Obituary of Randy Morgan

ODE to R. In scientific news, it is reported that the rare species Randallus Morganii has recently succumbed, vanishing from the stage of Nature's wild. R. Morganii (common name R.) has been compared to another rare species, the LORAX, who, it shall be remembered, "spoke for the trees". Morganii spoke for the birds above, the bugs below and the bountiful botanicals that flaunt leaf and petal. Though the human species was perplexing to R., an understanding was nevertheless attempted. Language and its word origins, whether Latin, Old English, Swahili or Athabaskan, was of particular interest. Music soothed and the artist's pencil amused. As necessarily happens, the species adapted. But R.'s protective interest in flora and fauna never wavered. It is further reported that, although gone in fleshy form, a repository of "thought essences" or spirit relics from R. Morganii were extracted before the demise. A "thought essence", it is believed, can serve as a viable spore for future species revival and dissemination into the wild. "That would be grand", reflected the scientific community. "The species Randallus Morganii was really quite interesting: gentle but forceful, quiet yet heard afar, delicate yet untrampled, preferring the camouflage of shadows yet twinkling bright when closely observed." Some may question, "Might Randallus Morganii have arisen from a LORAXian "thought essence"? Or from Darwin, Linnaeus or Pliny?" Though the species was rare, the fate is common and mortality leaves its hollow silence. Even so, in the fathomless Beyond, might the discourse of curiosity thus continue: "Pray tell, what then is true?" "Come… Enter…" And the Silver Dewdrop Slips into the Shining Sea OM - HOME - SHALOM To preserve and build upon his legacy, you may honor Randy by supporting the Randall Morgan Collections and Santa Cruz Natural History Initiative by visiting http://norriscenter.ucsc.edu/support-us/ and selecting the Randall Morgan Insect Collection. You may also share memories and photographs on Randy's Facebook tribute page at www.facebook.com/celebratingRMorgan/