Journal Staff Report
Forty-six years of broadcasting was enough.
Forty-six years of any one career would probably be enough for most. Police officers and firefighters can retire after 20 years on the job, and most other civil servants are allowed to a pension after 25 years.
Howard Morgan did nearly twice that, doing weather reports nightly for more than a generation.
Morgan, now 71, retired from his job as KOAT-TV's weather forecaster two years ago. In the business since 1953, Morgan steadily worked his career in four states.
But most New Mexicans knew Morgan for his gardening tips, the smiling sun named "Thermo" he drew during his forecasts and the smile he gave after each broadcast that became his trademark.
Today, Morgan spends most of his time painting and sculpting, most recently showing 15 pieces at the Weems Artfest. "That was enjoyable and that's what I'm continuing to do."
A Pennsylvania native, Morgan started his broadcast career in Nebraska, where he was doing some graphic artwork for station KHOL. He was pulled to do weather reports there; in 1971 he took his craft to KOAT.
Morgan's last broadcast for Channel 7 was in November 1999.
"I miss the people (at KOAT), but 46 years of broadcasting was, I think, long enough," Morgan said. He is considering doing some work in television, such as commercials. "I haven't made my mind up yet," he said.
In February, Morgan became a widower. Phyllis Morgan, 67, died about 10 months short of their 50th wedding anniversary.
Morgan remains active, with art and carpentry and — of course — the garden, even though he battled a dry spring this year.
"It was a struggle to get anything to grow well," Morgan said. "It grew, but not that well. ... tomatoes early in the year were a little tough, and peas had a hard time making it. But each year is a little bit different, so it's a challenge."
As for painting, Morgan has spent the last week working on pastels. "I usually have about three paintings going at once or two or three sculptures at once. . . Whatever mood strikes me, that's what I'll be doing."
