William Loring McMorris III
September 5, 1930 - July 2, 2014
William Loring McMorris, III, 83, Sandy, Utah, died July 2, 2014, in Salt Lake City. He was born September 5, 1930, to the late Constance Botsford and William Loring McMorris, Jr., in Hibbing, Minnesota. He is survived by Bonnie Jean Morley McMorris, his loving wife for over 50 years.
Loring was educated at Fishburne Military School; Lehigh University; Missouri School of Mines, where he received a B.S. degree in mining engineering; and The Pennsylvania State University, where he earned an M.S. degree in mineral preparation. He was a member of Pi Kappa Alpha. As a result of his outstanding undergraduate studies, he received the Old Timer’s Watchman award. He also continued additional postgraduate work at The University of Utah.
He served in the US Army Reserve for nine years with an Honorable Discharge, including active duty at Ft. Belvoir, Virginia, during the Korean Conflict.
Loring, lifelong member of the Episcopal Church, was a member of St. Paul’s of Salt Lake City. He served St. Mary’s of Provo, Utah, as Senior Warden for seven and one-half years and Senior Warden in Charge for two and one-half years.
He had an outstanding career as a mining engineer and mineral preparation engineer. Working in various capacities from engineer to general superintendent, Loring served in locations throughout the world, largely in Utah, West Virginia, Kentucky, Illinois, Alaska, California, Australia, Canada, Columbia, Europe, Japan, Russia, and the United Kingdom.
Loring was an active member of the Society of Mining, Metallurgy and Exploration (SME). He received many awards for his outstanding work, including the Legion of Honor from SME in recognition of 50 years of service as a member.
Loring was a 50-year life member of Joppa Blue Lodge No. 26, Price, Utah, and a member of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, Orient of Utah, Salt Lake City. One of Loring’s most treasured awards was bestowed by the Governor of Kentucky, designating him a Kentucky Colonel in the Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels.
He and Bonnie established King Coal Cocker Kennels. Their American Cocker Spaniel, Champion Butches King Coal “Casey,” won his group at the Westminster Dog Show in New York City and was once “Fourth Place National Champion.”
An avid reader, Loring loved his newspapers and books of all kinds, especially a good mystery. Loring and Bonnie spent many hours golfing, skiing, and entertaining friends and family.
The family wishes to thank Dr. John A. Doane, MD; Dr. Majid Moshirfar, MD; Dr. Michael P. Teske, MD; Inspiration Hospice; and St. Joseph Villa for their kind attention to Loring.
A wake commemorating Loring’s life will be held Friday, July 11, 2014, from 6 to 8 pm at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 South 900 East, Salt Lake City. Complimentary valet parking will be provided on the north side of the building.
In Loving Memory
Loring was a wonderful person and a great raconteur. Those of us who knew him will miss him greatly. If I ever write a mining engineer into one of my stories, no doubt it will be Loring (who, I'm proud to say, shares three letters with my brother Lor). He exuded the confidence of someone who had worked hard, contributed, and gave it his all...someone who had actually earned his retirement—a man's man...a mining engineer's idea of a mining engineer. He seemed like a man from another time (and was!)...a time when men pulled themselves up by their bootstraps...that generation who helped build this country and made it what it was before lesser men wrecked it. How much of his work fueled things we have today, I wonder. My condolences, Bonnie. I hope this excerpt from Norman Maclean will give you some comfort: "Eventually, all things merge into one, and a river runs through it. The river was cut by the world's great flood and runs over rocks from the basement of time. On some of those rocks are timeless raindrops. Under the rocks are the words, and some of the words are theirs."
Jeffrey Gold
West Covina, Ca
Dear Bonnie, Pat Fullerton called and told me about Loring's passing. I'm sending you a big "hug" and know only so well how much you are hurting. He lives in your heart, Bonnie, as Pete lives in mine now. Love, Sharon
Sharon Jeannot
Midvale, Ut
Dearest Bonnie, I have so many wonderful memories of Loring. I remember how he and Don (Kestens's husband) served as bartenders at my wedding. How much fun they made it. I remember how his good humor always made me feel like I was better than I thought I was. He will always hold a spot in my heart. See you on Friday.
Dee Ann Cahoy Arriola
Salt Lake City, Ut
What a wonderful, classy way to send Loring on his way!! His great smile (and the smell of his 'cherry tabacco' pipe) is firmly imprinted in my memory. Be seeing you soon.
Lillian Kay Cahoy
Salt Lake City, UT
Bonnie: I am so sorry to hear of Loring's passing. I did not know until this morning about the event last night, and I am sorry I missed you. Please let me know where you are. I can be reached at the above email address. All my love and support to you during this time.
Astara Patricia Knowley
Salt Lake City, Ut