Ralph Evans Morrison

Ralph Evans Morrison – beloved son, husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend – passed away January 6, 2025, in Salt Lake City at age 65 from complications following surgery. Born in Salt Lake City to Richard Lee and Carol Evans Morrison on February 22, 1959, Ralph was the youngest of five children and was enthusiastically welcomed into the family. His personable and inquisitive nature endeared him to family and friends throughout his life. Ralph could strike up a conversation with anyone anywhere and was quick with thoughtful questions and insights. 

At age 2, Ralph moved from Lowell Avenue to Evergreen Avenue in East Mill Creek, where he lived until a year ago. He loved the people and beauty of the area, including the soothing sounds of Mill Creek bubbling through his backyard for 39 years. He attended Sherman Elementary, Evergreen Junior High and Olympus High School. He was a chess champion at Evergreen and excelled at cross country in high school. At Olympus, Ralph was involved in student government and was his LDS seminary class president. Not surprising given his gregarious nature, he made many lifelong friends throughout his school years. 

Ralph later served in the Italy Rome Mission of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He loved the people, food and culture of Italy and never met a plate of pasta or scoop of gelato he didn’t like. Exemplifying his pattern of meaningful relationships, Ralph was visited by Italian mission friends just three days prior to his passing. 

Ralph returned home from his mission and pursued his education at the University of Utah in finance and management. While there, he met his future wife, Dian Cannon. Their first date was a hike up Grandeur Peak. Ralph loved hiking, trail running and being outdoors. Spending time exploring Mill Creek and other canyons along the east side of the Salt Lake Valley was a favorite pastime. His and Dian’s relationship flourished, and they were married April 21, 1983, in the Salt Lake Temple. 

Always a voracious learner and collector, Ralph furthered his formal education by earning an MBA at Utah State University. After employment at IBM, he spent most of his career at Utah Retirement Systems until his own retirement in 2011. He enjoyed his coworkers, racquetball and especially helping people prepare for a comfortable retirement through wise financial management. (As a lefty and skilled racquetball player, Ralph would play left-handed if his opponents were competitive and right-handed if he wanted them to think they were competitive.) Ralph was quick to help people in a variety of other ways as well. Somewhat of a compulsive shopper, if he found a great deal on something, he was prone to buy several and to share the extras with family and friends. Many of us still use pens or wear ties that originated from Ralph’s thoughtful generosity. 

Unfortunately, Ralph’s activity level and propensity for travel and other adventures declined in recent years due to a variety of health challenges. Dian was unfailing in her support during these challenging times and was grateful for the help of supportive family, friends and medical providers along the way. 

Ralph is survived by his wife, Dian; children Jennifer (Timm) DiStefano of Vancouver, Washington.; Ryan (Sarah) Morrison of South Jordan, Utah; Spencer (Amanda) Morrison, Salt Lake City; grandchildren Amelia, Nico, Theo, James, Maya and Quinn; and mini aussie Pepper. 

Ralph is also survived by his siblings, Kent (Estelle) Morrison; Elaine (Richard) Henriksen; Richard (Laurlee) Morrison; Annette (Robert) Otteson. 

Funeral service will be Friday, January 17, at 11 a.m. at the LDS Meetinghouse, 2702 E. Evergreen Avenue, Millcreek, UT 84109. A visitation will begin at 10 a.m. prior to the service, and at the church Thursday, January 16, from 6-8 p.m. Burial at Holladay Cemetery. In Ralph’s honor, reach out to an old friend - hike a favorite trail - support your favorite thrift store - or play a game of chess.