David Currier Morrill, born at Melrose-Wakefield Hospital, lived a long and full life of adventure and accomplishment. His parents were Richard Morrill and Isabelle Olive (Tappan) Morrill. A graduate of Amherst High School, David’s early years were marked by his service and resilience, which only deepened after he and his team were wounded by guerrilla troops while serving as a geological mapping specialist in the U.S. Army in the Philippines during the Korean War. For this, he was honored many decades later with a Purple Heart in a ceremony with Sen. John Kerry.
After recovering from his wounds, David pursued his education under the GI Bill, earning a bachelor’s degree from Boston University and a master’s degree from the University of Illinois. While attending Boston University, David met and soon married Ann Elise Francis (Elise). Together, they had three children: Karen Leigh (Morrill) Coyne, Lisa Ann Morrill-Webb, and Douglas Clinton Morrill.
David’s career as a petroleum exploration geologist and geophysicist took him and his family to many countries. His work in petroleum and gas exploration ranged from the Gulf of Mexico and George’s Bank (New England) to Europe, Saudi Arabia, Nigeria, and Southeast Asia. He earned the nickname “Lucky Dave” from his colleagues, owing to his remarkable knack for uncovering new oil and gas reserves. David left the oil industry to form an educational and consulting partnership with industry colleagues and taught those specialties to industry professionals in China, Indonesia, Italy, and Scotland.
As a family man, David delighted in taking everyone on unforgettable camping and road trips across Europe, Canada, and New England. These adventures created cherished memories and stories that are lovingly retold at family gatherings.
David’s interests outside of family and work were wide-ranging. As a young man he served as an acolyte in the Episcopal Church under Bishop John B. Coburn in Amherst. Later in life he was a member of the Men’s Group at St. Anne’s Episcopal Church in Lincoln and the Concord Men’s Group. David had a passion for history and served as a volunteer historical interpreter at the Old North Church in Boston, Sturbridge Village in Sturbridge, and at the Minute Man National Historical Park in Concord. He was a dedicated sports fan who followed the Boston Red Sox, New England Patriots, and the Boston University men’s hockey team.
David also had a penchant for gardening and landscaping, often planting and moving bushes and plants in their home’s gardens. He ran annual 10K road races with his family and occasionally enjoyed a scotch and cigar with his son and sons-in-law up at the well-loved family vacation getaway in Vermont.
David will be remembered as a man of great love and unwavering integrity — qualities that left an indelible mark on his family, friends, and colleagues. His legacy lives on in the lives he touched, the stories he inspired, and the enduring love of those who knew him.
David is survived by his wife of 68 years, Elise, and his two daughters, Karen and Lisa and sons-in-law Jim Coyne and Ian Webb, respectively. The next generation includes six remarkable grandchildren (Ben, Parker, Emma, Graham, Justin, Hannah) and two adorable great-grandchildren (Haddie and Grady).
A service celebrating David’s life will be held at 3 p.m., Saturday, January 25, at St. Anne’s in the Fields Episcopal Church, 147 Concord Road, Lincoln.
