Dennis Ivor Morris, born on 16 May 1924, in Tunbridge Wells, England, had his formative education at the Worshipful Company of Skinners School.
He received a comprehensive education, displaying a vast knowledge that spanned various fields including literature, history, and science.
This was followed by a surveying job in British Columbia, Canada, before returning to Australia in 1952 to join the Hydro-Electric Commission of Tasmania as a surveyor.
Morris brought his expertise in weeds and monocotyledons to this project, as well as his skill in literature review and botanical nomenclature.
[3] Morris's extensive contributions to Tasmanian botany were formally acknowledged when he was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Science degree by the University of Tasmania in December 2003.