A story by Stephanie Boulianne
(School Teacher and Good Friend of Peter's from the Bay Area)

I met Peter about 6 about 6 years ago when I became his neighbor.  One day my three-year old niece was visiting from Canada and hanging out, outside my door, when I heard this deep voice talking to her.  I stuck my head outside and there was this big guy with a baseball cap, obnoxious flowered shirt, beat up jeans, and running shoes ( I soon realized this was Peter's favorite look) crouched down admiring her tutu.  They were engaged in a serious conversation about how the color blue was the BEST color to tutus and how lovely she looked in it.  I invited him in to chat, and from that point forwards we were friends.

Peter had to have been the kindest, most thoughtful, and intelligent man I had ever met.  What made him so special was how he would never think twice about helping ANYONE in need, and I mean anyone.  Personally, I came to rely upon him in ways that are truly too numerous to mention, so I will give just a few examples:

"Oh you are flying out in the middle of the afternoon, let me re-arrange my schedule and take you to the airport."

"What time are you coming back?  1:00 am? I'll pick you up at the airport."

"Sure I have food in my fridge, come on up and eat!"

"Are you alright?   Let me take you to the hospital.  Please let me take you to the hospital.  O.K., but if you need my help let me know."

"Oh my gosh, you are in the emergency.  I'll be there in 20 minutes to pick you up."

"I think you mother needs to go to the hospital.  Let me swing by and taker her there"...He did and waited 4 hours with her at the emergency.

"since you still can't walk, let me go buy food for you and your mother."

"Let me take your mother to the airport."

"Sure I know how to install a garbage disposal."

"Yes, I can edit your paper.  I'd be happy to give you feedback."

"sure yo can come hangout and watch television."

"Here, let me put a heating pad on your neck, that will help your headache."

"Sure I will help you set up you computer...Piece of cake."

"Your power tools are no good.  Let me go get mine and fix that for you."

"I am going to take your  nieces upstairs for a couple of hours so you and your sister can hang out.  I have a couple of Harry Potter movies we can watch."

I seriously could go on and on...but I don't think I need to, because I am sure the picture of the life that was Peter Morton is quite clear.

I loved you Peter and will truly miss you...

It's a classic Laguna summer in the '70s, that
unforgettable shimmer of sunlight etches its glow in
my memory. So does Peter Morton, a young man with the
ultimate athletic build who never stays in one place
very long. He's got his hands full, keeping swimmers
alive and safe from the dangers that were a mystery to
them, but all too familiar to Peter, a brilliant and
caring lifeguard.
 
My brother Gerry Flahive had a blonde streetsmart mut
named Taurus who roamed Laguna without fear. I would
often hang out at Gerrys house on Glennayre St.
Well... the extent of Peters caring nature was without
limits. It seemed like everyday Peter would find
Taurus in a different part of Laguna,  get him in the
Lifeguard jeep, and take the time to bring him back to
Gerrys place.

One day we were hangin' out doglessly, and we heard
the jeep roll up on the gravel driveway, and then a
rumble at the gate. Enter Peter Morton with Taurus
under one arm and pointing his finger seriousy telling
Gerry,"Hey man your dog is all over town, really bro,
you've got to fix this gate or whatever it takes to
keep Taurus in the yard. My boss is on to me now, and
he's really pissed about all the time I'm spending
bringing your dog back!" Then Peter shakes his head,
lets out his trademark laugh, and jumps back in the
jeep again.
                               -a story from the day
                               dan flahive  

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PETER

You carried us on your shoulders!
Is 30 years a chasm . . . no, it was just a moment ago.
Youth, exhuberance and wonder - crackling intelligence,
experimentation - a yearning to know.
We were one - we were all.
What has become of us?
We're a bit more circumspect, conservative, and yes - older.
Slash the ephemeral bounds and ski naked
down the slopes of the Ortegas... barefoot!
Grace of youth . . . brash and care---less
Nobility of age . . . thoughtful and care---ing
Oh Peter, you live with us . . . you're the BEST of us
Answer-Man, anonymous philanthropist, bigger than life!
Killer of fear . . . it was always so
Scholar, lover, competitor - giver of life and self
We love you always
We all must check in before we check out
Our journey begins by knowing surely what we always knew
There was only one so special you
You live in us . . .

Love, Chris