Morgan Matoka Redmond

Morgan was born in Kasempa, Zambia. With limited medical care and no access to early intervention or needed therapies for the first five and a half years of life, he defied the odds, simply by surviving. At five and a half, he met his adoptive mom, Rachel, and the bond was instant. The two were meant to be mother and son, and such a dynamic duo.

At 6 years old, Morgan and Rachel moved to Michigan, where he had access to amazing medical care at C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital (which became a second home), access to needed therapies, educational opportunities, and built an amazing life.

Morgan never allowed disabilities or medical needs to define what he could or could not do. Instead Morgan approached life with determination, courage, and an incredible willingness to experience everything life had to offer.

He loved being outdoors and especially found joy in chilling at the lake, feeling the sun and wind on his face and going boating any time he could. Morgan also enjoyed baseball, riding his bike, musicals, exploring Chicago, going to Zoo lights, being read to, attending to Family Camp at North Star Reach, and going on adventures. He had a deep love of music and singing and found great joy in sharing that passion with those around him.

He had a remarkable ability to overcome obstacles, smile through the hard stuff, and find a way to participate, always showing those around him that possibilities were greater than limitations.

Morgan was incredibly social and had a gift for connecting with people. He was easygoing, determined, and his smile and belly laughs were infectious. His wonderful sense of humor could light up a room, and his presence had a way of bringing the people around him into the present moment to slow down and appreciate the moment they were sharing with him. He reminded those around him that communication comes in all different forms, that even if an individual cannot communicate verbally they can think, understand, feel, and communicate.

Morgan attended Dibble Elementary school, Northwest Kidder Middle School and the Lyle A. Torrant Center in Jackson.

Throughout his life, he touched the lives of many people and left an impression that will not easily be forgotten. His advocacy, perseverance, humor, and joyful spirit will continue to inspire everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.

Morgan is survived by his mother, Rachel Redmond, his Grandparents, Heather and Calvin, his Aunt Ruthie, Uncle Ben, Aunt Val, and Uncle Ryan; his cousins Teddy and Gemma, and his beloved dog, Callie.

A Celebration of Morgan’s Life will be held in the spring. Details will be announced at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Morgan’s memory to a few of the many organizations that helped Morgan and his Mom on their journey.

Those include:North Star Reach: provides life-changing, year-round programs (at camp and remotely) for children with serious health challenges and their families, free of charge. https://www.northstarreach.org/support/donate/

Courageous Kids: exists to create joyful, family-centered experiences that uplift and surround children facing life-threatening illnesses and their families with compassionate support, fostering moments of connection that ease emotional burdens and ensure the whole family feels supported, encouraged, and never alone. https://courageouskids.givingfuel.com/courageous-kids-inspiring-hope-helping-kids-cope

Ronald Mcdonald House Charities, Ann Arbor: provides lodging meals and more to families who have a child hospitalized at Motts. https://rmhcannarbor.org/

Arrangements entrusted to Muehlig Funeral Chapel.