This photo and all of the photos in this post was such a happy day (October 27, 2015) – it was the day that the historical marker was put up commemorating Devon Horse Show (across Lancaster Avenue from the horse show.) That was how I came to know J. Michael Morrison.

I just learned about an hour ago that Michael has died.

Michael was an amazing human being and a passionate historian. He was President of the King of Prussia Historical Society and the Tredyffrin-Easttown Historical Society.

Michael told me in September he was dying.

“Sadly I have pulmonary fibrosis, a terminal illness. Probably won’t last another year. I need someone to pick up where I left off. ” was what he said to me.

Michael was always working towards better historic preservation. He was an endless font of knowledge. He had been a go to person for me since moving to Chester County.

“You are a dear friend. Thank you. I will stay in touch.”

That was the last message he texted to me.

I am told arrangements will be private. Honor good people like Michael by living your best life. Maybe also consider supporting the two historical societies that Michael devoted so many years to, the Tredyffrin-Easttown Historical Society and the King of Prussia Historical Society.

Just recently it was announced that Michael was the recipient of the 2019 Ella Aderman Acorn Award for Preservation of Montgomery County by the Historical Society of Montgomery County .

Another dear friend of mine, Pattye Benson (President of the Tredyffrin Historic Preservation Trust among the many hats she wears), reminded me of other things Michael did and how she had known him for easily 35 years.

Pattye wrote to me this morning:

Michael was a spring lecturer for 3 years for the Trust — we have one lecturer at Jenkins each year and we would have Michael speak — he spoke on the history of Devon Inn, on the history of Devon and another one was the King of Prussia Inn, history and its relocation….Michael commanded large audiences, which is why we held his lectures at Jenkins. One of the true gentlemen, he and I first met 35 years ago… we would often meet for coffee and discuss the Trust, the Jones Log Barn, the relationship between the Trust and the Historical Society. I will miss him always.

Michael Morrison, we are all better for having known you. Fly with the angels.