Morrison lived with purpose and passion

We speak today of a man larger than life ... a legend in his living years and an inspiration in his passing. We speak of Frank Brennan Morrison.

Gov. Morrison's earthly life ended this morning at shortly after midnight. By human standards, his life span was immense, encompassing 98 years,10 months and 28 days.

But, even at that length, his life was not nearly long enough. He gave so much. He did so much. He will be remembered for years to come for his vision and his service.

McCook was honored by Frank's presence during his final years. He and his beloved wife, Maxine, could have lived anywhere. But -- in 1997 -- they chose to return to McCook, where they had lived from 1942 to 1955 in their children's growing up years.

And, it was here that their earthly lives ended ... one month and one day apart in this Spring of 2004.

Magnificently, Frank's mind remained clear and crisp until his final days. When a delegation from the Archway board visited Gov. Morrison, who was their chairman, late last week, he looked up at the group, dressed in suits, and exclaimed, "Looks like my pallbearers have arrived."

In similar fashion, Frank spoke with candor last week when summing up a telephone conversation with Don McGinley, a friend and former lieutenant governor. "I don't know what to say, Frank," Don said after hearing that the governor's condition was terminal. "Good-by would be appropriate," Frank replied.

Even to the end, his tremendous mind was in control, using humor and good will to ease the sadness and suffering of those he left behind. At the very end, after the feeding tubes were removed and Frank was hours from death, he gasped from his hospital bed, "How's Mrs. Rainbolt?" His children didn't even know he knew, but their father must have heard them talking about Doris Jean Rainbolt, who had been hospitalized with a blood clot.

Frank Brennan Morrison ... this great, powerful thinker ... explored many facets of the human experience in his near century of living, but his most abiding passion was peace for the world. Touched by an encounter with Indira Gandhi, Gov. Morrison spoke at every opportunity about the need for peace. And, going forward, his most fervent hope would be that we carry forth that mission.

Frank had a grand vision, but he was also a down home person who loved his family, his adopted hometown, the people of Nebraska and this nation and this world.

We will miss you, Frank. But we are so very, very glad you lived such an abundant life. Thank you for living with purpose and passion. We will try, as best we can, to follow your example.