John W. Morton
November 14, 1926 - January 3, 2014
John peacefully passed away on the morning of January 3, 2014. John was born November 14, 1926 to William and Alice Morton. He married his sweetheart and love of his life, Carole on May 17, 1946, she preceded him in death on July 23, 2007. Together, they had three wonderful children, Doug, (Keren), Larry (Jeniffer Ayoub) and Debby Morton Fleisch (Michael). Preceded in death by his brother Bill, and sister Eileen. He attended Judge Memorial School for 10 years and then graduated from South High School. John served in the navy during World War II. He also attended Henager’s School of Business for 3 years taking Business Law classes in the evening. John spent his life working in the retail business. His first store was Campus Ski shop near the University of Utah, which did not last long. He then went on to work for Wolfe’s Sporting Goods and became the general manager. John was a member of the Salt Lake Chamber of Commerce and the Salt Shakers. He also served on the board of Utah Retailers. In 1972, John became partners with his close friend Elliott Wolfe and they opened the Copper Rivet Co which John grew to 17 stores in 3 states, and he operated those stores until his retirement in 2001. John enjoyed weekly tennis matches with his tennis partner, and daughter, Debby. He also loved playing golf and had a hole in one at Willow Creek Country Club. In addition, he and his friend Dexter McGarry won the Director’s Cup. Upon his retirement he became CEO of MBSCG (Men’s B. S. Coffee Group). They meet twice a week at Einstein’s to solve all the world’s problems.
John felt his main accomplishments in life were his family, his loving wife and three wonderful children, seven grandchildren; Jennifer Morton, Christopher Fleisch(Amber), Keri Feil, David Fleisch (Tiffany), Melissa Morton (Keenan Schwandt), Meghan Fleisch and Justin Morton. Five great grandchildren; McKenzie Feil, Madison Feil, Alexander Fleisch, Oakley and Blake Fleisch, they were truly the love of his life and he absolutely cherished the chaos and noise that they brought into his home.
John loved his friends, and often spoke of how important they were to him. He had three special friends in particular that were so good to him after Carole passed away, Farrell and Irene Bosh and long time friend Sondra Schumann. Our family will always be so grateful to the friendship and companionship these three gave to him for the past 6 ½ years.
The family would also like to thank Pat from Applegate Hospice for her kindness and care.
A wake will be held at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 S. 900 E. on Tuesday, January 7 from 6:00-8:00 PM, where complimentary valet parking will be provided on the north side of the building. Funeral services will be held at Saint Thomas More Catholic Church, 3015 E Creek Road, on Wednesday, January 8 at 11:00 AM. Interment Mt. Calvary Catholic Cemetery, 4th Avenue and “T” Street.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to St. Thomas More Catholic Parish/Catholic Relief, 3015 E Creek Road.
In Loving Memory
So saddened to hear of John's passing. I had the honor of working for John at the Copper Rivet stores many years ago. He taught me so much about business, leadership & most importantly...life. I've taken so many of those lessons throughout my life, some 20 years later. I thought of him often & will always consider he & the ownership of Copper Rivet as the most influential men in my life. I will always have very fond memories of John. My thoughts & condolences to his family. Your dad & grandfather was a wonderful man...
Jason & Heidi Cook
Layton, UT
John worked with my dad, Jack Volmer, at Wolfes. Last year when I put a memorial in the paper in honor of my dad, John called me to talk about my dad, who had passed away twenty-seven years before. We had a nice visit and it was just so wonderful to talk to John as he reminded me again of what a wonderful man my dad was. I hope all of John's legacy will have others do the same thing for them as John did for me. Be comforted with your memories during this time.
Linda Volmer Auwerda
Murray, Ut
Doug and Keren Morton are our dearest friends, through them we met John, Carole and the rest of their wonderful family. I have observed that The Morton Family loves deeply and supports each other through thick and thin. Whatever else John did in his life, he and Carole have left a legacy of love. Thank you both for raising such wonderful children and though there is much sadness with John's departure from this earth life, great joy is being experienced on the other side of the veil as John and Carole are reunited with each other and with family and friends. Hugs and Love to the Morton family left here on earth to carry forth a great legacy of love, support and serving the Lord by being his hands here on earth. Gary & Teri McIver Eagle, Idaho
Teri McIver
Eagle, Id
I worked for John for the last year assisting in the cleaning of his home. We became friends and I enjoyed his generosity and his gentle manner. He waited by the door to open and assist me and during the winter months would come through the garage so I would not be cold. I will miss John and want to send my deepest condolences to the family.
Rosa Melendez
salt lake city, Ut
I had the pleasure of knowing and working with John in the 70's and 80's when he was with Wolfes and I was with Roffe skiwear in Seattle. He was a true gentleman and a man of his word. The world would be an infinitely better place if there were more individuals like John. My condolences to the family. Carry on his traditions and examples.
Doug Campbell
Edmonds, WA