Morse, Richard D. MALTA Richard Dunn Morse passed away on Monday, November 7, 2016. He was 66. Rick was born on March 21, 1950, to Richard and Rosalie (Scolari) Morse in Heidelberg, Germany. He spent his youth in Rotterdam. Rick graduated from Bishop Gibbons High School and received both his B.A. and M.A. from S.U.N.Y. Albany. After spending 32 years at the New York State Assembly, where he was one of the original authors of Superfund legislation, Rick worked as a senior policy advisor at Ecology and Environment, Inc. He was an avid backcountry and alpine skier, sailor, runner and Ironman triathlete, passions he continued to enjoy even after being diagnosed with metastatic cancer nearly two years ago. Music was a central part of Rick's life from an early age and an enduring source of joy that he shared with friends, loved ones, and strangers alike. He began playing guitar as a teenager, but by college had transitioned to pedal steel guitar and dobro. Throughout the 1970's and 1980's he was a member of prominent local band "Badge." More recently he was an active member of the "Lazy Suns" and "Red Haired Strangers," and even recorded and released an album of original music with the former earlier this year. Rick is survived by his loving wife, Hope Plavin; stepson, Samuel Grondahl; sisters, Rebecca Morse Hout (Frederick) of Altamont, Sarah (Sally) Moyer (David) of Rotterdam and Maureen Ciotoli (Nicholas) of Scotia; brother-in-law, Joshua Plavin (Jennifer Curtin); sister-in-law, Amy Plavin (William Metzler); as well as several nieces and nephews. He will be missed by his beloved dogs, Max and Sophie. A calling hour will be held at 12 p.m. on Sunday, November 20, with a service at 1 p.m. in the Tunison Funeral Home, 105 Lake Ave., Saratoga Springs. All are invited to attend a celebration of Rick's life and music at the Parting Glass, 40 Lake Ave., Saratoga Springs, immediately after the service. Memorial contributions may be made to Saratoga Hospital Palliative Care Service, 211 Church St., Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. They may be made by mail or online at saratogahospitalfoundation.org/donate-now by designating "Palliative Care Service." Online remembrances may be made at tunisonfuneralhome.com