Jay Morgan
Jay Morgan, friend and neighbor, passed away on September 18, 2016 at Rocky Mountain Care in Clearfield, UT. He was 62, born on October 30, 1953.
Jay grew up in the San Fernando Valley of California, graduating from Notre Dame High School in Los Angeles to a successful career as a banker in Beverly Hills. But Jay determined to live out his passion for the sea, moving into the merchant marine and as a diver-mechanic for oil rigs. Throughout his young adulthood Jay pursued adventure across the world, from rigorous work on fishing boats in the Pacific to a sojourn as a contractor in the Virgin Islands. His love of exotic travel later took him to Alaska as a truck driver along the oil pipelines, and to Hawaii where he laboured on a remote, traditional taro plantation.
He served his country in the Navy, but Jay received an honourable discharge when he was called to take care of his father through a difficult and ultimately terminal battle with cancer, closely followed by his mother’s passing.
After working as a ranch hand on his beloved central coast of California, the Overton community came to know Jay through his long partnership with the late Betty Kelly. In more recent years, Jay committed to a lasting, loving companionship with Maria Fallon. He worked for a time at the Echo Bay Marina, deploying his skills in boatbuilding and refurbishment. He became a regular fixture at the Senior Center Thrift Store where he volunteered long hours. Living a private and quiet life of intentional simplicity, Jay was always a ready help to his neighbors in Overton as handyman and confidante. Ever the natural gentleman, Jay gave care to others from a rare heart of genuine loving kindness.
Jay is survived by his girlfriend Maria Fallon and the many who were deeply graced to know him as his friends.
A memorial service will be held at the Overton Senior Center on October 8, 2016 at noon. In lieu of flowers, please donate in Jay’s name to The Skin Cancer Foundation at skincancer.org.
