Robert Kariher Morrison

On March 12, 2025, Bob Morrison of Lincoln, passed away peacefully in his sleep having spent his final days surrounded by family.

Born in New Haven, Connecticut, Bob attended the Noble and Greenough School in Dedham, where he was the captain of the soccer and basketball teams.  Nobles became a major part of his life. He served as the President of the Board of Trustees, and he was given the N&G Distinguished Graduate Award. 

Morry, as he was called in college, attended Williams College graduating with a BA in Geology, and as he joked a “Masters in Vassar,” where he met the love of his life Gretchen Cambern Irmiger. They were married for 71 years.

Bob went to work as a salesman for the Aluminum Company of America (Alcoa) before being drafted in 1953 during the Korean Conflict.  He served as an MP at Fort Benning GA. After completing his service, he returned to Alcoa. Seeing a void in the market, Bob and a partner started Harvey Industries in 1961.

Harvey became the leading independent distributor of building products in New England. Later, Bob started Harvey windows and doors which continues to be a favorite amongst remodeling professionals. Harvey grew throughout the years, and Bob was proud to have founded a company that provided employment for over 1000 workers. 

Bob and Gretchen spent more than 40 years in Wellesley where they were active members in a variety of community events. Bob was a leader in Y Indian Guides, Boy Rangers, youth soccer and Little League Baseball. As league director, Bob brought “T Ball” to Wellesley - a first in Massachusetts.  He loved all sports, but was a passionate, long-suffering Red Sox fan and a season ticket holder for over 60 years.

In 1978, Bob and Gretchen flew to St. Martin, and fell in love with the “friendly island.” They bought a chalet and quickly established a new community of dedicated friends. They visited the island twice a year for over 40 years. Bob became the head of the homeowners association, and briefly became the director of the resort during a period of crisis.

During one of their annual vacations with their friends the Gordons, Bob learned that the Gordon’s grandson had been born with a rare fatal disease - Progeria. Progeria, “the little old man’s disease,” causes premature aging of children. At that time, there were 30 cases world-wide. Bob became a leader on the Progeria board. After 20 years of research, the first clinical treatment trial was completed last month.

Bob is survived by his wife Gretchen, daughters Sarah Cail (Randy) and Susanne Jarnryd (Erik), sons, Robert Morrison Jr. (Liz), William Morrison (Lynne).  He leaves 11 grandchildren:  Katie, Sarah, Heather, Tom, Lucy, Anders, Anna, Lily, Samantha, Sydney, and Sylvia.   Bob was especially proud to be a great-grandfather to Will, Brian, Tommy, Annie, and Helena.

The memorial service will be held at The Wellesley Village Church on Saturday 3/15 at 2 PM, and live linked at: https://wellesleyvillagechurch.org/memorial-service-for-bob-k-morrison/

Memorial donations in lieu of flowers to The Progeria Research Foundation at  www.progeriaresearch.org.