Kenneth Burdett Morrison

Kenneth Burdett Morrison passed away peacefully on September 23, 2019, with his beloved wife at his side. He was predeceased by his beautiful daughter Vickie Kimmel June 26, 2018.


Ken was born in Sturgis, South Dakota. He was the youngest of 9 children all of which have predeceased him. His family moved to Oregon when he was 6 and settled in Milwaukie. He attended Milwaukie High School graduating in 1954.


Ken met the love of his life, Charlene Anderson, at church youth group in 1958. He was drafted into the US Army in 1959 and he came home on leave to marry Charlene May 29, 1959. They relocated to Richmond, Virginia while Ken was serving at Fort Lee. Daughter Cathy was born 1960. Ken was discharged in 1961 and headed home to Oregon with his wife and baby.


Ken settled again in Milwaukie. Daughter Vickie was born in 1962. The family bought property in Clackamas and built their first home. Daughter Lori was born in 1968.


Ken started in the excavation business in the early 1970's. He started his own company Morrison Excavation in 1977. He was widely known as an "artist" with his adept heavy equipment skills.


Ken loved hunting, old cars, tractors and farm machinery. He loved to sing and had a beautiful voice. He also loved his dogs! During their retirement years, they enjoyed wintering in Arizona. His favorite past time was riding his quad in the desert with Charlene.


In 1990 they purchased property in Goldendale, Washington. In 1998 they started construction on their dream log home and relocated to retire. While in Goldendale they became active members in the community and participated in church activities, car club, local parades and he resumed part time excavation work.


In 2017 they sold their dream home to be near family in Portland. Life had other plans and health challenges with both Ken and Charlene meant a move to Assisted Living. Ken spent his last years there and they got to celebrate their 60th Wedding Anniversary this year.


Ken was a wonderful husband and father. He was described by many as a giant teddy bear and could make everyone laugh with his dry humor. He will be greatly missed but we take comfort in knowing he's had a glorious reunion with his family and daughter in Heaven!


Survived by his wife, Charlene Morrison of Milwaukie; daughters, Cathy (Mike) Gidley of West Linn and Lori (Greg) Specht of Gladstone; grandchildren, Matthew Kimmel, Amber Berg, Cassi Belding and Hailey Specht.



In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to your favorite charity in memory of Ken.