David Morris

David Luther Morris, 78, passed away peacefully in his sleep on January 27, 2019, at his home in Lehi, UT.  He was born on March 24, 1940, to Luther Green and Gertrude Leonie Temarii Nadeaud in Oakland, California.   He married Barbara Jean Lovett in San Francisco on November 17, 1973.  He graduated with his bachelor’s degree from University of California Berkeley and later completed his master’s degree in social work, at the University of Sacramento, after which he became a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. During his university days, Alan Watts had recently translated Zen Buddhist teachings into English; David was deeply touched by Zen Buddhism and it helped calm & center him throughout his life. One idea in particular really resonated with him: “Don’t overthink things. It does you no good.”

He was a gentle and kind father, remembered for his patience and active listening, his compassion when his kids suffered, and the encyclopedia of knowledge he had collected by reading 100’s and 100’s of books.  He deeply loved his grandchildren and the time he had to spend with them; his 1-year old grandson Zach would often sit with him, enjoying time spent, talking, and trying to eat Papa’s chapstick.

David lived for hiking, for CAL Football (he watched the Saturday games religiously, and was a season-ticket holder for many years), and for learning. He seemed to know everything about just about any subject: Astronomy, Evolutionary Biology, Psychology, Physics, Philosophy, classical music, religious & secular history including a special interest in WW2, and also followed the latest debates & political goings-on. He enjoyed working as a social worker for Child Protective Services and did that for his first career. After his social work career, he became an educator and taught high school math at El Cerrito High School.

Some of his favorite pastimes were long, deep conversations exploring ideas, visiting an art gallery or museum, reading a good (mostly non-fiction) selection from his library of 100’s & 100’s of books, listening to one of his 100’s of classical music CD’s, or complementing & praising those he loved, “You’re good”, “You’re so smart”, “Your memory has always been amazing”, “You’re so pretty” or a “You look great”

David is survived by his wife Barbra Jean Morris, his children Stephanie (Adam) Chavez and Michael Morris, grandchildren Jeremiah, Malachi and Zechariah Chavez and a niece, Delia Reece. He was preceded in death by his parents Luther and Gertrude Morris and 3 half-sisters.

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