William Loring McMorris III
William Loring McMorris, III, 83, Sandy, Utah, died July 2, 2014, in Salt Lake City. He was born September 5, 1930, to the late Constance Botsford and William Loring McMorris, Jr., in Hibbing, Minnesota. He is survived by Bonnie Jean Morley McMorris, his loving wife for over 50 years.
Loring was educated at Fishburne Military School; Lehigh University; Missouri School of Mines, where he received a B.S. degree in mining engineering; and The Pennsylvania State University, where he earned an M.S. degree in mineral preparation. He was a member of Pi Kappa Alpha. As a result of his outstanding undergraduate studies, he received the Old Timer’s Watchman award. He also continued additional postgraduate work at The University of Utah.
He served in the US Army Reserve for nine years with an Honorable Discharge, including active duty at Ft. Belvoir, Virginia, during the Korean Conflict.
Loring, lifelong member of the Episcopal Church, was a member of St. Paul’s of Salt Lake City. He served St. Mary’s of Provo, Utah, as Senior Warden for seven and one-half years and Senior Warden in Charge for two and one-half years.
He had an outstanding career as a mining engineer and mineral preparation engineer. Working in various capacities from engineer to general superintendent, Loring served in locations throughout the world, largely in Utah, West Virginia, Kentucky, Illinois, Alaska, California, Australia, Canada, Columbia, Europe, Japan, Russia, and the United Kingdom.
Loring was an active member of the Society of Mining, Metallurgy and Exploration (SME). He received many awards for his outstanding work, including the Legion of Honor from SME in recognition of 50 years of service as a member.
Loring was a 50-year life member of Joppa Blue Lodge No. 26, Price, Utah, and a member of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, Orient of Utah, Salt Lake City. One of Loring’s most treasured awards was bestowed by the Governor of Kentucky, designating him a Kentucky Colonel in the Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels.
He and Bonnie established King Coal Cocker Kennels. Their American Cocker Spaniel, Champion Butches King Coal “Casey,” won his group at the Westminster Dog Show in New York City and was once “Fourth Place National Champion.”
An avid reader, Loring loved his newspapers and books of all kinds, especially a good mystery. Loring and Bonnie spent many hours golfing, skiing, and entertaining friends and family.
The family wishes to thank Dr. John A. Doane, MD; Dr. Majid Moshirfar, MD; Dr. Michael P. Teske, MD; Inspiration Hospice; and St. Joseph Villa for their kind attention to Loring.
A wake commemorating Loring’s life will be held Friday, July 11, 2014, from 6 to 8 pm at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 South 900 East, Salt Lake City. Complimentary valet parking will be provided on the north side of the building.