Joseph Morris Jr.

Joseph Raymond Morris Jr. died at age 55 in his Eagle River home on March 14, 2011, after a courageous battle with cancer. His final days were spent surrounded by his only child and close friends whom Joe had touched in some way throughout his very memorable life.

Respecting Joe's wishes, he will be cremated and no services will be held. Instead, Joe's friends were invited to attend his celebration of life. He wanted his family and friends to celebrate his life with stories, laughter and smiles.

Joe was born Dec. 11, 1955, in Burlington, Vt. As a young man he joined the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, working for various contractors before moving to Alaska, where he spent most of his adult life. After retirement through the IBEW, he spent his remaining years working for the Matanuska Telephone Association and Alaska Communication Systems. "I can honestly say Joe was one of the hardest workers I've ever seen in my life," his daughter said.

Joe was a family man who enjoyed riding Harley-Davidsons, watching NASCAR, working in his garage to good music, hunting, gardening, home improvement, and spending quality time with his daughter Tessa, who was the most important person in his life.

His family and friends wrote: "Joe had an imagination as big as life and an uncanny ability to gravitate to the center of any party and turn it into the social event of the year! Joe possessed an unending sense of humor, passion for entertaining, and most of all, a commitment to his family and the wide variety of friends he accumulated over the years. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him."

He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Tessa Morris-Johnson and Wesley Johnson of Alaska; mother, Barbara Schlachter of Florida; sister and brother-in-law, Angie and Brian Kovach; nieces, Jennifer and Bobbi Anne Stenger of Florida; brother and sister-in-law, John and Leslie Schlachter; nephew John Matthew Schlachter Jr., nieces; Emily and Jessica Schlachter of Florida; brother and sister-in-law, Henry and Velanne Schlachter; and niece, Casey Schlachter of West Virginia.

Joseph was preceded in death by his infant son, his father and loyal pets.

Arrangements are with Alaska Heritage Funeral Home. "They do their jobs beautifully, and they are highly recommended," the family said.