Well-known Butler businessman, William "Bill" Morgan Jr., 78, died Sunday morning at UPMC Presbyterian Hospital, Pittsburgh.

Known to his peers as a leader, a work-a-holic and an innovator, Morgan will be remembered as much for his civic accomplishments as his business success.

"He put his money where his mouth was ... Then, he would rally others to get involved," said Alan Offstein, a former president of the board of the Butler County Chamber of Commerce. "And he always did what he said he was going to do. ... He got things done."

Morgan, who owned the Morgan Building on Diamond Street, is credited with many civic accomplishments including helping to save the Butler County Chamber of Commerce from financial and image problems.

"I'll remember him best as being so generous of spirit," said Chamber president Stan Kosciuszko.

The chamber in 2004 established the William A. Morgan Jr. Entrepreneur of the Year award to honor a business achievement by an individual.

Dick Musko of RPMusko &Associates said Morgan always "went out on a limb ... just before it breaks ... to get things done."

Musko noted the tremendous impact Morgan had on the community.

"He always did things first-class," Musko said. "To Bill, there was no second class."

In addition to contributions of time and money, Morgan was known to inspire others to help out.

"He just breathed energy into you. ... And he was always looking to build toward the future," said architect John Kosar of the Burt Hill architectural firm. "This is a great loss to our community."

Vernon Wise, publisher of The Butler Eagle, has been a personal friend to Morgan for 60 years.

"The community lost a truly outstanding leader," Wise said, noting that endeavors Morgan had a current interest in included revitalization of Main Street and creation of a new facility of Ellen O'Brien Gaiser Addiction Center.

"He's been instrumental in helping us grow," said Linda Franiewski, administrator at the center. "He was passionate about helping individuals achieve sobriety."