Chester Ordway "Chet" Morris

Chester "Chet" Ordway Morris passed away on Monday, Jan. 10, 2011, at the Barron Center in Portland.

He was born in Pasadena, Calif., on April 12, 1939, the son of Russell and Harriet Morris. He grew up in Pasadena and attended schools there. He began playing the sousaphone in seventh grade and marched in the Tournament of Roses parade for five years.

He was a veteran of the Navy, having participated in the "Operation Dominic II" nuclear tests in the Pacific in 1961 and 1962. During the Vietnam Conflict, he served aboard both the USS Midway and the USS Ticonderoga.

He moved to Portland in 1987, where he resided until his death.

After moving to Maine, he worked as a pastry and salad chef at the Seaman's Club, once located in the Old Port section of Portland.

Chet was active in many veteran-related organizations -- he was Chef de Gare in the 40&8; chaplain in the American Legion Post 86, Grey Post; a member in the Deering Oaks VFW; a member of the USS Ticonderoga Veteran's Association; and a member of the USN Naval Institute. He also regularly volunteered at Susan Collins' headquarters in Portland during campaign years. As parade chairman, he also enlarged the Veterans' Day Parade in Portland and was responsible for having the Blue Angels to fly overhead during the parade.

Chet had a true love of the sea and felt most alive when he was near it. He was a brilliant artist; an avid history, military and movie buff and a long-time traveler. He was always anxious to see new places at the drop of a hat. He was also a life-long jokester who found humor in nearly every aspect of life.

He is survived by his son, John Russell Morris, of California; his mother, Mrs. Russell (Harriet) Morris, of Waterville; his sister, Mary Louise Tremblay, and her husband, Norman Quirion, of Winslow; his niece, Elizabeth Couture, and her husband, Bernard, his great-niece, Maria Couture, and his great-nephew, Edward Couture, all of Fredericksburg, Va.

He was predeceased by his son, Floyd Russell Morris; his father, Russell W. Morris; his brother-in-law and Navy buddy, Charles "Chuck" Tremblay; his close friend, Edigio "Eddie" Costales; and his cat, Nicodemus.

There will be a funeral service scheduled at a later date. His ashes will be scattered at sea by the US Navy south of Hawaii.

Arrangements were made through the Gallant Funeral Home, 10 Elm St., Waterville.