Obituary of Richard "Dick" John Morton

Richard "Dick" Morton left this earthly life to travel "beyond the range" on December 24, 2022. Born in Denver, Colorado on June 1, 1928 as the second of Harry and Elsie's four children, he became an athlete, leader, educator, author, poetry performer, and beloved friend and family man. In his youth, he was an Eagle Scout and 1946 graduate of South High School. That year, he joined the United States Army's eighth Cavalry and served in Japan. In 1950, he served in the Korean War, achieving the rank of Sergeant. In 1953, he married the love of his life, Eva Jane Morton. Dick and Jane raised three children and lived in Denver, Englewood, Breckenridge, and Colorado Springs, Colorado. For years, they wintered in Mesa, Arizona and also enjoyed a house in Creede, Colorado. A lifelong learner, he earned his bachelor of arts, master of arts, and doctorate of education from the University of Northern Colorado. After working as a teacher and coach, he became an elementary school principal, who opened both Greenwood and High Plains in the Cherry Creek school district between 1958 and 1985. After retiring, he served on the Colorado Mountain College board for eleven years. His active retirement included property management, skiing, and starting the 80+ Tennis Club in Mesa, Arizona. For twenty years he shared cowboy poetry, memorizing and reciting over fifty classic poems at western gatherings. He loved to champion Jane's success as a published and award-winning poet. Sadly, she passed away in 2020. In spite of his loss, he continued a full life, making new friends at Melody Living. He even moved from assisted to independent living after healing from two broken hips. Left to cherish his memory are his children, John (Kasia) Morton, Lizabeth (John) Duckworth, and Mary (James) Crawford; his grandchildren, James (Alison) Crawford, Rich Crawford, Heather (Matt) Dane, Chris Duckworth, and Jon (Abby) Duckworth; and his five five great-grandchildren. Though he accomplished much in his long life, he clearly valued family and friends above all.