Clarence Robert Morris, Jr.

Bob died peacefully on the late morning of October 16 in the home where fifty years ago he married Sandy Mueller who survives him. An Emeritus Professor of the University of Minnesota Law School, Bob taught business organizations, corporations, bankruptcy, torts, real property and modern real estate from 1964-2000. Born Clarence Robert Morris, Jr on June 29, 1928 in Denver Colorado, he was known professionally as “C. Robert Morris”, “Bob” to family and friends, and occasionally “C. Bob” to students. From his Morris, Buckingham and Eppstein parents and grandparents, Bob inherited a strong sense of community responsibility and commitment. A born raconteur, Bob amused audiences with his stories of growing up in Laramie and Houston, his great-aunt who founded the National Jewish Hospital in Denver, the origins of his Eastern accent and the family role in developing Boulder. Bob earned his B.A. in 1948 from St. John’s College in Annapolis, Maryland and his L.L.B. from Yale University. After his 1951 graduation, he entered the United States Air Force as a first lieutenant and served as an assistant staff judge advocate. In 1953 Bob joined the faculty at Rutgers University Law School in Camden New Jersey for ten years before joining the University of Minnesota Law School faculty in 1964. During his career he was a Visiting Professor at the University of Texas, Stanford University and New York University Law Schools. He continued his membership in “Gown In Town,” a faculty social group, for another decade after his retirement. Bob is recognized for his work in Corporations Law and as a co-author of three editions of Cases and Materials on Corporations published by Little, Brown in 1966, 1977 and 1989. With his father, the late Clarence Morris (University of Pennsylvania Law School faculty), he co-authored the second edition of Morris on Torts (Foundation Press, 1980). He also contributed articles to several Law Reviews. Bob was dedicated to the University of Minnesota, to the profession of University teaching, to fairness in processes and to equality for all human beings. He represented the Law School in the U of M Faculty Senate and served on the Senate Judicial Committee. He was a member of the National Council of the American Association of University Professors (AAUP) and served the Minnesota Chapter as Chair of its Committee on Academic Freedom and Tenure, President and National Delegate. His representation of faculty in tenure cases extended throughout the state. In addition, he chaired the University of Minnesota Tenure Committee during its early work drafting the current Tenure Code. Bob further extended his interest in equality and fairness as a board member of the Minnesota Civil Liberties Union (now known as the ACLU of Minnesota.) While teaching at Rutgers, he worked to de-segregate housing in South Jersey. Not much a fan of travel, Bob preferred a little bit of vacation every day by attending a variety of music, theater and dance performances. Favorites included the Minnesota Orchestra, Minnesota Opera, Metropolitan Opera HD and the Northrop Dance Series. Most of all he enjoyed faculty dinner parties, social occasions with small groups of friends and at-home time with Sandy and their dogs. Bob’s life during the last years was greatly compromised by Parkinson’s syndrome and Lewy Body dementia. Covid-19 was not a factor but the stay-in-place guidelines seriously impacted his life, keeping him from friends, attending concerts and other performances or going to favorite restaurants. At Bob’s request, there will be no service. There may be a “Celebration of Life” at a later date. Please email your interest and contact information to HonoringBobMorris@gmail.com. In the meantime, socially distance and wear your mask! Memorials may be sent to: The University of Minnesota Law School Mondale Hall 229 19th Avenue South Minneapolis MN 55455 Attn: Abigail Loyd

Tributes

Clarence Robert Morris, Jr.

June 29, 1928 - October 16, 2020

Tributes

Clarence Robert Morris, Jr.

June 29, 1928 - October 16, 2020

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