More sad news received.

 R.I.P.  Tom Morgan

Thomas Allen (Tom) Morgan was one of the good guys—loving, devoted husband, proud father, loyal friend.  

In the early morning of Monday, October 29^th, at the age of 71 a cardiac episode released Tom’s spirit from his body to explore the universe, or to go fishing until he reaches his new address at Heaven’s pearly gates.

Tom was born in Kansas City, Missouri, June 4,1947, the youngest of three children of Margret and Ray Morgan, a long-time TWA manager.  He was a decorated Navy Veteran, proud to serve his country on an aircraft carrier in the Vietnam War.  After his service he went to work in the Car Rental business as a manager, and in sales and marketing.  He made so many friends over the years and he just really loved his career at Avis, Travl Car, Five Star Ford, Mesa Leasing and Sales and Budget.  All knew they were lucky to have him.

Tom was witty, charming, caring, generous and a very thoughtful human being.  He was loyal friend to many, genuinely interested in the welfare of his family and friends.  Not always patient, he clearly saw through excuses and just told it like it was, without sugar coating.  He made you accept the truth even if it wasn’t what you wanted to hear, because you always knew he cared.  Often a little too proficient in curse words, we are sure he must have learned those in the Navy.  

Tom enjoyed get-togethers with friends, loved being outdoors, fishing, making fishing lures, camping, black licorice, war movies, the History Channel, the Food Network, baseball games(in particular the San Francisco Giants), Colorado Rockies and the LA Dodgers, was a master griller and smoker, and a great gardener who enjoyed sharing what he produced.  He loved to make you laugh and was a devoted prankster.  Great at playing games and frolicking with the kids, Tom was a renowned distributor of candy and popsicles to the grandkids as well as all the neighborhood kids.  The family dogs Marley, Ollie and Henry were a great source of entertainment.  Did we mention he really loved fishing?  He avidly collected  a lot of sports stuff--signed baseballs, baseball cards, football cards and caps just to name a few.  We may have to open a memorabilia store.  Tom loved Arizona (“God’s Country”), and never left it for long.  Above all, he really cherished and loved his family, supporting them no matter what. Through good  times and bad, Tom was always there.

There were a few things Tom disliked.  He was not fond of shopping, tuna noodle casserole, some of what he called uppity foods like hummus, tofu, green drinks and so-called ‘modern American cuisine’.  Pink shirts were ok but quiche?—not for real men, he’d say.  He thought of sushi as fish bait, and stuck with Bud Light--none of that new ‘craft’ beer.  We will miss his witty skewering of current events and popular culture—politics, Kardashians, minions, etc.

Tom will be reunited with his predeceased brother Vic, sister Jan, mother Margret, father Ray, and a cast of other dogs  he loved.

Never one for sloppy sentiment or religiosity, Tom wanted you to know that if you owe him a beer, and if you can find him in Heaven, he will gladly allow you to buy him one and swap some fishing stories.

He will be sorely missed  by his wife Brenda, son Tommie, daughters Stacey and Kelley, granddaughters Jamie, Morgan and Rylie,  future sons-in-law Sean and Kyle, and the many friends Tom collected over the years .  His family would like to thank all for their love, prayers and support, especially including  everybody at the Abrazo Arizona Heart Institute/Hospital, Biltmore Cardiology and Dr. Timm  McCarty, for extending his life and making him as comfortable as possible as long as they did.

For those who would like to express condolences, the memorial military service will be held on Saturday November 10^th at noon, at Green Acres Cemetery in the Chapel at 401 N. Hayden Rd Scottsdale, Arizona.  We ask you to celebrate Tom’s life in your own way.  Remembering a good story (there were so many) and raising a glass of your favorite beverage in his memory would be quite appropriate. If you are in town, you are more than welcome to join us after the service in a ‘Celebration of Life’ to be held on the patio at Nello’s restaurant in Ahwatukee at 4710 E Warner from 2 to 4 (Food, Beer and Wine will be served). 

In lieu of flowers consider giving generously to your favorite charity in Tom’s name.