Cops and Courts

I’m working on a follow-up article to the tragic death of Walker Morris, but I wanted to post a photograph of the young man, as well as the thoughtful words of his family members. Try to remember them through their troubles.

Walker Howell Morris, 20, of Missoula died suddenly on Friday, August 31st, 2009 from injuries sustained in a longboarding accident. Though Walker was taken from us far too early, he lived his life to the fullest with an unquenchable thirst for new experiences and boundless aspirations for his future.   He touched the hearts and lives of his family, friends and strangers alike.

Walker was born December 1st 1988 at home in Missoula to Bruce and Constance Morris with his brothers at the bedside. Born early, he leapt into the world with an unstoppable zest for adventure that would grow to define his life. The youngest of four brothers, Walker never grew in the shadows of his siblings but chose to lead his life in new footsteps that he had only begun to find.  Walker attended Sussex School in Missoula, where he began to develop a passion for rock climbing, snowboarding, and backpacking equally with a zeal for the creative arts and new knowledge.

He grew up in Missoula, seizing the opportunities abound in Western Montana, learning to embrace the outdoors in every season. Outgoing, compassionate and carefree as a child, he made friends easily and never faltered when confronted with new challenges. Walker eagerly tried new activities and found success in every ambition, from organized sports to individual achievements skateboarding the streets of Missoula and snowboarding or exploring the mountains of Montana.  Even as the youngest child of a large family, he found a unique ability to grow his own inimitable personality while maintaining an irreplaceable role in his family. He had a natural ability to light up the room and bring levity to any situation even from a young age.

He graduated from Hellgate High School in 2007. Naturally clever with a knack for critical thinking, Walker gravitated to hands-on learning and relished opportunities to build experience with industrial arts and creative problems alike. He excelled in learning by trial and error and through life experiences.

After high school, he began a journey to define his aspirations and unlimited future potential. Truly a renaissance man, Walker embraced every opportunity to meet new people, see new places, and foster existing relationships with his friends and family. He rapidly became an expert snowboarder and outdoorsman, spending long summer days climbing and camping throughout Western Montana. His friends remember him as an irreplaceable companion who gave unyielding support, compassion and camaraderie without prejudice. Walker also possessed a tenacious work ethic, and had the ability to adapt and conquer the most challenging situations. He had begun to cultivate a skill in cooking, an enthusiasm for reading, and a delight in listening to all forms of music.

Walker was a friend, companion, brother and son that cannot be replaced. He will be remembered for his unwavering positive outlook on life and his unlimited potential. Walker was preceded in death by his Mother, Constance Morris. He is survived by his father, Bruce Morris; brother Yosef and sister-in-law Allison Morris; brother Kyle and sister-in-law Lara Morris, and brother Justin Morris.

A remembrance will be held at 3 pm on Sunday, August 9th at the PEAS Farm on Duncan Drive in Missoula, with a reception following. Walker’s ashes will be laid to rest by his family in the Montana wilderness he cherished.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Multiple Sclerosis Association of America, http://www.msassociation.org.

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