Dr. Peter Ray Morton passed suddenly and quietly on Tuesday, July 19, 2005 in East Palo Alto, CA. Born July 16, 1956 in Philadelphia, PA to Walter and Riva Morton, the family moved to California when Peter was three weeks old.
Peter graduated from Laguna Beach High School where he excelled as a scholar, star water polo player and record-breaking swimmer. Peter was an undergraduate student at UC Santa Barbara and graduated from UC Irvine with dual Bachelor of Science degrees in Chemistry and Biology. Dr. Peter Morton, PhD received his doctorate in Chemistry from USC.
Peter relocated to East Palo Alto, CA in 1989 to begin his professional career as Director of Research and Development at Romic Environmental Technologies. In 1994, Peter established his own consulting firm, PRMA (Peter Ray Morton and Associates). Peter was a gifted and capable scientist and inventor. He expressed his love of the environment through his several patented technological innovations for the reclamation and recovery of hazardous waste. His passion and use of these inventions was to better the world in which we live.
He was preceded in death by his father, Walter Benson Morton, Jr. and is survived by his cherished mother, Riva Morton Dimond, step-father Mark Dimond; two brothers, Eric Morton (Tiffany Casler) and Bruce Morton (Terri Remley); one sister, Rachel Morton Kent; three nieces, Haven Kent, Kendra Kent and Tonia Morton; beloved Aunt Ruth Meskin and cousins, Jacob (Abby) Meskin and Ben (Angela) Meskin; Uncle Jay (Joan) Ochroch and family; his joy, love and constant companion of many years, Susan Rigmaiden; and many, many close friends and admirers.
Peter was a man of great stature and heart. For the past decade he and his mate, Susan, worked with Peninsula Habitat for Humanity and other organizations, providing housing for families in need. Peter also volunteered his time as a tutor for “at-risk” students in the community. Uncle Fish-Lips or Dr. Tickle-Finger, as he was lovingly referred to by his nieces, will be truly missed and remembered by all whose lives he touched.
I n place of flowers, donations can be made as memorial to Peter Ray Morton:
- Peninsula Habitat for Humanity – 690 Broadway, Redwood City, CA 94063-3103 - (650) 368-7434
United States Holocaust Memorial Museum - www.ushmm.org
Bay Area Hapkido Scholarship Fund – 617 Mountain View Avenue, Belmont, CA 94002
(650) 610-9778
I am amazed by the diversity of Peter's life and the different ways
people know Peter. Peter, Susie, Beth and I have gone to the Monterey
Blues festival together and stayed in the same bed and breakfast for
about 7 years in a row. The conversations and time spent with Susie and
Peter were the highlight of the week end for me regardless of who was
playing. One thing we could count on was that Peter would buy a
barbecued turkey leg as soon as arrived and we would share that as our
Friday early evening meal. Last year we were watching Taj Mahal and
Peter said he knew the drummer. We all kind of knew he was pulling our
leg, or maybe those 48 year old eyes were failing. But we went from our
spot 100 yards back to the stage and the drummer waves at Peter and
tells us to wait near the stage exit and comes out and asks after Erik
and Riva and tells us about his time hanging with the Morton's.
I had no unfinished business, but I know my life will be less rich from
this point forward due to not having Peter's friendship and whatever
adventures were left between us. I am so pleased we got to go on a cruise
and go to England with him.
I've been wondering what to say here. As I hear how giving he was from
so many people, something occurred to me as I ran along the water's edge
yesterday. Peter always helped anyone who gave any hint of needing some
help. They did not need to ask him. We will all miss him in our lives.
I think that if each of us are a flower in god's garden, then the lord
picks the flowers he needs, when he needs them. I think that's why we
think Peter went before his time. But Peter was chosen to be where he
is needed most.
I loved him, and I will miss him.
Kraig Kurucz
Peter Ray Morton - Big Mo!
Stories and Poetry from friends:
Sideshow Presentation of the Paddle Out
(requires a safe download of a small program to run the show, make sure speakers are turned on!)
The Goddess gave us a beautiful 80+ degree day for the celebration of Peter's life with us. (click for photos) Meaty Bra's and Wahinis joined the whole Morton family at Agate beach around 8am where a small offering was set up; tiki torches, an old woody (surfboard that is) a log, a sea-turtle shell filled with flowers as well as coffee and pastries for everyone. When about 25-30 people had congregated, swimmers hit the surf, some on boardS, some in kayaks, some in the flesh! Paddling out to Eric Morton in his red rowboat some yard off - there was the call of conch shell, hooting and braying Cheers to their brother, and a portion of Pete's ashes went into the sea while wahini flung flowers into the waves from shore. All returned safely and enjoyed refreshments, hugs, reuni! ons a! fter many years (some had not seen each other since high school!!) and vowed not to let their friendships go so long between contacts! So much love and gratitude for hale fellows heartily met was felt that we knew Peter was close by!!
Later that day even MORE people gathered at Mortonhause for the 3rd Memorial. The "ceremony" (and we use the term VERY loosely, in true Morton fashion!) began with acoustic guitar beautifully played by Peter Dobson and "In My Life" sung by all. Bruce gave an excellent introduction with tales from Pete's life and opened the mike for anyone to speak. Naturally, there were MANY who had stories to tell , thanks to give, and an abundance of love to express. Everything from playing chess in Jr. High, to tree-swinging and water sports in High school, to inventions he created as a PhD. Bio-Chemist, to anonymous acts of great care and generosity went spinning into a wide-flung web of a life that amazed us all. We closed with "BRIGHT STAR", an Appalachian melody, and plenty of Food and Brews! A tree will be planted in the yard with the remains of Pete's ashes at the root.
|
Through the physical realm Peter went quickly - Daniel Flahive To Peter #3 O I am burned in the flame of your comet streaking across the sky O I am seared and teared by the tomorrows that are no more O I am blinded your light extinguished, I plunge into darkness O I am poor heart-less, missing you O I crawl brought low by your swift, stunning, sudden departure O I seek to salve my shriveled soul to find solace, hope to wake up glad to be alive glad to here… When you are not
-Beth Mostovoy July 28, 2005 This Peter, whom we love so well |
Peter my brother, you soar with eagles on high as you did when you blessed this world with your presence. How rare for a man like you to walk this earth, how beautiful the love you gave, how sweet the feel of your embrace, how loving your devotion to family, how brilliant your mind. You truly made this a better world. You will always be in my heart... Aloha Bra! Your Brother Michael
|
|
|
.jpg)
