Morris Walter Gullickson

The evening of July 4th saw the passing of Morris Walter Gullickson, a longtime resident of Livingston, at age 89. He was born on December 22nd, 1930 in Livingston, Montana to parents Conrad and Ruth Hattie (Wimmer) Gullickson. Living in Livingston most of his life only venturing out to attend Dunwoody Institute in Minneapolis MN. for two years (1952-1954) achieving a degree in Surveying and Drafting. His Air Force military service included stints during WWII and the Korean War, and the 5 years in Havre, Montana when he transferred with Burlington Northern Railroad.Morris was hired out on the railroad in 1944 as a call boy, then a red cap in 1945 working the passenger trains in Gardner, MT. He continued to work for the railroad until military service called. While on military leave Morris met Norma A. Strickfaden in Bozeman, MT. They were married in Great Falls, MT, October of 1952. After completing his degree, Livingston beckoned Morris and Norma to return to Montana. Remaining in Livingston and married to Norma until her passing in December of 2018.Morris continued the family legacy of working for the Northern Pacific Railroad. After fulfilling his duties in the military, and schooling, Morris returned to railroading in 1954 becoming a brakeman, then rising to the rank of conductor. Staying in Livingston until Burlington Northern moved from Livingston to Havre, MT. He retired from his railroad career in Havre in June 1993, moving back to Livingston. Morris always loved being involved with railroading, from being a docent at the Livingston Depot Museum to an active model railroader. Preferring HO scale, building train car models and buildings as a relaxing activity until his death.Other passions of Morris included being outdoors. He was an avid hunter both for the sport and to keep his family fed. Morris liked to camp, fish, hike, snowmobile in the winter and ride his Honda 90 on trails in the summer. After retirement Morris achieved another lifelong dream of building a cabin on Mill Creek, which was enjoyed by many, it was designed to host large groups of friends for various activities and social functions.Morris was an active member in the Masons. Being initiated November 1954, later becoming a member of the Scottish Rite and eventually joining the Albedo Shrine in Billings. In that capacity he was in the Shrine marching band traveling to various functions in the Pacific Northwest and many parades. He also helped when possible the local Livingston Shrine Klown group participating in their activities, parades, helping to raise funds for the support of the Shrine Children Hospitals. Morris was also a member of the Livingston Elks Lodge #246, and Holbrook United Methodist Church.Proceeding in death was his wife Norma A. Gullickson, grandson Andrew Busch, parents Conrad and Ruth, aunts and uncles. He is survived by his daughter Andrea Gullickson of Livingston. His son, Garth Gullickson residing in Salt Lake City, Utah. Also surviving him is his brother Howard (Harky) Gullickson of Phoenix, Arizona.Morris wished to be cremated with his urn interred next to his wife in their final resting place at the Mountain View Cemetery. A memorial service is planned for 10:30 am on Wednesday, July 29th with graveside services given by the Masonic Lodge and the American Legion. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Spokane Shriner's Childrens Hospital or a charity of your choice.Franzen-Davis Funeral Home and Crematory has been entrusted with arrangements.