Monty Morris
Monty was born on 14 May 1974 in Ft Wayne, IN & raised in Raccoon Creek, KY by Jack & Joyce Morris, alongside his sister, Crystal. Monty joined the Air Force in 1992 & served 8 years, during which time he completed 2 deployments to the Middle East.
During & around these early years of life, Monty loved & lost & struggled to find sure footing. He fathered Colbey, Drew, & Saisha.
In 2002, Monty met Tiffany -- a woman who would become the love of his life & his best friend. She was his person, & he was hers. They worked hard to heal the years' worth of wounds in their individual hearts to eventually grow into 2 whole hearts beating together as one. They built a beautiful life & home -- by their rules & true to the dictates of their own consciences. The energy & vibrance with which they walked together through life was unrivaled...& they had so much walking left to do.
Together, Monty & Tiff raised Teisha & Ashland. Monty & Tiff parented with the intent of raising critical thinkers, kind spirits, & quick witted rivals. (Today, Teish & Ash can hold their own.) Monty was both a warm & a pointed father. And most importantly, he was a father who didn't take the art of parenting too seriously...whether he was tricking one of his young drivers into turning onto the freeway or teaching them the classic literary value of South Park. He challenged them with whiteboard riddles, taught them the art of making their own Cards Against Humanity cards, & kept them mesmerized with his ability to fart on command.
Most recently, Monty was secretly looking forward to being the coolest grandpa ever to little Shlomo, who he swore looked like a unicorn in ultrasound images.
Monty will be deeply missed by his beloved fur babies: Baxter, Jackie, & Jeter (the "10 lb asshole"). Monty daydreamed of winning the lottery to open a sanctuary for dogs.
On Sundays, Monty could be found glued to a Dolphins game, as he graciously tried to tolerate Tiff, Teish, & Ash's love of the "Squealers." But never did he get more animated than when he was watching a UK basketball game. #GoBigBlue
Throughout his life, Monty was ever-evolving. He rarely stayed still or stagnated, & all of this was a beautiful process to watch. In recent years, it was clear that Monty had become more comfortable than ever in his own skin. This comfort was immeasurably influenced by the deep, connected relationship he developed with his brother-in-law, Sean.
Those who knew Monty know that he was a consummate adventurer...but not all who wander are lost. Monty had an insatiable curiosity & a lifelong desire to experience & conquer all quests. He left no stone unturned. Monty was a fisherman, an actor, a musician, a composer, a DJ, a motorcycle enthusiast, an artist, & a poet. His sister said it best: "Punky lived life on his terms." He lived life deeply, genuinely, & at full throttle. And because of that, he packed a lot of living into his 42 years.
Monty is remembered & missed by so many friends & family. For those that love Monty, a celebration of his life will be held on 9 December 2016 at Starks Funeral Parlor (3651 S. 900 East, SLC) from 6:00-8:00 PM. Complimentary valet parking will be provided on the north side of the building.
Please check back where a slideshow video may be viewed.
"The world around us moves on.
The world around us must go on." -- Monty