Francis John "Flip" Morin

Francis J. “Flip” Morin, 78, passed away peacefully in his sleep in El Paso, Texas on Tuesday, March 13, 2007 with his family at his side. He was a resident of El Paso for 40 years. Born on November 11, 1928 in Medicine Lake, Montana of American Indian heritage, he served in the U.S. Army and was stationed in numerous bases including two tours-of-duty in Korea. As a young G.I., at the post swimming pool, he impressed his Captain with diving and flips from the high board, and the nickname “Flip” stuck. During his military career he developed a talent for news correspondence and journalism. One of his first media assignments was with the Armed Services Far East Radio and Television Network in Japan, and later covered the Army Modern Pentathlon team at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics. After 22 years, he completed his military service in 1968 at Ft. Bliss, Texas. As a civilian in El Paso, he worked as a journalist for ten years at the El Paso Times as golf editor and extensively covered UTEP Track and Field. His friendly demeanor and amiable interviewing style was a personable quality that allowed him to make lifetime friendships --- some with notable personalities such as Lee Trevino, Don Haskins, Jamie Farr, and Pat Hagerty. He later worked for the Department of Defense in civil service as an editor, finally leaving the workforce. In retirement, Flip remained actively involved with media functions such as the Terry Bradshaw/Jim McMahon Cancer treatment golf tournaments, the Sun Bowl and El Paso Golf Hall of Fame. He was an usher at Most Holy Trinity Catholic church, and extensively volunteered his time with the Red Cross at William Beaumont Army hospital. In 2003 he received the American Red Cross Volunteer-of-the-Year Award. He continued writing on local and regional sports and also on subjects of interest involving his Native American heritage. He was an accomplished bowler, golfer, and photographer and was published numerous times as a free-lance writer. Flip’s passion for working with people was testimony of his Catholic Christian faith as he lived his life as our Lord did. His charitable works of love for family, friends, and everyone was a true reflection of kindness and compassion. His loving wife of 53 years, Marie, was the foundation and strength of their endearing lives together. She survives his memory along with their three children and their families: Francine Greeson and Jamie Morin of Virginia and Philip Morin of California. He has five grandchildren: Andrew, Adrienne, Patrick, McKenna, and Brennan. Visitation will be held on Sunday, March 18, 2007 at El Paso's Sunset Funeral Homes-Northeast, 4631 Hondo Pass from 5 to 9 p.m. with a Rosary to begin at 7 p.m. Funeral Mass will be held Monday, March 19, 2007 at Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church at 9:30 a.m. Interment will follow at Ft. Bliss National Cemetery at 11:00 a.m. with Full Military Honors. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in the name of Mr. Francis “Flip” Morin to the American Red Cross or the American Heart Association. Services entrusted to Sunset Funeral Homes-Northeast.