Media Corner

For Immediate Release
September 16, 2008

Former Central Basin Director Gary Morse, Passes Away September 14, 2008

Commerce, CA - Former Central Basin Municipal Water District Director Gary Morse passed away on Sunday, September 14, 2008.

Gary Morse

Director Morse served on the Central Basin Board of Directors for nearly 16 years, representing the Division I Cities of Bell Gardens, Downey, Montebello, Norwalk and Vernon.

After first being appointed to the Central Basin Board in May 1988, Director Morse was elected to the seat in January 1989. A dedicated public servant, he was re-elected to serve an additional three terms before retiring in 2003. During his tenure, he was appointed to represent Central Basin on the Metropolitan Water District Board of Directors. He served two separate terms on Metropolitan's Board: from August 1993 to February 1997, and from January 1999 to June 2003.

A longtime resident of Bellflower, Director Morse was born in Pensacola, Florida, and received his bachelor's degree from the University of Berkeley in1961. He served in the U.S. Navy form 1961-1965, followed by a 26-year career in the Naval Reserve, retiring as Captain in 1991.

Funeral Services and Arrangements

A viewing for Director Morse will be held Thursday, September 18, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at White's Funeral Home, 9903 Flower Street, Bellflower, 90706, phone: (562) 867-2741. The funeral service will be held at 10:00 am, Friday, September 19, at the Calvary Baptist Church, 14722 Clark Avenue, Bellflower, 90706, phone: (562) 925-3708.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to ARC of Southeast Los Angeles, 12049 Woodruff Avenue, Downey, CA 90242, phone: (562) 803-4606, or to the Celebrate Recovery Program c/o Calvary Baptist Church, 14722 Clark Avenue, Bellflower, CA 90706, phone: (562) 925-3708.