Dr. Peter C. MorrisonMarch 31, 1940 - March 26, 2017Formerly of VisaliaDr. Peter C. Morrison, retired orthopaedic surgeon and long-time Visalia resident, passed away March 26, 2017 after a brief battle with cancer. He was almost 77. Peter was born on March 31, 1940 in Plainfield, New Jersey and raised in neighboring Garwood. From an early age, Peter made his single mother and grandmother proud. He and his younger brother, Bill, were constant companions and shared a mutual interest in science, nature and being outdoors. Peter went on to earn his Bachelor of Science degree from Clemson University, while playing football and track for the Tigers. Following college, he obtained his medical degree from the Medical College of South Carolina. Following medical school, Peter served as a flight surgeon in the U.S. Air Force stationed in Tucson, AZ and Taiwan. During this time, he married Martha Mackenzie. Together they enjoyed early married life in Taiwan and later, in Chicago, where Peter completed his residency in Orthopaedic Surgery. While living in Chicago, their two daughters, Jennifer and Elenor, were born. An offer to start a practice led Peter and his family to Visalia. He loved the promise of the outdoors, High Sierra, and a small community to raise a family. Soon after moving, he welcomed a son, Adam. Peter practiced at Orthopaedic Associates Medical Clinic, KDHCD, and CAMS for over 25 years. His many colleagues and patients know what a conscientious doctor he was, how much interest he had in new procedures and breakthroughs in medicine, and how he treated everyone with kindness and respect. Peter's beloved wife, Marty, passed away after 36 years of marriage. A couple of years later, Peter met and married Debbie. Over the next ten years, together with Debbie, Peter enjoyed many of his favorite pursuits of travel, boating, woodworking and gardening. His final years were spent in the San Diego, CA and Baja California Peninsula region. Many who knew Peter can recall his kind, fun and adventurous nature. Everyone he met would soon be a friend. If you spent time with him in the mountains, you were probably awoken early with a warm fire in the fireplace and John Denver or the Rocky soundtrack blaring from the record player. Others might remember a wild Jeep ride, hunting trip, ski day, La Jolla visit, or animal encounter. Successful or ill-fated fishing outings; it did not matter, because the moment spent together was the real reason for the adventure. He was dedicated to making time for his kids sporting events and activities and setting in motion traditions family and friends will always remember. Peter is survived by his brother, William; his three children and seven grandchildren; his God-son, Brad; his wife of ten years, Debbie; and Debbie's four children and three grandchildren. In lieu of flowers or as a tribute to Peter, please fill a bird feeder or plant a tree for the next generation.