Michael Morris – BaA 44-52

Submitted by Simon, Richard and Nicholas Morris (Mike’s sons)

Mike had a distinguished career as a research scientist, specialising in entomology.  After reading Natural Sciences at Selwyn College, Cambridge and achieving his doctorate, he joined the Nature Conservancy, where he stayed throughout his working life (albeit living through a number of organisational name changes).  He worked at several different research stations over the years – East Malling (Kent), Monk’s Wood (Cambridgeshire) and finally, as head of station, Furzebrook (Dorset).  Mike’s enthusiasm for insect collecting continued after his retirement; he liked to say when he stepped down from ‘official work’ that he was pleased he could now concentrate on the science and jettison the administrative side!  He specialised in butterflies but also, perhaps his greatest passion, weevils, with his writings widely published and, we think it is fair to say, hugely respected.  He was awarded a visiting professorship at Southampton University, became an honorary scientific associate at the Natural History Museum, and in 2017, achieved the Royal Entomological Society Insect Conservation Award, acknowledging his lifetime achievements.

Aside from his distinguished scientific career, Mike had many other interests, with two of his main life passions beginning at Christ’s Hospital.  These were rugby; and singing.  He played prop forward, serving many seasons in the front row of both the school and the Old Blues’ first XVs, and remained a keen spectator once his playing days were over.  He sang in the school choir, initially as a treble and later as a bass, and continued with choral singing throughout his life, right up until just a few months before his death.

Mike is survived by three of his four sons and by his eight grandchildren.  His wife, Judy, pre-deceased him.