Michael Morrison

Michael Morrison was born on March 11, 1955, in Anaheim, California, and passed quietly in his sleep on March 25, 2024.

He has no surviving family but is survived by numerous friends from all walks of life who have been touched by his intelligence, his wit and wisdom, and his generous nature.

Michael studied film at UCLA and worked in various capacities in the industry. He had a part in the movie Johnny Firecloud, worked as an editor, producer, and cameraman, and was a journalist covering film and television which brought him into contact with people like Craig Muckler, Brinke Stevens, and industry icons like John Wayne, John Ford, Jimmy Stewart, and Bob Hope. He left California for Tennessee and worked for newspapers and radio stations in Tennessee, Georgia, Florida, Arizona, New Mexico, and a long few months in Grand Forks, North Dakota, among other places. He was a feature writer, crime-beat reporter, editor, layout man, pretty much whatever they needed. He also hosted a radio program playing classical music. After his career in journalism, he decided to try his hand as an author, book editor, and independent publisher. He authored a well-received children's book The Calico Truck and World Famous Jokes Volumes 1 and 2. He never had much material wealth, but always shared what he did have.

He published several books through his publishing company Free State West Publishing. His many friends included prominent Georgia lawyer and author Walker Chandler; Stephen Cox Professor Emeritus of Humanities and Literature, journalist Mike Snow, veteran and local author Luther Jimmy Bowman, and retired motel manager Cathi Kline. Michael also felt some of his favorite people were dogs and cats. He finally found a home in Southern Arizona, and could frequently be heard remarking what a beautiful place we live. Michael had a strong interest in politics and was a lifelong member of the Libertarian Party, often petitioning for candidates and initiatives supporting the party. His thoughts graced the Letters to the Editor page in this paper on multiple occasions, always written with intelligence, a keen knowledge of the constitution, and something too often missing these days, civility. Michaels was an avid stamp collector.

In lieu of flowers, anyone wishing to honor Michael Morrison is asked to make a contribution to St. Vincent de Paul in his name.