Mark Stuart Morris

https://youtu.be/fJDy1XnaIHQ

Mark Stuart Morris, 85, from Manhattan Beach and Laguna Woods, California, passed away on May 16, 2023.

He was born on October 12, 1937, in Los Angeles, California, the first-born to Mark and Mabel Morris. Having the same first name as his father, he went by ‘Stuart’ until his early 20’s when he started going by Mark, but to his family he was always Stuart.

He grew up in Manhattan Beach and became a big brother at the age of 12 when his sister Debby was born. He graduated from Mira Costa high school in 1955, attended UCLA, and became a member of the Phi Gamma Delta fraternity. In 1959 he joined the Army and was stationed in Germany where he served two years as a Spec 4, decoding top secret communication.

After serving overseas, he returned to California and started his career at United Airlines as a customer service agent at Los Angeles International Airport. Soon after, he met Linda. They married in 1967 and bought a house in Manhattan Beach. Linda had a 5-year-old daughter, Barbi, who he adopted as his own, and in September 1968 his son Christopher Mark was born. He and Linda separated after 11 years.

While still working full-time at United, he pursued a teaching credential and worked part-time as a substitute teacher. After 31 years working for United Airlines, he decided to retire and start his second career as a teacher.

About that same time he met Joy, a “kiwi” from New Zealand, he moved to Laguna Woods, California and started teaching. In 1997 he married Joy, gained a new family in New Zealand, and became a grandpa. His career as a teacher lasted over 20 years, but as his health declined and signs of dementia began, he retired.

He continued to meet friends for coffee every day to share stories and have some laughs. As his dementia progressed, he spent time tootling around his beautiful community on his electric scooter, watching his favorite shows Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune, visiting with family and friends, listening to music, and reminiscing with his wife.

The memories of childhood friends, fun times with the 29th Street gang, the amazing life-long friends from United Airlines, the good-old-days with the exercise group, the bachelor days, the treasured years of marriage, the travel, family gatherings, and times with the kids and grandkids… that’s what made life special.

Mark/Stuart is survived by his wife Joy, his daughter Barbi (Bill), his son Christopher (Kathy), his grandchildren Billy (Tandy), Kristen, and Mark; New Zealand family - stepdaughter Marilyn (Steve), stepson Roger (Jiwani), step-grandchildren Jennifer (Mat), Lee, Steven, and Cecelian, step-great grandchildren Olivia and Peyton; and special family in California and Canada. He was predeceased by his parents Mark and Mabel Morris and his sister Debby.

There will be a memorial service on Saturday July 22, 2023, at 10:00am

Lighthouse/White and Day Center, 901 Torrance Blvd, Redondo Beach, CA   310-792-7575

A reception will follow at the same location

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or a charity of your choice