Eric Lee Morgan Obituary

Eric Lee Morgan attended Urbandale High School in Urbandale, IA. View the obituary, post a memory, or share a photo about Eric Lee Morgan.

Graduation Year	Class of 1970
Date of Passing	Jan 08, 2017
About	Eric L. Morgan was born to Dr. Carl E. Morgan and Martha Jane Henre Morgan on June 10, 1952 at the Great Lakes Naval Hospital outside of Chicago. His father was a US Naval officer and the family moved several times before settling in Urbandale IA., where he graduated from high school. He was a track star, setting some speed records that were not beaten for several years. He served in the US Navy during the Vietnam Era and the loss of so many friends was a pain that never went away. After his military discharge, he pursued his love of Architecture and followed in his Uncle Jim Henre’s footsteps. He received his undergraduate degree in 1981 from Iowa State University. He transferred to Orlando in 1982 with HLM Architects. Other firms he was associated with included HHCP, Fugelburg-Koch, Nicholson and Morris Architects. He received his Masters in Architecture from USF in 1993 and opened his own business, ELM Architects, in 2004 where he continued to shape the Orlando hospitality environment. The most enjoyable projects Eric worked on were: The Shore Club in South Beach, Wonderworks on International Drive, Universal’s Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Diagon Alley, Dr. Doom’s Fear Fall and the Portofino Bay Hotel, a spectacular Italian seaside village at Universal Orlando Resort. Following its opening, he later organized the Auto Italia car show in the piazza for 3 years. Eric was a stalwart car enthusiast and an accomplished Concours judge. He judged at numerous elite shows, specializing in exotic Italian cars, Alfa Romeos, Lancias and Maseratis. Attending the Pebble Beach Concours and Monterey Historic races was the highlight of numerous summers. He was also an avid fan of Formula One racing. He purchased his first home, a 1920’s “fixer” in 1983 where he resided until his death. He met his future wife, Jan Eberl in 1986 and after a 12 day courtship, he asked her to marry him. Eric was carefully planning their 30th anniversary trip to Europe these past few months. Jan and his sister will take the trip in his honor and also celebrate his 65th birthday in Milan (Eric’s favorite city) as was done several times before. Concern for others, intelligence, sharp wit, sense of fun and strong work ethic were his most endearing qualities. Eric loved learning. He obtained an EMBA in 2004 from UCF. When he talked of attending FAMU’s law school, Jan said “enough already”. Besides his love of cars, other passions were all things Italian, good design, photography, Orlando Magic, football and his career. He is survived by his wife, Jan Morgan Eberl, Sophie his rescued, high-maintenance furry child, his mother, Martha Jane Morgan, sister Pamela Christiansen - both of Galveston Texas, brother Jeffrey Morgan of Jacksonville, FL and a large extended family. He was preceded in death by his beloved Mia (a former pet) and his father. Eric’s journey in this life was complete on January 8, 2017. A celebration will be held at 915 E. Washington St. Orlando, FL 32801. Primarily an entertainment and hospitality architect, this is one of only a few residential projects he designed and it was for a dear friend. The gathering will be from 3:30 to 7 pm on Sunday, January 15th. A Military Honor Guard presentation will take place at 4pm and a brief tribute service will start at 5:15. It will be free flowing and people can drop-in and leave as they choose. On Monday night, Eric and Jan’s friends are welcome to gather at Casey’s on Central from 5-7pm to remember him. Jan plans to arrange for a memorial tree or bench at the Urban Wetlands to honor Eric. Cancer research and pet rescue are endeavors that he held dear. Buddies for Life is the pet rescue located in his Lake Davis neighborhood.