Morse Obit in New York Times

[collie1228]

An obituary of Gary Morse showed up this morning in the New York Times that could have been written by Andrew Blechman ("Leisureville"). It mentioned that our community is mostly white and Republican (which apparently is a sin to the NYT), that Mr. Morse lived in a house valued at over $1M while his father lived in a manufactured home, and that children under 19 are not allowed to live here. Not flattering to us or our community. But frankly not unexpected, considering the source.

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/11/11/us/h-gary-morse-who-built-mecca-for-retirees-is-dead-at-77.html?hpw&rref=obituaries&action=click&pgtype=Homepage&module=well-region&region=bottom-well&WT.nav=bottom-well&_r=0

[graciegirl]

I won't read it. It will make me sad. This week I happened on some information from someone who knew him and I was happy to know that what I believed about him was true.

Rest in Peace Gary Morse. I honor your life.

[billybye]

What did they say that was incorrect?

[blueash]

I think it is a fine obit. It is entirely accurate and expresses both something about his personal life and more significantly explains why he was important enough to be given a NYT obit. The description of what he did, what he supported, and the nature of the community he created is spot on.

[MikeV]

Sounds like a place I would like to live. Wait, I do live there. The NYT article borders on jealousy IMO.

[manaboutown]

There are ways to express things and ways to express things. This little piece had a negative tone throughout, as if Gary's accomplishments and deeds were bad rather than good, detrimental rather than beneficial. It is all too typical of the garbage coming from this rag.

RIP Gary. Enjoy the Happy Hunting Ground. I know he loved to hunt, as do I. What I noticed when I first walked into the sales office in SL were all the mounted large trophy mule deer buck heads high on the walls.

[nkrifats]

I think it is a fine obit. It is entirely accurate and expresses both something about his personal life and more significantly explains why he was important enough to be given a NYT obit. The description of what he did, what he supported, and the nature of the community he created is spot on.

Agree, I see nothing that wrong with the article

[OBXNana]

[QUOTE=collie1228;966700]An obituary of Gary Morse showed up this morning in the New York Times that could have been written by Andrew Blechman ("Leisureville"). It mentioned that our community is mostly white and Republican (which apparently is a sin to the NYT), that Mr. Morse lived in a house valued at over $1M while his father lived in a manufactured home, and that children under 19 are not allowed to live here. Not flattering to us or our community. But frankly not unexpected, considering the source.


I think this is a wonderful tribute to a man that lived the American dream. The reference to Republican, mostly white, and children are in The Villages on a limited basis, is an accurate, factual statement.

It references his fathers CHOICE to live in a manufactured home and Mr. Morse's choice not to. $1M home is an expensive home to me, but in the scope of things, Mr. Morse could have easily lived in far more luxury.

What specifically in the obituary did you find offensive? If I were a surviving member of the Morse family, I would be proud of the accomplishments made from a man that had a dream and vision. Certainly, to me, this obituary does not in any way reflect poorly on Mr. Morse or The Villages.

[redwitch]

I think it could have done without the comment about where Harold lived, but I think the rest is accurate, especially given Gary's desire for privacy.

[NotGolfer]

I didn't see any negatives with the article except as Redwitch stated it could have gone w/out the comments on what type of homes Gary and his dad lived in. Don't think that would be a factor in my obit when the time comes so why should it here?? I think the article just hi-lighted how the free enterprise system works and someone obtains success through the American Dream.

[rdhdleo]

An obituary of Gary Morse showed up this morning in the New York Times that could have been written by Andrew Blechman ("Leisureville"). It mentioned that our community is mostly white and Republican (which apparently is a sin to the NYT), that Mr. Morse lived in a house valued at over $1M while his father lived in a manufactured home, and that children under 19 are not allowed to live here. Not flattering to us or our community. But frankly not unexpected, considering the source.

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/11/11/us/h-gary-morse-who-built-mecca-for-retirees-is-dead-at-77.html?hpw&rref=obituaries&action=click&pgtype=Homepage&module=well-region&region=bottom-well&WT.nav=bottom-well&_r=0

Why is the truth not flattering? While the housing choices part was not necessary it also was true, his father chose to live simply where as Gary chose to enjoy the fruits of his labors.

[snowbird22154]

[QUOTE=collie1228;966700]An obituary of Gary Morse showed up this morning in the New York Times that could have been written by Andrew Blechman ("Leisureville"). It mentioned that our community is mostly white and Republican (which apparently is a sin to the NYT), that Mr. Morse lived in a house valued at over $1M while his father lived in a manufactured home, and that children under 19 are not allowed to live here. Not flattering to us or our community. But frankly not unexpected, considering the source.




:BigApplause:

[joldnol]

the article was fine. Too many folks look for things to be offended about now a days.

[rdhdleo]

the article was fine. Too many folks look for things to be offended about now a days.

:agree: :BigApplause:

[Madelaine Amee]

I cannot see anything wrong with it, factual on every point. Some people feel the need to see negativity in everything .....................

[sunnyatlast]

They forgot to mention that the #2 state group moving here got out of New York, in search of a place where they could finally afford to be a homeowner and live in a city that is clean and safe enough to set foot outside the door after dark.

[Chi-Town]

They forgot to mention that the #2 state group moving here got out of New York, in search of a place where they could finally afford to be a homeowner and live in a city that is clean and safe enough to set foot outside the door after dark.

Hey New Yorkers, welcome to Shangri la! 20 million people living in an unclean and unsafe place in fear of the night must have been unbearable.

[Gary7]

I agree that the obit may not be perceived as flattering to TV residents ... but it is accurate and truthful.

[keithwand]

He did live simply here for a billionaire.
A million dollar home is a drop in the bucket.

[billethkid]

He did live simply here for a billionaire.
A million dollar home is a drop in the bucket.

And it does not take much to make a one million dollar home....there are many in TV.

[applesoffh]

This is a typical NYT obit and I found nothing offensive about it. There no lies or mis-statements. The reference to a $1 million dollar home doesn't raise an eyebrow in NYC, believe me. I just found it to be a measure of the growth and success of The Villages since he took over the reins from his father, that's all.

[Walt.]

I'm kind of surprised they didn't mention the recent "scandals" involving the sex-crazed oldies here. But they didn't, so that's a plus.
They did, for some reason, mention that he lived in a $1,000,000 home. When was the last time you saw the price of someone's home in an obituary? They failed to mention that his dad lived in the manufactured home by choice.
Ah well. On balance it wasn't bad or good.

[GatorFan]

Gary and Sharon lived in a manufactured home for many years.

[Sandtrap328]

The only glaring mis-statement is that The Villages comprises only 30 square miles. I would estimate the area to be around 250 square miles or so.

[gomoho]

If you have a problem with the obit you should probably move, cause it is basically the reality of The Villages.

[graciegirl]

If you have a problem with the obit you should probably move, cause it is basically the reality of The Villages.

I just read it. And as you say, it was not offensive.

[TNLAKEPANDA]

What did they say that was incorrect?

Ditto that

[collie1228]

If you have a problem with the obit you should probably move, cause it is basically the reality of The Villages.

I just went back and re-read my original post, and I don't see where I said anything about having a problem with the obit, that it was offensive or if anything was not factual - I only said it is unflattering. Which it is, mostly due to its tone. Your comment above is unwarranted and obnoxious, and is the reason why many people don't like to post here. I think I'm all done too.

[Gary7]

The only glaring mis-statement is that The Villages comprises only 30 square miles. I would estimate the area to be around 250 square miles or so.

I am a bit surprised that they stated 30 square miles ... where the majority of their marketing material states 32 square miles ... but
after the planned expansion, TV will be 40 square miles per a VCDD workshop.

[gerryann]

RIP Mr. Morse......despite all this nonsense regarding your obituary.

[sueandskip]

sounds like they printed the truth ...??????

[dewilson58]

I hope my obit is not very truthful....................it will be more fun.


:pepper2:

:pepper2:

:pepper2:

[Sally Jo]

Collie 1228 I agree with you. I thought the obit was snarky.

[2BNTV]

Anyone who has read "Leisureville" would see that Andrew Blechman has an ax to grind, against TV, As usual, it doesn't surprise me that he is one of those people, who needs to find something wrong with something, in the guise of "being truthful".

The obit was factual but not respectful of the great accomplishments, of the Morse family. IMHO

Let him rest in peace.

[joldnol]

Anyone who has read "Leisureville" would see that Andrew Blechman has an ax to grind, against TV, As usual, it doesn't surprise me that he is one of those people, who needs to find something wrong with something, in the guise of "being truthful".

The obit was factual but not respectful of the great accomplishments, of the Morse family. IMHO

Let him rest in peace.

Leisureville was a fine read for me when I was researching The Villages. Most of his major complaints were not troubling to me (the villages are mostly middle class, tv lacks diversity, tv lacks kids etc), but some of the reasons for concern were valid. We weighted the good and the bad before deciding and the good far out weigh the bad IMO. We live in a wonderful community and my wife and I consider us to be blessed to be here but I also see the warts too.