Roland V. “Spike” Morse, Jr.
A Memorial Funeral Service will be held in the First Congregational Church, 230 Beach St., REVERE on Saturday, April 24th at 2:00 p.m., for Roland Victor “Spike” Morse, Jr., who died on Sunday, April 19th, 2020 at the Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, after becoming victim of the COVID-19 (Coronavirus), he was 79 years old. Spike was previously laid to rest in Fort Devens Post Cemetery in Devens, MA.
Roland, also nicknamed Spike” was a native of Ayer, MA, where he was born, raised & educated. Roland had a love for horses and due to his stature, following graduation from high school, he became a jockey. He had an early career that placed him in the Racing Circuit of Suffolk Downs, Rockingham Park, California & Florida. He loved feeling the power of being on a horse and feeling the wind in his face while racing. In 1966, he was drafted to serve his country during the Vietnam Era. He served his country and was honorably discharged. He was anxious to return to the racing circuit, and he did. Unfortunately, Spike had sustained and injury from a horse falling on him and due to his injuries, he was left unable to race. Although this was devastating, Spike’s love for horses allowed him to continue to train & exercise them. Spike remained in the Revere area where he met & fell in love with his wife, Kathryn & was married on October 15th 1983. Spike later became an auto mechanic for many years. He had a very keen knowledge to repair anything to do with an automobile. He then took a position with the Frean Manufacturing Company in Reading, where he retired as a Quality Control Inspector. Spike loved spending time with his wife, and they both loved their church. They are devoted members of the First Congregational Church of Revere. He & his wife would very often run the nursery for Sunday Services as well as going on retreats with fellow members of the church.
He is the devoted husband of Kathryn J. (O’Hara – Mercon) Morse of Revere, sharing 37 years of marriage. Beloved father of Roland Victor Morse, III of Worcester & Vicki Morse of Texas. Loving grandfather of Michelle Acker of Texas & great grandfather of Taylor Faulkner & Cody Woods. Dear brother of Barbara Hamson of Tewksbury, Edward Morse & wife Barbara of Townsend, Gloria Taro & husband Joseph of Texas & the late Caroline Julius. Affectionately known as a “Special Uncle” of many loving nieces, nephews, grandnieces, & grandnephews.
My uncle spike will be missed greatly. I was taught by him to fish, ride my bike, use a camera, change a tire and much much more. He was there when I first rode my horse and made my first snow dog. He was the best uncle anyone could ask for. He put up with me when I was sick. Uncle spike was like my dad. I sent him emails/letters when he was in the hospital. I called with my mom to talk to him. He was there with auntie when I just needed someone to talk to. He was there all hours as long as he was in his apartment. We watched Dora and Icarly together. We bonded the most over horses. We watched Seabiscuit, The black stallion, Black Bueaty, The black stallion series, the triple crown races, the equestrian olympics. When he picked me up every friday to go to his house he had some sort of snack. He would tell me what my surprise was at his house, I would always say “I won’t tell auntie I promise.” and then when we got to his house run and tell auntie that he told me. He even would go behind my aunties back to eat donuts, and when he picked me up or dropped me off he would sometimes snag bacon if my mom was cooking it.
May my dear uncle rest in peace
Uncle Spike will be missed! Although I have not seen him since I was a child myself, I have the most vivid and fondest memories of him and his laughter! The way he would play with me and my friends when we were little! He had a special light and warmth surrounding him and we all just wanted to be near him. The world has lost another angel and I am saddened by all our loss of him. Rest in Peace Uncle Spike.
With much love, Donna
Spike was a great friend and will truly be missed by all
I’m so very sorry to hear of his passing. May he Rest in Peace. My prayers go out to your entire family
I’LL MISS OUR TRIP TO MAINE TO GO FISH AN YOU DOING ALL MY AUTO REPAIRS
My heart greaves for Kathy right now. It was so special to see the loving relationship she and Spike still had after 37 years! Spike and Kathy cared for my kids in the First Cong. nursery. I was surprised to find that Spike really loved kids & I’m so grateful my kids & I got to know him more through his service in this ministry. My kids really liked him and he is one of very few church members my kids talk about or mention by name. Spike will be greatly missed! Until we meet again in the clouds, Rest In Peace Spike Morse. ❤️
Uncle Spike was so very special. He was always kidding and was so much fun to be around. I will always miss the family picnics where we all came together. You will be missed very much. Cousins Bubbie and Vickie, and Aunt Kathy–I am so sorry for your loss.
Uncle Spike was the BEST! As kids, when he’d visit my mom we would hide his shoes so he wouldn’t leave . Which he thought was cute for the first 20-30 minutes . Love you Uncle Spike and I’m sure you have no idea just how much and how many will miss you. I wish we could of hid your shoes at the hospital.
Aunt Kathy, Rollie and Vicky, I’m so very sorry for your loss.
Deb
I must tell Roland’s family that although I didn’t know him, his life’s story touched my heart! God be with You all ❤️