In Memory
Jan 26, 2011
Bob and I were friends and especially good friends while at McKinley School. I was pretty young when I first rode my bike to his house on Sylvan Glen Avenue in Bercliff Estates. It was not very far away, but I recall my early rides as adventures, maybe because I had to ride on busy U.S. 20 (McKinley Avenue).
His parents, Max and Betty, were real nice to me, and I knew and liked his sister Carol (also deceased) who was in my sister’s class. From the fourth grade forward, Bob and I both were on the McKinley basketball team and a lot of our early time together involved basketball. I recall that he had a cousin or uncle – Jack Morrical – who played on the first Central team to go downstate (1949, maybe).
After elementary school, Bob and I didn’t have a lot of contact with each other. I contacted MaryAnn Barbara Lau to see what she remembered of Bob since he was a good friend of Mike Beaudway, and MaryAnn had this profound response:
"My memories of Bob Morrical are that he was a fun loving, very playful type of guy. He played very hard and I think it cost him his life. He wasn't here for a long time, he was here for a good time. If only we could temper that philosophy and never forget to enjoy who we are and live life to the fullest."
Bob died in a car crash soon after we graduated. He might have been the first of our classmates to die. Had he gotten a few more years to grow up and mature, he might have shaped a very fine life, for he was a very nice, bright guy.
Paul Levy
Bob was the best man at my wedding, Dec. 30th 1962. Bob died in November 1963. My daughter was born the day before he died. Tom Tucker
Thomas Tucker (1961)
Bob died in 1963. He was my best man at my wedding in Dec. 1962
George H. Winkelmann (1961)
Well, this is coming way late, but I never realized this page was available. I think I should share a few comments since Bob and I were next door neighbors on Sylvan Glen Drive, while we were attending John Adams. Fun loving and wired for a good time, certainly reflects Bob's philosophy.
As I recall my parents were pretty good friends with Bob's parents. Our patios were separated only by a 4' fence, and both Bob's dad, and mine, were passionate about their lawns.
My two most vivid memories are relate to cars. And, as anyone who knew Bob, cars, especially fast ones, were his life, and unfortunately, his death.
Tom Dovenspike lived right across the street from both of us. One day, not sure of the exact year, in the late 50's Tom's dad came home from his job at Chevrolet, with a brand new fuel injected Corvette roadster. I think is was 1958, but not positive. It was two tone brown and tan. Whitewalls, chrome spinners...it was gorgeous. I think Tom's dad spent an hour or two taking all the guys for rides. Well, of course, Bob was one of the riders, and I believe the Corvette bug was planted for Bob's, way to short, life.
However, before buying the Corvette that he died in, Bob came home with a white Chevy two door sedan with a 409 engine. I think that was 1961 He very quickly had it souped up with three dueses, 1/2" fuel lines and twin electric fuel pumps. I'm sure there were probably some other changes, but those are the ones that stuck with me. He raved about the fact that it got 4 miles per gallon. Anyway, he took me for a ride, probably one of the scariest of my young life.
I don't recall how long he had the 409, but I know it was replaced by a Corvette. A very fast Corvette. I left for Kent State University in September of 1963, and heard the sad news from my parents that Bob had blasted off a turn on US 20 headed East. It was a sad occurance for families on Sylvan Glen Drive.
If anyone has better, or more accurate, recollections, please feel free to share your memories.
George H. Winkelmann JAHS Class of '61
Robert W "Sam" Walsh, Jr. (1964)
I don't remember the Corvette, but I remember his 1962 Impala 409/409 as being red. The big block 409 was rare at that time in South Bend. He added many aftermarket hot rod parts that made it a "sight to see" and hear. If my fading memory serves me correctly he missed "deadman's curve" on State Road 23 near North Liberty. I would welcome any corrections.
George H. Winkelmann (1961)
I just wanted to add that Sam is correct: the 409 Chevy was red...bright red. And, my one ride in it was a blast. Bob was amazing at speed shifting. My recollection of it being white was incorrect. I'm pretty certain all of Sam's dates are correct also. As I recall the accicent on 23 happened after I left for Kent State in September of '63. Bob was a great guy, a good friend and neighbor...and left us way, way to soon. Another Eagle in the sky!