Alan John "Al" Morris

Alan John Morris, devoted husband, proud father and Papa, passed away suddenly at his home in Herriman, Utah in the early hours of November 26, 2025. He was 73 years old and, to those who knew and loved him, he was known as Al, Al Pal, Papa, and "G'Day," a reflection of his warmth and Aussie spirit.

Alan's love and legacy live on through his family: his loving wife Carol, his children and their partners, Jamie (Yuri), Lauren (Kameron), and Natalie (Danny), and his adoring grandchildren: Madalyn, Julian, Maddix, Violet, and Amelia. Alan is survived by his beloved family in Australia, brother Ross Morris (wife Vicki), nephew Andrew, niece Kate (husband Jamie) and their children, Chloe and Sienna. Alan's faithful dachshund, Roxie, never left his side, even until the end. Alan was preceded in death by his loving parents Jack and June Morris.

Alan was the eldest son of Jack and June, who met serving in the Royal Australian Air Force during WWII. The couple married and started a delicatessen in Canterbury where he and his brother were born. In 1960, the Morris family sold the delicatessen and moved to the seaside suburb of Black Rock, where Alan spent his formative years swimming and playing on the beach. He attended Canterbury Primary School and Beaumaris High School, where lessons in discipline and effort shaped him for the rest of his life. As a young man, he poured that energy into sports, later becoming a basketball coach for local youth (eventually the unofficial Aussie rules football coach to his American son, Jamie).

Alan began a career in Australia as an administration officer for a gas and oil rig company, eventually building a long career in the defense aerospace industry in the USA. He took pride in contributing to complex work that demanded precision, responsibility, and teamwork, guided by his lifelong belief that, "If a job's worth doing, it's worth doing properly." Colleagues knew him as reliable, steady, and committed-someone who went well beyond simply doing the job.

Alan's branch of the Morris family began in 1980. While visiting the United States, he met the love of his life, Carol. After a brief but meaningful courtship of both Carol and her young son, Jamie, Alan proposed-with one clear condition: that they begin their life together in Australia. They settled in Aspendale, a coastal suburb of Melbourne not far from where he grew up. There they welcomed their daughters Lauren and Natalie. He shared his love of the tranquil beaches where he grew up with his children.

In 1988, seeking new experiences and opportunities, the family moved to Southern California, and later to Utah, where Alan would remain for the rest of his life. No matter where they lived, his priority never changed: he showed up for his friends and family. He never missed a dance performance or a ball game, and he was always ready to drop anything and everything to help his family.

Alan was an avid traveler, a passionate Aussie rules football (Geelong Cats) fan, a lover of the Utah Utes and college ball, and a classic car enthusiast. He never met a stranger and would talk to anybody-at the grocery store, at games, on airplanes, or in line for gas at Costco. His easy conversational style and big-hearted curiosity made people feel welcome and at ease.

A proud Aussie, Alan was equally proud to become an American citizen. He took voting seriously and loved spirited conversations about "the American experiment," especially with his son, Jamie. He cherished the chance to bridge his Australian roots with his American life, sharing stories, humor, and perspective with family and friends.

Alan was the unwavering rock of the Morris family in Utah. His sudden passing has left his family shocked and heartbroken. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him, but his example of hard work, loyalty, humor, and wholehearted love for his family will continue to guide them. His most cherished legacy is his family; through them and their love, he will shine eternally.