Christopher Morris

Morris, Christopher PALO ALTO, Calif. Christopher "Chris" P. Morris died on October 19, 2014 after a seven-year battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis a.k.a. Lou Gehrig's disease at the Palo Alto V.A. Medical Center. Born on August 16, 1976 at Grand Forks A.F.B., N.D. in the town of Mekinock, N.D., Chris was the husband of Paul Edward Reeser. He was the son of Trish Van Deusen and Wally Morris; brother of Wally Morris II; brother-in-law to Nicole Morris; and uncle to Elli and Liam Morris. He is also survived by aunts, uncles and cousins. He graduated from the GED-BOCES program in Saratoga Springs, and later attended SCCC from 1993 to 1994. Growing up, he attended Ballston Spa, Saratoga Springs and Shenendehowa schools. From 1992 through 1995, Chris was very active in the Martin Luther King Student Theater Outreach Program (STOP). Chris held various jobs and truly enjoyed being a professional cook. In early 1997, he enlisted in the New York Army National Guard. Following the events of September 11, 2001, Chris and his unit (the 105th) were deployed to Long Island. When he returned from Long Island, he began serving full time at the NYANG headquarters in Latham. In 2004, his unit, (2nd 108th) was deployed to Iraq. As a sergeant, he was responsible for his squad and guided them through some harrowing enemy encounters. Chris was well respected and served with distinction. Among many service awards and honors, he received the Combat Infantryman's Badge. In 2007, while serving at NYANG headquarters in Latham, Chris was diagnosed with ALS. It was determined this was a result of his deployment to Iraq. Everyone at NYANG headquarters supported Chris. He was the embodiment of bravery and strength. Chris loved the Hawaiian islands and lived on Maui happily with Paul for two years before they were transported, for his care to the mainland. Despite his own condition, Chris was upbeat, encouraged others and shared his razor-sharp humor. Chris made this world a better place by being here. His family wishes to thank all those who supported Chris. We also wish to thank the Palo Alto V.A. Medical Center which cared so well for him. In lieu of flowers, Chris requested donations be made to the the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis, Tenn. On Friday, December 12, 2014, at 10 a.m., a wake for Chris will be held at St. Peter's Church in Saratoga Springs. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11 a.m. At 1 p.m., a service with military honors will be held at the Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, Schuylerville. Family and friends are welcome to attend.