FILE NUMBER........

Whereas, The members of the Nevada Legislature were deeply

saddened by the passing of long-time Las Vegas resident and Nevada sports

legend William "Wildcat" Morris on July 17, 1998; and

Whereas, William Wesley Morris was born in Enid, Oklahoma, on

September 13, 1927, and moved to Las Vegas to live with his sister Sheila

in 1937, later referring to himself jokingly as a "wedding present" for his

sister and her new husband; and

Whereas, Bill Morris was educated in the Las Vegas school system

and developed an ardent love for the game of football that culminated in his

being voted Most Valuable Player on the 1944 Wildcat team of Las Vegas

High, which ended its incredible season without having been beaten, tied or

even scored on; and

Whereas, Bill Morris enrolled in the University of Nevada, Reno, in

1945, and because of his enthusiasm for his former football powerhouse,

was affectionately given the nickname "Wildcat" by fellow students, a

name that stayed with him throughout his life; and

Whereas, After graduating from the University with a degree in

physical education and serving in the Korean War, "Wildcat" Morris

worked for Senator Pat McCarran and Senator Alan Bible in Washington,

D.C., while earning a law degree from American University, where he also

met his future wife, Vivienne Mae Potter; and

Whereas, During his career, Bill Morris demonstrated his diverse

abilities by practicing as an attorney, acting as a municipal judge and a

special deputy attorney general, owning and co-owning hotel-casinos, and

serving as a University Regent and a member of the Las Vegas Convention

and Visitors Authority; and

Whereas, Unselfishly giving of himself and his time, Bill Morris

endeared himself to many as a noteworthy civic leader by establishing

various athletic organizations, serving as president of several such

organizations, securing federal funding for the Thomas and Mack Center

and Lawlor Events Center, and raising money for scholarships and

numerous local charities in Las Vegas; and

Whereas, Among the multiple honors awarded to Bill Morris were his

being named a Distinguished Nevadan at the 1978 graduation ceremonies

at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, being named Distinguished Citizen

by the National Conference of Christians and Jews, receiving the Glen

"Jake" Lawlor Award for outstanding support of athletics at the University

of Nevada, Reno, and being inducted into several athletic halls of fame; and

Whereas, Devotion to his wife and children, dedication to his

community and performance of numerous quiet, thoughtful acts of kindness

to fellow Nevadans elevated Bill Morris as a role model; now, therefore, be

it

Resolved by the Senate of the State of Nevada, the Assembly

Concurring, That the members of the 70th session of the Nevada

Legislature express their heartfelt sympathy and sincere condolences to the

family and friends of Bill Morris; and be it further

Resolved, That Bill "Wildcat" Morris will long be remembered as one

of the most popular and influential residents of the State of Nevada; and be

it further

Resolved, That the Secretary of the Senate prepare and transmit a copy

of this resolution to Bill’s wife of 43 years, Vivienne Morris, and his

daughters Dawn Dudas and Wesley Morris, all of Las Vegas, to his son

William Morris of Reno, and to his daughter Jaymie Bodensteiner of

Flagstaff, Arizona.

~