Leland Frank Morris was born at Valley View Hospital in Burns on Sept. 2, 1929 to Aaron (Sandy) Morris and Gladys Jones Morris. 

His arrival was early and he weighed in at 4 pounds 8 ounces. The new parents were determined to make sure their tiny son survived. 

They brought him home from the hospital and made a bed for him from a shoe box that belonged to Sandy. They propped the oven open and placed the box on the door with the temperature set on warm. Leland grew strong and they did such a good job that he lived for 91 years 10 months and 5 days. He passed peacefully, at home, in his own bed.

During his early years, his family moved to Roseburg and then Winnemucca for a few years, returning back home to Burns. He spent most of his childhood in schools in Burns and graduation from Burns Union High School in 1948. 

Some of his fondest memories of those years were his participation in the school’s band, where he started out playing clarinet and then moving on to the tenor saxophone. The band traveled to Portland to represent our community by marching in the Rose Parade, which was an experience he cherished.

After graduating from high school, Leland enlisted in the Army National Guard. He served for over 20 years, retiring in 1969 having attained the rank of Master Sergeant. In 1957, he was able to attend Technical training in El Paso, Texas gaining a degree in radio communications and maintenance.

 On Aug. 12, 1950 Leland married Joyce Healey. During the next five years they had two daughters, Angela and Diana. They settled in Burns and in 1968, moved to Hines, keeping close to “home” and extended family.

Leland was also a member of a local swing band that played at dances held at various venues throughout the community. It was a great experience for him. His wife loved to tease him about dancing with lots of handsome gentlemen while he was busy playing music.

He spent his career at Edward Hines Lumber Company as an Industrial Journeyman Electrician. After the local mill closed, he worked at Bend Millworks. He commuted to and from Bend, each week, so they could settle at their home in Hines following his retirement in 1992. Leland and Joyce spent the remainder of their years enjoying camping, fishing, spending time with their grandchildren and each other.

Leland was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Darlene; wife, Joyce; brothers-in-law, Bill Springston, Bill Burgert, and Ray Elliott; sister-in-law, Margaret Elliott; and great-niece, Erin Springston.

He is survived by his sister, Norma Springston; daughters, Angela (Robert) Eytchison, Diana (Dennis) Davis; son-in-law, Pat (Barb) Nearing; grandchildren, Carly Gunderson (Ed Haase), Scott (Calla) Nearing; great-grandson, Hunter Haase; nephews, Steve (Tamie) Springston, Jeff (Irene) Springston, Pat Burgert, Mike Burgert; great-nephews, Jason (Jenn) Springston, Michael (Mary) Springston, Grant Springston; great-niece, Hannah Springston; great-great-nephews, Rylee Springston, Clayton Springston; and great-great-niece, Evelyn Springston.

Joyce passed Dec. 1, 2020 preceding Leland by just over seven months. Their 71 year marriage, friendship and partnership defined their lives, proving that neither of them knew how to be without the other.

There will be a graveside service on Sept. 18, 2021 for both Leland and Joyce who will share a spot at the Burns Cemetery right next to Leland’s sister Darlene.