Obituary: Byrd, Morris John
Age 83
BYRD,
Morris John
Passed away peacefully at his home in Spokane Valley on March 12.
He was born May 17th, 1928 in Port Salerno, Florida to Jack and Bertha Byrd.
Morris was a twin and the youngest of seven children.
At 15, after being raised in Children’s Home Society of Florida for 11 years, Morris decided it was time to leave and start the rest of his life journey.
Morris spent the next couple of years as a commercial fisherman with his brothers.
In 1946 at the age of 17 Morris enlisted in the Army-Air Force and started his military career of over 20 years.
In 1947 while stationed at Geiger Field, he met the love of his life, Pat McDougall, his future wife of 63 years, at the USO and they were married in 1949.
During his early military career he spent time in Japan as part of the U.S.
Occupation Forces and then served in the Korean War.
Later he served on assignment in Goose Bay Labrador and was stationed at several other U.S. Air Force bases.
He finished his career as an Electronic Calibration Technician and taught Physics and Math at Lowry in Denver, Colorado.
He retired from the Air Force in 1969 and the family returned to Spokane.
Morris pursued subsequent careers including 10 years at KSPS as a Broadcasting Engineer, and as an Electronic Instructor at local Spokane Technical Vocational Institutes.
Morris loved to work but in the early ‘90s he finally retired from his professional careers and focused all of his time keeping busy at home and spending time with his family.
Morris loved to read and was a perpetual student.
He loved to have in depth and meaningful conversation with others on a wide array of topics.
Morris and Pat raised three children, Kris, Ken and Mary.
Morris cherished spending time with his family including eight grandchildren: Jason, Vincent, Danny, Danielle, Colette, Kiersten, Elynor, and Lesana; and eight great-grandchildren: Monic, Sapphire, Zach, Allura, Tazia, Chance, Trieston and Landon.
Kris and her husband Duane, and their family live in Yakima, WA, Ken lives in Spokane and Mary and her husband Petr and their family live in Stuttgart, Germany.
Morris and Pat’s extended family includes the parishioners at St. John Vianney where they attended Mass and have so many very special friends.
A Vigil Service will be held on Sunday evening, March 18 at 6 PM and Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 AM, Monday, March 19.
Both services will be held at St. John Vianney, 503 N Walnut Road, Spokane Valley.
The family requests in lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to St. John Vianney Poverty Fund.
Please visit Morris’ on-line memorial at www.hennesseyfuneralhomes.com.
Arrangements entrusted to: