Dr. Jeffrey Clement Morse

FALMOUTH – Jeffrey Morse lived his life with quiet strength, a gentle wit, and a genuine care for others that never wavered. Born Feb. 23, 1944, to Dr. Willard J. and Julia Housley Morse, he grew up in New London, Connecticut. Like his three brothers before him, he attended the Choate School in Wallingford, Conn., and was part of an undefeated football team in 1961.

Jeff went on to Colby College in Maine and then to the University of Vermont College of Medicine, where he earned his M.D. in 1970. While at UVM, he met the love of his life, Rowan Belknap Howard, whose spirit matched his own. They married that spring and began a loving partnership that lasted more than 50 years.

Jeff’s medical career as an anesthesiologist spanned decades at Mercy Hospital and Maine Medical Center in Portland. Known for his calm confidence in the operating room and his genuine compassion for patients, he earned deep respect from colleagues and staff alike. His warm bedside manner and unshakable steadiness made him beloved by all who worked with him.

At home, Jeff was a wonderful father: firm when it mattered, yet nurturing and gentle in presence (after his sons learned how to “tend to business”). He and Rowan raised their triplet sons, Justin, Matthew, and Ehren, with love, humor, and unwavering support. He led by example, showing his boys the value of integrity, hard work, and humility.

He found true peace outdoors, whether on the water or walking the fairways with a club in hand. He was an avid sailor in his younger years, guiding his family along the Maine coast for many cherished summers. Later, golf became his obsession, not for competition, but for the rhythm, focus, and camaraderie it brought.

In retirement, Jeff turned some of his attention to the kitchen. He became the family cook, happily giving Rowan a well-deserved break after decades of packed lunches. He was a thoughtful, unpretentious cook, more often using his skills to bring family and friends together around the table.

Above all, he was “Buppa” to seven grandchildren who adored him. Whether sharing stories, teasing with his dry wit, or quietly listening, he had a way of making everyone feel seen and loved. He always turned the spotlight outward, much more interested in others than himself.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Rowan H. Morse (2018), and is survived by his sons: Justin Hamilton Morse, married to Kerry Ann, with grandchildren, William Murphy, Hannah Jean, and Tyler Hamilton; Matthew Jackson Morse, married to Karen Simard, with grandchildren, Ella Jackson and Boden Roke; and Ehren Thacher Morse, married to Lisa Diane, with grandchildren, Sofia Mae and Isabel Field. Jeff was also preceded in death by his three older siblings: Willard J. Morse Jr. MD., J.A. Michael Morse, and Christopher D. Morse.

A celebration of Jeff’s life will be held at Portland Country Club, 11 Foreside Road, Falmouth, on Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025, from 1:30-3:30 p.m., with remarks from the family at 2 p.m.