Dr. Arthur Morel
1929-2025
Dr. Arthur Morel was surrounded by his loved ones when he passed away early this August at his home in Santa Barbara, California.
Born in rural Louisiana to Felix and Theresa Morel of New Roads, Art excelled in school, explored electronics by building radios, and was even reputed to be of a bit of a prankster in the community, setting off stink bombs in the local theater, and putting exploding snaps in the playgrounds.
He served as a petty officer in the US Navy as an airborne radar repair technician, updating WWII carriers with modern radar. After discharge, he attended Louisiana State University, finishing his undergraduate studies in three years. He saved his GI bill to secure his medical degree and specialized in radiology.
It was here that he met Charice, who became his lifelong love. Together they were blessed with five children, Marsie, Melissa, Charles, Marion (Dodie) and Arthur Jr., their respective spouses, 10 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren. He was predeceased by Melissa.
Fortune took them to Santa Barbara where Art practiced radiology for over 30 years at Cottage Hospital. He relished his work, enjoyed mentoring the department staff, and helped establish the City College Radiological Technician Program. But he mostly loved caring for his patients. Once while hospitalized in his 90’s, he was asked by the attending nurses what kind of doctor he was. His response was all Art Morel, “I was a good doctor.” Respect and empathy were his specialty.
Art was a man of energy and action. He found adventure by traveling the back roads or hiking the Sierras, by scuba diving in the Santa Barbara Channel or dirt bike riding in the desert. He found lifelong friends, both young and old, in boating, tennis, skiing and travel. Ever since college, Art nurtured the hobby of photography, maintaining a dark room for decades, and taking
thousands of photos documenting those he loved, the places he saw, and the marching of time.
One of his biggest passions was wine and its craft. He found his place in a cadre of like-minded home wine makers, known as ‘Compañeros.’ Their wines were, and continue to be, legendary in the Santa Barbara wine community. It was a perfect mix of fraternity, alchemy, and friends – the Good Life. Some advice we fondly remember from our father includes:
Never go to bed angry (at your spouse!)
Watch your step. (From Great Grampy)
Tomorrow is another day.
Take the path less traveled.
Be flexible.
Art Morel was a gentleman to all, always open to new friends and experiences, and generous with his time, praise and support. He will be remembered for the blessings he brought to everyone he encountered. But in the end, it is his role as husband and father that we will cherish most.
So raise your glass to a true self-made “Man for All Seasons!”
Laissez Les Bon Temps Rouler!
A private Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
