TRAVERSE CITY — Kenneth A. Morris, of Traverse City, passed on March 22, 2008, after a long, fulfilling life.
Born on July 31, 1916, in Missouri, Kenneth enjoyed his childhood with his brothers Ray, Herbert and Robert, all of whom preceded him in death. When times grew hard during the Great Depression, he took it upon himself to earn money for the family's food and medicine. This early experience stayed with him as he continued to help those less fortunate throughout the remainder of his life.
Ken married Lucille Fay Berger on Dec. 30, 1937. They remained totally devoted to one another until her death in March of 2006. Living without her was the biggest challenge of his life.
During World War II, Ken worked as a specialized tank welder in the Fisher Body factory in Flint. After the war, he became self-employed in the construction industry, and remained self-employed for the remainder of his working career. Ken and Lucille established and ran West Winds Greenhouse in Empire for over 40 years. The love Ken and Lucille cultivated in growing things continues through his son and daughter-in-law at Breezehill Greenhouse; his grandson and his wife at Greystone Gardens; and his daughter and her husband at Maple Ridge Orchards.
"The Man Who Loved Flowers," as Ken like to be known, also enjoyed square dancing. He and Lucille participated in groups in both Michigan and California. They also shared a love of poetry, which they both enjoyed writing. During the off-season, traveling throughout the country in their motor home brought them a lot of joy, often leaving the family to ponder "Where in the U.S. are Ken and Lucille?"
Kenneth is survived by his children, Kathleen (Thomas) Brodhagen and Michael (Carol) Morris; grandchildren, Katrin (Eric) Thorson, Thomas (Kate) Brodhagen and Sean Morris; and great-grandchildren, Kiefer, Parker and Anikka Thorson.
In addition to his wife, brothers and dear sister-in-law, Lillian Morris, Kenneth was preceded in death by his son, Kenneth; two grandsons; and his parents.
The family will hold a private memorial service to celebrate Kenneth's life. They find comfort in a poem he wrote in 1934:
Gentle Comrade
Gentle comrade do not fear,
Rest your weary head.
I heard your call and I am here,
I stand beside your bed.
So gentle comrade fear no more,
Your mind should be at rest,
Your days of toil are o'er,
You've met the steel test.
Gentle comrade do not fear,
You've fought both brave and true,
You've left your mark on many a year,
Your deeds of valor were not few.
So gentle comrade rest thy head,
Upon thy pillow free from care.
Lie gently upon thy bed,
In the beyond how well you'll fare.
Memorials celebrating the life of Kenneth Morris may be made to the Father Fred Foundation in Traverse City.
The family is being served by Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home, Traverse City; www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com
This obituary was originally published in the Record-Eagle.
