MICHAEL MORSE

Michael W. Morse 1979 ~ 2012 Michael Warren Morse, son of Richard and Roxanne Spieker Morse, died on April 12, 2012 in a ski accident in Alaska. Mikey was born and raised in Palos Verdes; he went to UC Berkeley in 1997 where he joined Beta Theta Pi. After graduation, he worked in finance in Los Angeles and New York. It was in New York that he fell in love with another Cal grad, Blaire McCorduck, who became his wife in 2008. Mike got his MBA from Harvard Business School in 2007, returning to the Bay Area to work for the private equity firm GI Partners in Menlo Park. Blaire and Mike have a son, Theodore John, and are expecting a baby in August. Mikey enhanced the meaning of zest for life. He and his twin brother Andy were the cut-ups of their high school class, frequently called upon to liven up an event. He contributed his energy and style as the dancer most photographed at local weddings. One summer he decided to have a Walden-esque experience on Lopez Island in Washington State. There he lived in a studio, found jobs dishwashing and driving a forklift, and had only a bicycle for a friend. He loved to see the world and was eager to explore new places. He spent two winters as a ski instructor at Squaw Valley. In the summer between grad school years, he worked at Microsoft in Bangalore India, using the weekends to explore the subcontinent. His brother Tyler was a travel accomplice and they prowled ski destinations and Europe together. Mikey was such a Cal football fan that he has tickets for the next 40 years. Mikey had a big heart and an infectious sense of humor. He had legions of people to travel, ski, and play with. He shared himself and his knowledge of finance with his pals. He officiated at friends¿ weddings because he believed in the sanctity of marriage. He took quiet pride in giving of himself to build homes in Mexico and mentor with Junior Achievement in New York. Blaire and Mike were a team in life and love; his little family made his face light up and his smile radiate. Time with his son Teddy age 2 was a highlight after a busy workday. Mikey is survived by the Morse and McCorduck families who will miss the laughter and spirit be brought to their lives. Donations may be made to a trust for the education of Michael and Blaire¿s children (The Michael W. Morse Memorial Education Trust First Republic Bank Client Services-Preferred Banking 2275 El Camino Real Palo Alto CA 94306 or to his favorite charity Heifer International (P O Box 8058, Little Rock AR 72203) or www.heifer.org.