Dr. J. Morgan Rasmussen of La Jolla, a World War II veteran and prominent member of many community organizations, died Tuesday, Sept. 26, of cancer.
Rasmussen, who was born in Marshfield, Wis., on Aug. 31, 1919, graduated in 1942 from the Palmer College of Chiropractic in Iowa and practiced for 38 years in Pasadena.
Before leaving for Europe to serve as part of the X-ray and medical department in the war, Rasmussen fell in love with San Diego during basic training at the old Camp Callan in the Torrey Pines area.
In 1984, he retired in Pasadena, where he held offices in the Pasadena Lions Club and the Chamber of Commerce.
He moved to La Jolla in 1996, becoming socially active in Newcomers and Who’s Who and remaining physically active by jogging up to six miles and doing 100 chin-ups per day. At age 85 he was featured on Channel 8 sports news.
A true optimist, Rasmussen saw the good side of all life’s challenges and was committed to making the planet a better place to live.
He is survived by cousins Mary van Gordon, Joanne Dougherty and Beth Beir, all of Wisconsin, and many friends who will miss his warmth, cheerfulness and incredible loyalty.
Memorial services have not been announced, but donations may be sent in his name to Greenpeace, 75 Arkansas St., San Francisco, CA 94107, or to the San Diego Humane Society, 5500 Gaines St., San Diego, CA 92110.