Despite living far away, Biff Morrison had major influence on our community

Even though he lived many miles away, Biff Morrison made significant contributions to McCook during the past decade. His parents, Frank and Maxine Morrison, spent their final years in McCook, and while they were here Biff visited them often.

During those visits, he made a number of investments, including homes facing Norris Park and the three-story brick building at Norris and C, now known as the Morrison Building.

Frank and Maxine, who served as Nebraska's governor and first lady from 1961 to 1967, passed away in 2004. Now, unexpectedly, word has been received in McCook of the death of Biff, their oldest son.

Frank B. (Biff) Morrison Jr., died Sunday in Seattle, Wash., where he had traveled with his wife, Sharon, to take depositions in a pending court case. He was stricken Thursday at the Seattle airport due to a large tumor on his colon. He was hospitalized, and while receiving treatment suffered a heart attack. Following agonizing hours for the family, Biff was removed from life support.

Like his father, Biff was active in public service. He was a member of the Montana Supreme Court, and was twice a candidate for governor of Montana.

The family political tradition is continuing, as Biff's son, John, is now seeking the Democratic nomination for the U.S. Senate in Montana.

Biff lived in McCook during his grade school and high school years, graduating with the MHS Class of 1955. Two of his classmates, Harold Davidson of McCook and J.T. Harris of Lincoln, spoke about their friend this morning.

"Biff and I were close childhood friends and our friendship has endured throughout life," said Harris, a long-time McCook businessman who recently moved to Lincoln. Davidson was acquainted with Biff in high school, and formed a close association again when Morrison began making McCook investments.

"Biff was an all-around person. He did well in athletics, and held the school mile record for several years," Davidson said.

Following graduation from high school, Biff went on the the University of Nebraska, getting his undergraduate degree in 1959. From there, he went to Denver University for the study of law. A distinguished career in the legal field followed for both Biff and his wife, Sharon McDonald Morrison, who was also a McCook High School graduate. Their home was in Whitefish, Mont., located near Kalispell in the northwestern part of the state.

As of this morning, funeral arrangements were pending. Survivors include Biff's wife, Sharon; children, John and Elizabeth; sister, Jean Galloway, Denver; and brother, Jon, Las Vegas.