08/08/1941 - 08/24/2013

Michael Bernard Morris of La Quinta, CA and Chisholm, MN made a peaceful

transition from his desert home on August 24th, following a long battle with a rare

form of cancer originating in the appendix. The last months of his life were greatly

enhanced by the excellent care he received from North Star Hospice in Hibbing, MN

and VNA California Hospice, Palm Desert. During his final moments he was

surrounded by family, dear friends and spiritual mentors who had gathered

spontaneously to say good-by.

Michael was born on August 8th, 1941, to Nell (Angeline Theresa Walkowiak) and

Joseph Richard Morris in St. Joseph, MO. He joined the Navy at seventeen, serving

primarily as an aircraft carrier electronics technician. Two tours of duty in the

Mediterranean sparked an enduring love of travel, highlighted by trips to Russia in

1992 and Japan in 2001. In recent years, he challenged himself to enjoy as many of

Americaʼs National Parks as possible and looked forward to re-visiting Rome.

A lifelong scholar, Michael had a passion for world history, economics, philosophy,

spiritual practices and the arts. Following his graduation with honors from the

University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, he was awarded a fellowship to pursue African

studies at the Madison campus. For most of the next 50 years Michael brought his

wide-ranging experiences and intellectual interests to his career as a stockbroker in

Milwaukee and Chicago, retiring from Wachovia (now Wells Fargo) in 2003.

Michael will be remembered most for his generosity in sharing his diverse passions

with others. The cabin at Dewey Lake and winter home in La Quinta were always

“open house” for friends and family. Special shows at Chicagoʼs Art Institute, blues

and jazz venues or the Chicago Symphony - where he served on the Board of

Governors - were opportunities always enhanced when enjoyed with friends and

clients. Upon learning that a young relative with a severe disability was a huge

Michael Jordan fan, Michael arranged a trip to Chicago and a Bulls game for the

family.

Michael is survived by his loving son, Aaron and beloved Bobbie, whom he married in

2000. Numerous nieces and nephews in Minnesota and Wisconsin, along with

cousins in Missouri mourn his loss.

Due to the rare nature of his cancer, Michael was determined that others might benefit

from his final struggle, donating his body for research purposes through ScienceCare.

Final arrangements are pending until the completion of this process, with an interfaith

Celebration of Life tentatively scheduled for late September or early October at the

Center for Spiritual Living in Palm Springs, CA.