Dr. Robert Morrison

Robert Bruce Morrison, M.D.

October 8, 1945 – September 21, 2026

Robert Bruce Morrison, M.D., a longtime Arcadia physician who spent nearly four decades caring for women and families throughout the San Gabriel Valley, died at his home in Monrovia, California, on September 21, 2026, at the age of 80. He died on Yom Kippur, surrounded by his wife and all four of his children.

Robert was born in New York City on October 8, 1945, to Harold Morrison and Helen Rose Morrison. He attended Fairleigh Dickinson University and received his medical degree from New York Medical College in 1971. After completing his medical training in New York, he served in the United States Navy as a lieutenant commander at the Marine Corps base in Twentynine Palms, California.

In 1978, Robert established his medical practice in Arcadia, where he would practice obstetrics and gynecology for nearly four decades. Much of his career was spent at Methodist Hospital of Southern California, now USC Arcadia Hospital. Over the course of his career, he delivered thousands of babies and cared for generations of women and families throughout the San Gabriel Valley before retiring in 2016.

Outside of medicine, Robert was a devoted Dallas Cowboys fan and an enthusiastic supporter of the Los Angeles Kings. He enjoyed the beach and Hawaii, rode a Harley-Davidson for many years, and had a particular fondness for a pastrami on rye.

Robert also had a special affection for dogs, particularly adult dogs in need of homes. Over the years, he adopted a long succession of them, beginning with his beloved Maggie May.

Robert married Cynthia Ann Spittler on June 17, 1993, and they shared more than three decades of marriage. She was at his side when he died at home, surrounded by his children.

Robert was preceded in death by his beloved sister, Regina Morrison. He is survived by Cynthia; his children, Jaime Morrison Curtis and her husband, Carleton Curtis, Jennifer Lynn Morrison, Alec Philip Morrison, and Rachel Clare Morrison and her husband, Aaron Brownell; and his granddaughter, Scarlet Jane Curtis, who knew him simply as “Grumpa.”

Details of a memorial gathering will be announced by the family. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor Robert’s memory may make a donation to the Pasadena Humane Society, an organization he supported for many years.