Michael Joseph Morrow's Obituary
Early years
Michael Morrow entered this world in Philadelphia and grew up in Havertown, Pennsylvania. His hometown, once this country’s center for gunpowder, textile manufacturing, and the birthplace of Swell bubble gum, instilled him with strength and big ideals as he grew to become an exceptional man, husband, father, and friend to all. Born to Jewish immigrants who had escaped the pogroms of Russia, his family survived the hardships and challenges facing new immigrants in America - poverty, persecution, language barriers, and limited supplies of food and housing. Some adversities, such as the continuous presence of rampant disease, robbed them of many of their beloved family members. Through these challenges, the goal never changed -- to press forward toward a better life. Mike learned very young that life was not for the faint of heart. At only two years old, he contracted polio and spent the next four years of his life in and out of hospitals, doing rigorous physical therapy. During his time at home, Michael was frequently confined to his bed, lying on his back. His parents pushed his bed by the window so he could look up and out, sparking his initial curiosity and fascination for studying the skies. During his illness, his little sister Meredith was born, and his mother often placed her on the bed for him to play with and entertain. The siblings developed a close relationship lasting all their lives, even when separated by a great ocean. At six years old, he fully recovered from polio and began to study the clouds.
Early Interest in Meteorology and Astronomy
In addition to clouds, an interest in astronomy also blossomed at an early age. He often visited the Franklin Institute and the Flower Observatory, which ignited his fascination with what he observed
through telescopes. At the Flower Observatory, he met his mentor and close friend, Dr. Charles Pollard Olivier, a preeminent contributor to the study of meteors, double stars, and variable stars. Mentored by Olivier, Michael built his first telescope for a high school science project at 14. This began his lifelong passion for observing meteors, stars, constellations, and planets and where his talent for building telescopes took root. Throughout his life, he continued to improve on his original model. Eventually, Michael was known for building high-quality telescopes and telescope mirrors.
Career in the Military and National Weather Service
Shortly after graduating high school, Mike joined the Naval Reserves, where he took advantage of military education related to his passions, including the radiosonde operations course. As a reservist, the Navy called him up for a tour of active duty from 1956 to 1958 during the early years of the Vietnam conflict. Following active duty, he continued in the Naval Reserves while working for the National Weather Service, an area of lifelong passion. He learned a great deal while in the military and as a self-starter, gaining knowledge and expertise in his field. Michael earned an undergraduate degree from the University of Pennsylvania and later completed a master's in mathematics from the University of Hawai'i while working for the National Weather Service, where he spent most of his career as a meteorologist. Early in his time with the weather service, while transferred to Point Barrow, Alaska, he shot an aggressive polar bear to save not only his own life but that of his co-workers. Though he had no choice at the time, he mourned the death of that fantastic creature throughout his life. Mike’s meteorological job with the weather service eventually led him to Hawai'i. In 1970, he began working under the newly created National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. His job, along with his strong astronomy background, afforded him adventures and opportunities to work with newspaper and television reporters, be a guest lecturer at universities and events abroad, and write for various professional and academic publications.
Marriage and Ohana
Once he completed his duties and service to the Navy, Mike’s meteorological job with the National Weather Service led him to his beloved Hawai'i, where he met Eliza Kahananui, his regal Hawaiian soulmate, on a teaching assignment. They married and later had their sweet Opihi, Malia. Aside from following his passions, Mike enjoyed the most cherished benefit of his job - the reward of paid travel– which allowed him and his wife to experience adventures of diverse destinations. They vowed to revisit and share these adventures with their daughter one day. They beamed as Malia, niece Linda, and family members stood in awe at the edge of the Grand Canyon, lunched 850 feet underground at Carlsbad Caverns while admiring the stalactites above, observed meteorites in the middle of nowhere at Chaco Canyon, and basked in the shadow of the pyramids of Mexico. Those adventures created unique and joyful lifetime experiences, enhancing their knowledge and close family bonds. Years later came the gifts of Malia’s husband, Sean, and Kona, his beloved grandson! This completed Mike’s immediate family, but his global extended Ohana always remained a major part of his life.
Passion for Astronomy and Travel
Mike included his astronomer buddies as a big part of his extended Ohana. He spent many nights and weekends at home and abroad, observing and studying the skies and vast universe. With his deep love of learning that developed as a young boy, he always enjoyed adventures ranging from simple walks and drives to travel abroad. At every opportunity, he shared his knowledge with anyone who posed casual astronomical questions, welcomed them into his meteor group, and allowed them to see their first real
glimpse of Saturn, a comet, or a faraway galaxy. He never made anyone feel unwelcome or their questions too simple. He brought the universe's magic to so many lives through his passions.
His passion for astronomy and meteorology guided his life. He continued to build bigger and better telescopes, and at one point, he had the largest amateur telescope on O'ahu in his observatory, located right in his backyard! Mike’s popularity in the Ewa Beach area inspired neighborhood kids to explore astronomy and other science and mathematics disciplines. He earned recognition in local newspapers for his contributions to science education and he was featured in numerous articles published by the Honolulu Advertiser and Star-Bulletin newspapers.
Personal Strengths that Defined His Life
Understanding his own hardships and those of his ancestors led to Mike’s lifelong motto, “Look up!" – and to press on with compassion and humor as your constant companions. He could make you laugh, even in dark moments, injecting humor that allowed you to forget your troubles and lifted your spirit. Despite the health issues Michael faced with age, he persevered and overcame them when others claimed recovery improbable, showing his true survivor spirit. Though diagnosed with dementia, in many ways, his mind was as sharp as ever. He came back following a heart attack and a stroke, which doctors claimed would prevent him from walking. To their astonishment, he recovered and walked again just as he did as a child who suffered from polio. Through his many obstacles, his feisty and tenacious nature, charm, and “never give up” attitude got him through seemingly insurmountable challenges.
Aloha, dear Michael! We celebrate your amazing life. Surely, you have reunited with your sassy Hawaiian Eliza. Together, you dance among the stars, beam blessings down on those you love, and enjoy your unique perspective of the universe.
We will always remember you as the man who made us laugh and feel good about who we are. We hope to see you soon in your heavenly universe!
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