Harold Morgan

Harold Maurice Morgan, Jr., died Friday, October 20, 2023, at Presbyterian Kaseman Hospice in Albuquerque, NM at age 77. The rare melanoma sinus tumor diagnosed in August became untreatable.

Harold was born in Oklahoma City, OK on June 12, 1946, to Iverna Phelps Morgan and Harold M. Morgan, with a bit of Choctaw DNA from his father. The family moved to Albuquerque in the late 50's, for his father's job involving early uranium mining near Milan, NM. This family history prompted Harold's 10 years of extensive interviewing, research and writing of his recently finished book about the Ambrosia Lake mining boom, publisher to be determined. He designed his book cover hours before transport to hospice.

Harold was preceded in death by his parents, and in March 2023 by his son, Thomas K. Morgan of Henderson, NV. Harold leaves behind his wife, Susan Bennett, Albuquerque; daughter, Kathleen Morgan (Donnald Johnson); grandson, Christopher Johnson, Colorado Springs, CO; sister, Connie Matzen (Vernon), Raleigh, NC; brother, Thomas P. Morgan (Alison) of Englewood, CO; nieces; nephews; and many friends in Albuquerque, statewide, and throughout the country.

Harold attended Jefferson Middle School and Highland High School; was in the first class of St. John's College Santa Fe campus; earned a BA at the University of New Mexico; did graduate studies at the University of Oklahoma; received his MBA from the UNM Anderson School of Management, which launched his career in journalism, economics, and as a consultant. Harold's concern for the economic welfare of his local community and all residents of New Mexico was manifest in his work life. He was founding editor of the NM Business Journal; Business Manager of NM Magazine; ran for City Council as a young man; was long-time editor of the New Mexico Progress economic newsletter; was a syndicated columnist in nine state community newspapers; served as NM Industrial Development Executives Association President and on the board of the Association of Commerce and Industry of NM, among his many community-minded involvements over the years.

He was a loving and caring husband, father, and grandfather; was the "welcoming committee" for new residents in the neighborhood. He loved road trips, savoring the beauty of New Mexico and throughout the USA. Through his extensive reading of philosophy and US history, and his in-depth interest in the multi-cultural nature of New Mexico, he believed that the collective wisdom of the people would always prevail. During the past months and years, Harold and Susan felt he had the best care and support possible. They recalled the Mick Jagger lyrics: "You can't always get what you want...but...you just might find, you get what you need." The family wishes to thank the many caring and amazing neighbors, friends, and professionals for their support during Harold's difficult journey: Presbyterian: Family Practice, Janelle Montoya, MD; Complete Care Clinic: Jessica Favis, MD; Phillip Nun MA, CNP; Cheryl, RN; Donell, RN; and all staff; ENT Joseph Onyia, MD. Dermatologist Monica Romero, MD. New Mexico Cancer Center: Roland Gerencer, MD; Jose Avitia, MD; Kalie, RN; Russell Disch, PA; Janet, RN, of the Infusion Center, and others. Presbyterian Kaseman inpatient hospice: Yelena Kamoeva, CNP; Joan, RN and all staff; Johanne Leger, LPCC, Grief Counselor. Donations in Harold's honor can be made to St John's College in Santa Fe, https://community.stjohnscollege.edu/giving.

A memorial to celebrate Harold's life will be announced at a future date.