Monty Morris
May 14, 1974 - December 5, 2016
Monty "Punky" Morris left this earth far too soon on 5 December 2016. In his final moments, he was encircled by some of his dearest family & friends…surrounded by love & acceptance to his last sacred breath.
Monty was born on 14 May 1974 in Ft Wayne, IN & raised in Raccoon Creek, KY by Jack & Joyce Morris, alongside his sister, Crystal. Monty joined the Air Force in 1992 & served 8 years, during which time he completed 2 deployments to the Middle East.
During & around these early years of life, Monty loved & lost & struggled to find sure footing. He fathered Colbey, Drew, & Saisha.
In 2002, Monty met Tiffany — a woman who would become the love of his life & his best friend. She was his person, & he was hers. They worked hard to heal the years' worth of wounds in their individual hearts to eventually grow into 2 whole hearts beating together as one. They built a beautiful life & home — by their rules & true to the dictates of their own consciences. The energy & vibrance with which they walked together through life was unrivaled…& they had so much walking left to do.
Together, Monty & Tiff raised Teisha & Ashland. Monty & Tiff parented with the intent of raising critical thinkers, kind spirits, & quick witted rivals. (Today, Teish & Ash can hold their own.) Monty was both a warm & a pointed father. And most importantly, he was a father who didn't take the art of parenting too seriously…whether he was tricking one of his young drivers into turning onto the freeway or teaching them the classic literary value of South Park. He challenged them with whiteboard riddles, taught them the art of making their own Cards Against Humanity cards, & kept them mesmerized with his ability to fart on command.
Most recently, Monty was secretly looking forward to being the coolest grandpa ever to little Shlomo, who he swore looked like a unicorn in ultrasound images.
Monty will be deeply missed by his beloved fur babies: Baxter, Jackie, & Jeter (the "10 lb asshole"). Monty daydreamed of winning the lottery to open a sanctuary for dogs.
On Sundays, Monty could be found glued to a Dolphins game, as he graciously tried to tolerate Tiff, Teish, & Ash's love of the "Squealers." But never did he get more animated than when he was watching a UK basketball game. #GoBigBlue
Throughout his life, Monty was ever-evolving. He rarely stayed still or stagnated, & all of this was a beautiful process to watch. In recent years, it was clear that Monty had become more comfortable than ever in his own skin. This comfort was immeasurably influenced by the deep, connected relationship he developed with his brother-in-law, Sean.
Those who knew Monty know that he was a consummate adventurer…but not all who wander are lost. Monty had an insatiable curiosity & a lifelong desire to experience & conquer all quests. He left no stone unturned. Monty was a fisherman, an actor, a musician, a composer, a DJ, a motorcycle enthusiast, an artist, & a poet. His sister said it best: "Punky lived life on his terms." He lived life deeply, genuinely, & at full throttle. And because of that, he packed a lot of living into his 42 years.
Monty is remembered & missed by so many friends & family. For those that love Monty, a celebration of his life will be held on 9 December 2016 at Starks Funeral Parlor (3651 S. 900 East, SLC) from 6:00-8:00 PM. Complimentary valet parking will be provided on the north side of the building.
Please check back where a slideshow video may be viewed.
"The world around us moves on.
The world around us must go on." — Monty
In Loving Memory
A shock to see this. Had the pleasure of working with Monty in Salt Lake with Qwest. He always had us laughing and he was so full of energy and mischief it couldn't help but keep you going. He will be deeply missed. Thoughts and prayers for his family.
Brent Deveraux
American Fork, Ut
I extend my deepest sympathies to your family. Monty and I spent many hours at work talking about technology, computers and gaming. I considered him not just a coworker but a great friend and I will truly miss him. In this time of great loss please take heart that he touched many lives in a positive way and heaven will be a better place with him there. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Alan McCarthy
West Valley City, UT
I am so sorry for your loss. Monty was an awesome friend from way back in high school. He always made you laugh often at yourself. He was genuinely a good person who helped those that needed it my prayers are with you for peace and comfort.
Amy Walker Scull
Somerset, Ky
I worked with Monty at Qwest. We had good, interesting times. I agree with Brent Deveraux in his tribute. To his loved ones he left, I believe Monty is in a safe place right now. Adjusting. Resting, with help of others that have past. HIs energy was strong. It will be strong again, and you will feel him helping you. With love and respect, Brent V. Marrott
Brent V. Marrott
Salt Lake City, UT
Words aren't adequate to express my sympathy for your great loss. I could always tell just how much love Tiff and Monty shared. Her face and smile would light up whenever she spoke of or to Monty. Not all get to experience that type of love in their lives. Hang on to all your special memories. I truly believe you will be together again. My prayers are with all of Monty's family and friends.
Patty Elzinga
Riverton, Ut
I have known Monty for a very long time, and I write this with a heavy heart. He was one of my favorite people, and his posts always made me laugh or think or both. In the beautiful obituary it was mentioned how he lived his life full throttle. This was certainly true of the Monty I knew. He deserved a lot more time with us, to be sure. Even so, during the time he was here he did more than most do in a full lifetime. He did more than most would do in two. To the family, I regret that I never got to know you, but I know that all of you held an incredible place in a very loving heart. I know you meant the world to my friend. You have my deepest sympathy.
Jonathan Blackburn
Lexington, KY
Thoughts & prayers with the family and friends
Lenora Robinson
Pikeville, Ky
It's been a long time since I seen Monty, we went to High School together and as everyone knows after school everyone seems to go out and learn and do some many different things, and it does come as a heavy heart because Monty, was a very nice, quite, would help anyone he could, and it's still hard to realize he was departed way to soon from this earth, but my thoughts and prayers go out to his loving family, God needed a very special ANGEL, and that is why God, choose Monty, he will always been with all of u in ur hearts forever.. God bless all of u, please if I can be of any help, I'm always just a text or phone call away.. God bless u Monty, always and forever... Josephine Lowe Athy
Josephine Kris Lowe Athy
Pikeville, Ke
Wish the family condolences. He was a school classmate and I always thought he was a great person. I enjoyed getting to know him on the baseball team in high school.
Kevin Lowe
Raccoon, Ky
Monty will never be forgotten for his friendship, his work ethic, his humility and helpful and grateful attitude towards life and towards others. He was one of the good guys who I could count on whether it be the set of Day Zero the Series or whenever one was in need, he was there. I pray for the family in this time and that God shine down His light on Monty forever.
Cal Nguyen
Roy, UT
Tiffany, I have so had you in my thoughts all week long I am so sorry to hear about Monty what a beautiful Obituary I am here for you always . much Love goes out to you, and your family I pray for you to find the peace and strength you will need to make it thru this very difficult time.
maureen knight
ogden, ut
Monty inspired me in more ways than most people I know. He wasn't afraid to go after what he wanted rather than settle for the status quo. He was a good guy to be around and I have nothing but good memories of Monty. My deepest condolences go out to Tiffany and the family.
Damion D Scandrick
Fairview Heights, Il