Donald William Morrison, past president of IRgA and former owner of Studio Blue in Pleasanton, California, passed away August 8. He was 89.
During World War II he was in the U.S. Navy, Seabees branch and stationed on Guam. After the war he attended Cal Poly University, graduating with a degree in agriculture. He and his wife, Marilyn, were married on February 28, 1954, after meeting on a blind date.
Six months after their wedding, Don and Marilyn bought an Ozalid whiteprint machine and launched Walnut Creek Studio Blueprint from their two-room apartment in Walnut Creek, California.
In 1955 their operation moved to a new location in Walnut Creek and they expanded their services by purchasing a new diazo machine, adding photostat capabilities, and stocking architectural and engineering supplies. Six years later they moved into another Walnut Creek location, and in 1991 they opened a second plant in Pleasanton. The business, now called Studio Blue Digital Print and Copy, is now located in Pleasanton.
Don, who was president of IRgA in 1983/84, retired in 1994. His daughter Wendy and her husband, Greg Betty, now run the business.
In addition to Wendy, Don and Marilyn were blessed with a son, Kurt Randolph Morrison, (his wife Michelle), and six grandchildren: Erik, Luke, Emily and Mark Morrison and David and Michael Betty.
Don loved to spend his summers at Lake Tahoe with Marilyn, especially the time on their boat, “Grand Molly.” They enjoyed hosting many cruises around the lake with friends and family. Don always had a smile on his face, was very interested in everything - how everyone was, what they were doing, what was going on in their lives. He loved life and lived it to the fullest.
He died peacefully at his home in Danville, California. A celebration of his life will be held at Lake Tahoe in September. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Tahoe Yacht Club Foundation, the Tahoe Maritime Museum, or charities of your choosing.