged letters and began dating in college. They married August 10, 1963. While studying architecture at the University of Southern California, Ron began sculpting, which would become one of his life's passions. Inspired by Mayan stone sculpture, his works were well received at art shows and galleries. Ron's desire to contribute to the community led to a degree in Architecture from the University of California at Berkeley in 1966. Upon graduation, he studied with Louis Kahn at the University of Pennsylvania, where he received a Master's degree in Architecture. Ron began his career with a large design firm in Washington, DC, but he soon settled into a position at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, where he taught Architecture for four years. He moved to Charlotte, North Carolina in 1974 and helped to establish the School of Architecture at UNC Charlotte. A father to Lesley, Drew, and Otis, Ron enjoyed building huge sand castles, telling stories at bedtime, painting with, and photographing his children. Ron soon fulfilled his dream of creating his own design firms; initially, Dalton Morgan Shook and later Morgan Adams . He was a frequent contributor to the Charlotte Observer, promoting historic preservation and urban planning. Though he encountered many leaders and decision makers, Ron stayed true to his own vision and agenda, and found joy in the creative process. Ron always remained an eternal optimist. His later years were spent as a husband, father, grandfather, community activist, artist, and teacher. He focused on what was truly important, sought to open others' minds, and inspired his children to try to change the world in their own way. His grandchildren will remember his big smile and his ability to always find the best in every situation. Ron is survived by his wife of 53 years, Jane; daughters Lesley Morgan Evers (Curtis), and Drew Morgan Bolyard (Todd); son, Otis Winfield Morgan; grandchildren Chase and Will Evers, Wesley, Sophie, and Phoebe Bolyard; brother James Rex Morgan, and sister, Marcia Morgan. The family would like to express appreciation to Dr. Robert Heyer, Mary Jo Little, R.N., and Dr. Gary Frenette, for their care. A memorial service will be held Wednesday, June 15, 2016 at 11:00 am at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 5815 Carmel Road, Charlotte. Interment will be in Berkeley, California. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to (http://100gardens.simdif.com) or the Charlotte YWCA.