Chuck Morgan was the voice Kirkland listened to.
It was his strong voice that pushed for – and won – a strong city-manager form of government in Kirkland and Houghton’s merge with the city. Morgan’s utterance as the former publisher and editor of the Eastside Journal also gained favor for the Kirkland Performance Center that he co-founded, as well as Evergreen Hospital.
Morgan, who died on Friday at the age of 98, is known throughout the community for his legacy of activism that earned him the name “Mr. Kirkland.”
Deputy Mayor Joan McBride recalls Morgan’s spirit.
“In 50 years of my life here, I remember him always sprinting down the street with a project,” she said.
She added Morgan was responsible for so many “beautiful” things in the community and region, including that he helped found Evergreen Hospital and was one of the founding fathers of Bellevue Community College. He also helped McBride save some public art installations that were in danger of leaving the city, such as the bronze rabbit on Central Way.
“His fingerprint, his touch is on just about everything that is good in this city. His legacy is our city,” said McBride.
Morgan was one of former Mayor Bill Woods’ best friends for more than 50 years.
While Woods was working at a downtown pharmacy, Morgan went in the store to introduce himself.
“He proceeded to tell me, if I was going to be a part of Kirkland, I had to get involved,” Woods recalled.
Woods added his friend “wouldn’t hesitate to write an editorial page if he disagreed with council. He was very vocal and influenced people a great deal.”
Besides Morgan’s work ethic, he was also known for being quite the prankster and his sense of humor. Residents have spotted Morgan dancing on table tops when he was in his 80s and well into his 90s.
“He hated growing old,” Woods said.
A memorial service is set for 2:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 13 at the Kirkland Performance Center.
Morgan is survived by son Doug and daughter-in-law Joyce of Wenatchee, son Greg and daughter-in-law Elena Love of San Jose, Calif; two grandsons and five great-grandchildren.
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