Metro DC PFLAG would like to offer our condolences

to the Family and Friends of Rob Morris

 

In Memory of a PFLAG Champion...

  

Rob Morris walked casually onto the Metro DC PFLAG stage in 1996. He and his partner were winding up a book tour to promote their book House and Home. The title of the book played off their professions. Steve Gunderson was a Republican member of the House of Representatives from Wisconsin and Rob designed homes for families. They were a perfect duo to promote their message of hearts and minds to an organization committed to the same message.

 

To Rob, it was simple: Strengthen the organization, craft the message, bring in lots of people to hear the message and provide opportunities to let the message change hearts and minds. Eventually, one lone LGBT person could have the support of many. Alone not much change could happen but together changing hearts and minds could be a reality.

To the chapter leaders it did not seem so easy but Rob was charismatic!

 

Rob proposed that the chapter hold a large fundraising event...a gala...to raise funds and begin to get our message out. To spur us towards "yes" Rob and Steve promised to help with the planning but more important they would bring half of the guests to the table.

 

Ever an entertainer, Rob's fine hand was in every detail of the gala. If HRC celebrated the LGBT community then PFLAG would celebrate the straight community. We would select those who spoke up and planted their feet with us in the march toward equality. We would honor community leaders who could model acceptance to reluctant parents and friends.

 

That first gala in 1998 was pure magic. The chapter responded to the charge with vigor and Rob was on to planning the next gala.

 

By Gala three and four, Metro DC had raised its voice speaking to events at Freddie Mac and Booz Allen Hamilton, to media outlets and schools around the city and suburbs. PFLAG was present to lobby school boards, legislators and media who tried to promote messages that would harm our loved ones. Our membership base grew to over 1,000 and included people from across the

United States.

 

Always, Rob's vision for bringing people together, strengthening family bonds and lessening feelings of rejection, and creating new families, meshed with the chapter vision. Rob just made us stronger and better at what we were called    to do.

 

On December 29, 2013, we lost Rob Morris. This loss has shocked and saddened all of us who knew him. However, he left an incredible legacy because of the difference he made in the lives of so many people.

 

The world is a better place because of his generous sharing of his gifts and passions. For all in our PFLAG family who knew Rob, may your heart be warmed by the memories of love for him and for the shared experiences of a   life well lived.

 

Barbara Warner

Metro DC PFLAG President

1998-2005

 

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To honor Rob and his tireless work and dedication, Metro DC PFLAG will be establishing a scholarship in his name to support the tremendous work being conducted by our Community Groups.

 

Donations for the scholarship can be made online at www.pflagdc.org 

or click here Metro DC PFLAG

 

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arlnow.com article

 

The local memorial service for Robert Morris will be held  

Saturday, February 8th at 2p.m. 

 

 Lutheran Church of the Redeemer 

1545 Chain Bridge Road McLean, VA

 

 

In peace,

 

Metro DC PFLAG Board of Directors