Seafair Pirates are available for your Event. Contact our Public Relations
In Memory of Morie Lohre
Captain Kidd 1995-1996
7/20/1948 - 6/3/2002
“We Want Morie! We Want Morie!”
Morie was my sponsor. In the Seafair Pirates everyone has a sponsor who introduces them to the Order and shepherds them through the ups and downs of that long, long Candidate year. Even after becoming a full fledged Pirate, your sponsor remains one of your closest friends. In the case of Morie and I, the bond grew even closer than most, because he had no one else, besides the Pirates.
This sounds silly, but one of the coolest things about being a Seafair Pirate has got to be riding around Seattle on our pirate ship, Moby Duck. Formerly a WWII amphibious landing craft, thinly disguised as a Spanish Galleon, the Duck is now essentially the world’s heaviest sports-car. Well, my sponsor, Morie was the Duck driver. This meant getting to ride around in the Duck a bit more than most candidates. (Sometimes a lot more, and in the rain at that.) You know how little kids love to wave at big rig truck drivers and train engineers? Well it was with Morie that I first discovered that all those people who get waved at by kids, all wave at the Duck and we get to wave back to them!
You think that BMW in the driveway impresses the neighbors? Ha! It’s nothing compared with being driven right to your doorstep by the Duck!
Morie became a Pirate in 1982 and for much of his time he was the Duck Driver. Trouble with his legs and feet kept Morie off the street, he only ran one parade while I knew him, but he got as big a bang out of it as any new Pirate at his first parade. Speaking of bangs, you could always count on Morie to have some fireworks about him somewhere. Most often his flash-paper charged “finger-flashers” which lobbed balls of flame across any dark & crowded room that the Pirates found themselves in. Morie also carried a little derringer. Now most of the Pirates carry black powder guns at sometime, but Morie’s were inevitably loaded with that little something extra; Roman Candle Balls!
Not every “good pirate” is a “street pirate.” Morie was typical of this kind of Pirate. He made it his business to pass on as much as he knew of the long history, storied legends and traditions that make up the fifty year legacy that is being a Seafair Pirate. Much of his time was spent with candidates. They could always count on him to be ready with the funny anecdote or timely bit of advise. More often than not it was on Morie’s shoulder the candidates cried when we Pirates were “too mean to them,” and it was often his slightly woolly wisdom that saved a candidacy in trouble. He easily shed his avuncular role though, Morie loved his practical jokes and jealously guarded his self-appointed roll as the “bestower of nick-names.” (Much to the chagrin of many of the newly christened.)
Morie, rather like “Walter Mitty” fancied that people regarded him as a rough, gruff, bad-tempered tough guy. Alas, poor Morie, we all knew you too well. We saw you for what you really were, a big-hearted, sentimental softie, who cared for his brother Pirates just like the family that they were to him.
These last few years Morie’s health was in a long decline. There was nothing you could put your finger on, he just seemed to be sort of drifting away. Gradually he stopped going out on pirate operations, until one day 2 years ago he just stopped. — I was Captain in 2000. I think Morie was prouder of that accomplishment than I was, so, it makes me rather sad that his declining health never let him see me as the Captain he so very much wanted me to be.
My sponsor, Morie Lohre, has embarked on the last and longest of voyages, down to join the other immortal Seafair Pirates in the safe keeping of Davy Jones. Bon Voyage. • DC Smith, Captain Kidd 2000
In a message dated 6/9/02 2:08:19 PM, Doug Lindal writes:
<< DC - I am deeply saddened by the news of Morie's passing. I never realized his illness was that severe. When I returned from the desert last month and saw him, he was actually looking OK and seemed up to his usual jovial remarks. Being away all winter I guess I missed the clues to his declining health.
Morie was also my sponsor, seeking me out as his Davy in '95 when his first dozen choices turned him down! I liked him from the start, that self depreciating manner and the coy humor. Sitting in the high chairs during Seafair with him on Moby Duck was a summer I will never forget. One of his proudest moments was raiding his blueprint/printing workplace and showing off the crew to his co-workers - and then insisting we raid my office as well.
Morie loved the pirates and was a supporter right through all the challenges of the early nineties and was an old hand to guide the boys as we rebuilt. His brothers recognized this passion by making him a Captain, even though he really didn't want the spotlight. Instead he liked to work behind the scenes to help out, except off course when he stood up on meeting nights and blasted off on some minor point or used the moment to anoint some pirate with a new nickname to honor some low achievement at a recent raid or parade!
Despite being unemployed the last few years with his health problems, he never hesitated to reach deep into his pocket to assist the club when urgent bills were due. Indeed his will be a high standard for all of us to stride for, many years to come.
I received this e-mail from you while on the road so I will be unable to attend the wake this evening. Raise a toast for me to the best damn pirate in the crew! >>
Go to www.columbiafuneralhome.com and at the home page click Obituaries on the left navigation bar. The current obituaries list will load and you will see Morie's name. Click his name to access the obituary. At the obituary click guest book on the left and follow the instructions.
Remember Mohre Here.
I did not know Morie. My Dad was sort of a Pirate also. I wonder where Morie's family was from, Norway or Germany? tom@tomlohre.com
Morie and I were candidates together and were admitted to The Seafair Pirates on the same evening. We always enjoyed a special comradery because of that and because we just plain liked each other. We were close friends throughout our active Pirate years and stood back to back defending each other like the Musketeers of olde. He had a wit and dry sense of humor that only a few of recognized. Sometimes, downright silly like the time we were in the Yakima Parade and he suddenly stopped the Duck and shouted back at me, "Vance look, a wholesale furniture store!!" I looked to where he was pointing and sure enough, there was a big sign that read Furniture Wholesale. It meant nothing but with his big wide-eyed expression one would have thought that he had just witnessed the 2nd coming. I still have to laugh when I think of it. You could count on Morie to keep the Duck running and during every Seafair he would don his mechanic coveralls and ragged old tennis shoes and be out working on the Duck early in the morning, getting her ready for another day.The memories I have of Morie are many and I will cherish them as the years go by. He was my friend.
Morie Lohre was my friend since 1975, and he always greeted me with a warm smile. He was a nice guy, and and never forgot to ask how I was doing. I will miss him, I was saddened to hear of his passing.
"In Memroy of a great PIRATE and a fellow Brother. To Morie A quite but yet and admirable Pirate. When I first joined the Seafair Pirates I saw a lot of pirates on that one night. That you are called in to talk about why you want to be a pirate. Well all the question came and I had to answer. Well after the meeting was done and all had been said. Morie came up to me and said, Don't worry you'll do fine. Just listen and do as your asked and all will be fine. I knew then that Morie was going to help me through my canidate year. And as I thought , Morie was there for me when the hard times came. He would see that I was not doing some things right and he would coach me and I appreciated that. It was Morie as I said in my letter before becoming a real Member of the Seattle Seafair Pirates. That Morie helped me the best Pirate that I could be. And I will miss him a lot. As a canidate I remembered to make sure that at the meetings that he had a full Picther of ICED WATER. And as time went and I became a Pirate I told my fellow canidates to make sure that when MORIE was at the meeting to have a full pitcher of cold Ice water for him. I know he liked that. MORIE I will forever miss my Brother and Friend. But you will always be in the minds and the hearts of every SEAFAIR PIRATE, For as long as we live. Long Live Your Love and Memories of the Seattle Seafair Pirates, I will miss those stories you used to tell, But I will always remember who told them. So go into the sunset and into those calm waters as we sail in that journey in which we will all meet . But sail not alone, But with our hearts with you. Long live your Love and Memories. You will be missed. ","12.13.226.11","","Friday June 14, 2002","07:22 AM -0700"
So sorry to read about your loss today in the Times. Morie was one of a kind. He'll surely be missed.
When I became a pirate candidate I was more afraid of you than any of the
other pirates.
But the more that I got to know you, I discovered the real person. You were a
truly caring and helpful person always helping and guiding the candidates.
I will always remember you.
Smooth sailing freind!!!!!!
Bob Spitzer bspitzer@encompserv.com <mailto:bspitzer@encompserv.com> Jun 17, 2002 Seattle, WA
The Dead Parrot Lounge was where I First met Morie when the Pirates raided the Commodor's Party after Torchlight and convinced the New Westminster Police Colour Guard to join them in a night of partying I will never forget. We have Partied together many times since both in Seattle and during Hyack Days.I remember good times only and Morie's contribution was considerable.Now that I am a Pirate I feel the loss of a brother and pray that God rest his soul.Heaven must have sailing ships and Morie will Captain one of them as well as he drove our beloved Moby Duck.
Elemer Lazar razal.e@shaw.ca <mailto:razal.e@shaw.ca> Jun 14, 2002 Port Coquitlam, BC Canada
Morie....
Much too soon...We were signed on as candidates together and sailed as
members together...You found a song,
called Men...and we sang that sucker for many years...Old Tom gave us the
moniker...Tweedle Dee &
Tweedle Dum...I cherish those many
times we sang the song...and those
many great times as Seafair Pirates.
I know you now rest in calmness and
peace. thank you for you.
Ken Boisse
Ken Boisse tongueincheekprod@yahoo.com <mailto:tongueincheekprod@yahoo.com> Jun 13, 2002 Seattle, WA USA
Morie I may have married your ex-wife, but we were friends. We had a lot in
common such as Pirates, and Firesign Theater. All I have to say is God must have
needed a Duck Driver and a mechanic.
Put you bow into the wind and your past behind you.
Scott Hamilton pyratered@earthlink.net <mailto:pyratered@earthlink.net> Jun 13, 2002 Seattle, WA
Morie was the best, I got him started in the blueprint business and I wish he was still there. I have not seen Morie in years, but his memory will be with me forever.
Don Bitterman donb@pi-express.com <mailto:donb@pi-express.com> Jun 13, 2002 Portland, OR
Morie, I remember one night the phone rang and it was an unexpected but much welcomed call from you. You said you were just thinking about me and wanted to chat. I will always remember that call and the many great times DeeGee & I shared with you and the Seafair Pirates. We will always remember the chant, We want Morie! We salute and toast one of the good guys. Ben Blackbeard Cherry & DeeGee
Blackbeard benanddeegee@webtv.net <mailto:benanddeegee@webtv.net> Jun 13, 2002 Plymouth, NC
Morie I was your wife for 11 years. We had good time and bad, but always
remained friends and Pirates.
The thing I remember the most is how much you wanted to be a Pirate and I told
you go for it and I will be behind you. You put your whole heart and sole in the
Seattle Seafair Pirates and we both met a lot of wonderful people. Now that you
are gone I feel very sad and hope that you watch your Pirate friends from up
above.
Remember That there will always be a place in my heart for you my friend.
Somewhere there's a haven for old men of the sea. A place where they can take
the helm, and sail eternally. Somewhere there's a ship that waits you and it
will bare your name and you can ride the endless waves and stir your course
again. God Bless you my Friend
Darlene Hamilton (Lohre) pyratqueen@earthlink.net <mailto:pyratqueen@earthlink.net> Jun 13, 2002 Seattle, WA
Morrie, you were the best "Duck Driver" ever. Those special days
with you before anyone else got there, the cold mornings. A song with you,
Weaver and Tom Tom, such special times. The laughter when Curly had to jump to
catch the ladder, I know you did that on purpose. You have a special place in
the happy memorioes of all who knew you. May God keep your soul in calm seas.
Texas, Ms Eileen
Eileen Wagner ewagner030@aol.com <mailto:ewagner030@aol.com> Jun 12, 2002 Houston, TX
Although I am a Pirate of 35 years
and sailed with Morie o'er many a rough sea, my fondest recollections of him are
as a real human being walking with dignity when he was not
being the clown. Ever kind and gentle to children and adults. The world is a
better place because Morie passed this way. We all will surely miss you Morie.
Robert Smyth rsmyth@bendnet.com <mailto:rsmyth@bendnet.com> Jun 12, 2002 Seattle, WA
Morie and I were candidates together, part of the Class of 10 in 1982. Morie
was the happy go lucky one of us, always working the extra shift and taking the
heat from the crew. A better candidate never served with the Pirates. I will
miss his rendition of Men, Men, Men, his mastery of the art of Duck driving and
his passion for Harvey Wallbangers.
Morie, may your seas be calm and your flagon always filled with good stout grog.
Robb robb@comstation.com <mailto:robb@comstation.com> Jun 12, 2002 Port Orchard, WA
Morie,
You were too young to go. I don't remember the last time I saw you but it was
probably over 30 years ago. You were my first date...we went to a Prep football
game and your Dad drove us. We had many fun times playing with all the kids on
20th street...I especially remember the long summer eveings all the kids hanging
out...sitting on the bulkhead next to your mothers rose garden. The Warners, the
Petersons, Ramona and all of her sisters were just a few of the kids that I
recall. Time goes too fast but you were definately part of my childhood and you
will not be forgotten. The peace of Christ be with you...
Jeanne Brannon Nichols jnichols@u.washington.edu <mailto:jnichols@u.washington.edu> Jun 12, 2002 Seattle, WA
Morie, Morie, Morie!
You, Marcel & Weaver must be having the time of your lives sharing memories
and good times as we cry our selfish tears at your passing. Thanks for being a
"true" pirate...appreciating the women and treating them kindly! The
many "winches" that part-teed with you three over the years will never
forget the times and places and will be forever thankful. And will forever be
hiding the pictures!!! Love you!
Connie Sanford Constance.p.Sanford@Boeing.com <mailto:Constance.p.Sanford@Boeing.com> Jun 12, 2002 Auburn, WA
I feel privileged to have known you, Morie, and your family. Good sailing old friend.Cap't Kidd 1988Butch
Butch Hulit butchnboots@webtv.net <mailto:butchnboots@webtv.net> Jun 12, 2002 Seattle, WA
Morie was a master of pranks and jokes. A gentle soul, his humor was always
fun and harmless.
As a Pirate candidate I was assigned by Morie the task of ensuring his drink
glass always contained two ice cubes. No more, no less. Woe to me if he found
two and a half chunks of ice at the bottom of his drink.
His wit and humor propelled the Seafair Pirates' "Torguga Trio" along
in our brief existance. I think he actualy liked my banjo plucking. "Hey,
Pop! Play me that song again and pass me one of your beers." That was Morie.
He was always ready for a good laugh and an off-key tune.
Greatly underappreciated, he stood by his friends and Pirates through thick and
thin. It was never "about him." It was always the club first. He was
one of the good ones. It will be a long time before we find anyone capable of
filling the shoes of Capt. Tweedle-Dum.
Smooth sailing, my friend!
Gary max1928@attbi.com <mailto:max1928@attbi.com> Jun 12, 2002 Kent, WA
Morie was a master of pranks and jokes. A gentle soul, his humor was always
fun and harmless.
As a Pirate candidate I was assigned by Morie the task of ensuring his drink
glass always contained two ice cubes. No more, no less. Woe to me if he found
two and a half chunks of ice at the bottom of his drink.
His wit and humor propelled the Seafair Pirates' "Torguga Trio" along
in our brief existance. I think he actualy liked my banjo plucking. "Hey,
Pop! Play me that song again and pass me one of your beers." That was Morie.
He was always ready for a good laugh and an off-key tune.
Greatly underappreciated, he stood by his friends and Pirates through thick and
thin. It was never "about him." It was always the club first. He was
one of the good ones. It will be a long time before we find anyone capable of
filling the shoes of Capt. Tweedle-Dum.
Smooth sailing, my friend!
Gary max1928@attbi.com <mailto:max1928@attbi.com> Jun 12, 2002 Kent, WA
As part of a candidate crew of 6 pirates, I can say that Morie
stands out as a man who loved to watch over the flock of new guys
who were trying to prove themselves as worthy to become a
Seattle Seafair Pirate. Morie showed us the example, answered
our questions and kept us on track all of the time. He truly showed
his love for the club and his concern over all candidates.
His wit, humor and role as "Godfather of Nicknames" will be sorely
missed by everyone.
You'll remain humbly my friend forever, Laffite
Ron Paul ronald.r.paul@boeing.com <mailto:ronald.r.paul@boeing.com> Jun 12, 2002 Seattle, WA
Whenever someone would make remarks about the Pirates at Seafair, I always used Morrie as my example of the best a Seafair Pirate could be. He was entertaining, funny, generous with his time and an all around great guy. I hope that you, Marcel and Weaver are having a grand time, Morrie. You were truly one of the best.
Trapper Graves trapperg2@aol.com <mailto:trapperg2@aol.com> Jun 12, 2002 Seattle, WA
I worked for Morie at his Exxon station and have great and fond memories of an extraordinary man. He gave us the confidence to do what we wanted and the freedom to try. We will miss you Morie!
Frank Kos Jun 12, 2002 Seattle, WA
I would not be a Seafair Pirate were it not for Morie's prodding and pushing me at so many Seafair events during my time as a driver for the Seafair Princess Program. I owe him much unspoken thanks and gratitude. His passing will remind me not to forget to say "thank you my friend" to so many others....Farewell you grumpy old man. Stories will be told of you my friend....stories will be told.....
Paul Denini Jun 11, 2002 Seattle, WA
Morrie was the first pirate I ever had contact with, and without a doubt one of the men I really appreciated in the club. He was always ready to talk, share, and even offer up his own gimmicks to the younger members. I consider it a great loss that I will not be able to truly appreciate him for the man he was, and that I hadn't time to find out more. Goodbye, God Bless, and see you again in calmer waters.
Lance English Jun 11, 2002 Seattle, WA
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
| HOME |
Adventures With Seafair Pirates |
PORTS O'CALL | PICTURE ALBUM | CANDIDATES APPLY HERE |
GUEST BOOK |
NEWS, LINKS, SPONSORS | PLUNDER Gift Shop |
Copyright © 2007 [Ale and Quail Society]. All rights reserved.
Complaints,
suggestions and questions about this site? or Need more Info?
Revised:
July 30, 2007 - Made with 100% Recycled
Electrons