Evan David Morris

Evan David MORRIS Passed away in his home August 14, 2006, surrounded by his family at 9:45 p.m., from complications of a debilitating brain disease. His mind, spirit & humor remained strong until the end. Evan was born January 27, 1922 in Enumclaw, Washington to Nina Marie and John Henry Morris. The third of 4 children, he and his siblings Jack, Betty (Falk) and Pauline (Kombol) were raised in the coal mining towns of Durham, Bayne and Occidental, attending school in Selleck. Evan graduated from Enumclaw High School in 1939 (Go Tigers!) then went to Washington State College for 3 years where he was a member of Sigma Chi Fraternity. He joined the U.S. Navy in the summer of 1943 where he trained to become a pilot, achieving the rank of Ensign. He remained very patriotic throughout his life. After the war, he was stationed in Alameda for 2 years and then returned to Enumclaw to work in the family business, Palmer Coking Coal, Co. Evan married Joan Hope, March 29, 1958. Together they raised their 7 children: Evan Jr., Clinton, Anna, Jeanine, Kathleen, John and Sara on Lake Sawyer in Black Diamond. Evan continued to work for his family in various capacities at Palmer Coking Coal, including solid waste manager at Newcastle "dump", and vice president of Pacific Coast Coal & Oil on Harbor Island. Other business ventures included a partner in TRM Wood Products, land management, D.J. aka "The Music Man", and The Summit Inn restaurant at 4-Corners where he got to play host to a community of loyal patrons. He was a member of the Seattle Housing Authority from 1951-1967, Toastmaster's Club, volunteer Black Diamond firefighter, member of The Rainier Club in Seattle, lifetime member/contributor of the Black Diamond Labor Day Committee, and founding member of the Black Diamond Historical Society and the Lake Sawyer Community Club. In 1972 he was voted Black Diamond Man of the Year. His strong patriotism & love of country led to starting the Flag boat every Fourth of July, circling Lake Sawyer with his sound system playing The Star Spangled Banner at the end of the fireworks. He was preceded in death by his wife, Joan, sons, Evan Jr. & Clinton and sister, Betty (Falk). Evan appreciated honest friends & family, music with catchy lyrics, well cooked meals, a good vocabulary, hardwork, and a good mechanic. He lived a life of modesty with all the world of generosity. He was truly a part of the Greatest Generation. A Memorial Service to celebrate Evan's life will be held August 27, 2006 @ 1:00 p.m. at Pete's Pool field house on Hwy 410 in Enumclaw. Suggested remembrances can be made to The Black Diamond Historical Society P.O. Box 232, Black Diamond - 98010; or volunteer a service or deed to your favorite Black Diamond community project. Service directed by Weeks' Enumclaw Funeral Home. Please sign the online guest book at www.weeksfuneralhomes.com