Morse, David Comstock Obituary

Morse, David Comstock attended Elk Grove High School in Elk Grove, CA. View the obituary, post a memory, or share a photo about Morse, David Comstock.

Graduation Year	Class of 1938
Date of Passing	Sep 17, 2010
About	It is with great pain that I transcribe this obituary, as Dave was a wonderful friend to so many and, especially, dear to the Class of 1967. David, a member of an Elk Grove pioneering family and well-known area educator died at the age of 89. He was born April 22, 1921 to Archie and Barbara Comstock Morse on the family ranch on Bruceville Road near Franklin, and grew up there. His father died in 1932 and his mother kept the ranch going with much help from Dave and his brothers and sister. He attended Caroll Elementary school until eighth grade and then went to Elk Grove High School where he was active in student government, the future Farmers of America, sports, and won the annual oratorical contest before his graduation in 1938. Following graduation, he earned his Associate of Arts degree in General Education at Sacramento Junior College, then worked the family farmer until enlisting in the U.S.Air Force in 1941. He was stationed at Mather AFB in Sacramento, Hobbs AFB in New Mexico, and Chaunte Field in Illinois. During this time he taught pilots about the mechanics of the B-25 and B-17 bombers, and discovered he had a real love of teaching. "I had to make sure I gave them the knowledge to make it home from their missions," he often said. Also, during the service he married his high school sweetheart, Jane Derr, on May 2, 1943. Following the war he returned to the family ranch, and in 1947 enrolled at the newly formed Sacramento State College. He was the first student to enroll and as it was then well known, he carried student ID card No. 1. He was also the first president of the alumni association where he was instrumental in setting guidelines that are still in place today. He began his teaching career at Galt HS in the fall of 1950, also coaching football, basketball, and track. In 1957 he transferred to Elk Grove HS where he stayed for 24 years as a teacher, dean of boys, counselor and student government advisor. He was the founder of the Elk Conference that brought leading educators from all over the United States to EGHS, and earned him national recognition. In retirement, he found a new career as a author and consultant concerning his book Triad Education. He gave lectures throughout the country on his new democratic form of teaching, believing students should have a voice in their educational process. Never one to remain still. Dave & Jane where one of the first to dance in the Strauss Festival and for many years. He was preceded in death by his sister, Evelyn Morris (Class '37) brothers George and Herbert Morse, and Nephew Michael Morse(Class '67). Besides his wife of 67 years, he is survived by his children, Scott Morse of San Fransisco, Sandra Haight of Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, and Mathew Morse of Elk Grove; grandchildren Heidi Yount, Erin Davidson, Sara Ruggles, and Grant Morse; great-grandchildren Robin Yount, Kaitlyn Yount, and Violet Davidson. He was the brother of Archie Morse of Elk Grove and leaves behind several nieces and nephews. In a book by local author, Brooklea Lutton, Dave is asked how he would like to be remembered, and his answer was, "I tried to do right by my family, the family of my birth, the service to my country, and the education of all mankind to reach their ethical potential. I hope my book on Triad Education will be helpful to cause peace on Earth and goodwill to all mankind." Son, Scott Morse said when his father finished a project he loved to quote his favorite historical figure, Chief Joseph of the Nez Perce Native American tribe, "From where the sun now stands, I will fight no more." A celebration of his life took place at Sacramento State Alumni Center on Monday, October 4 at 11:00am. In Lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to establish a scholarship in David Morse's memory. Checks should be made payable to "University Foundation at Sacramento State", and in the memo line of the check please indicate "David Morse Memorial Fund." Checks can be mailed to: Sacramento State Development Office 6000 J Street, Sacramento, CA 95819-6030. - Information from the Sacramento Bee (9-25-2010) and the Elk Grove Citizen (9-24/29-2010.)