THOMAS DE WITT CUYLER MORRIS

SOUTHWEST HARBOR Thomas de Witt Cuyler Morris passed away with great peace in the loving presence of his family and caregivers, Dec. 7, 2008, at his home, after a valiant and determined challenge with lung cancer. Tom was born Nov. 20, 1940, in Bryn Mawr, Pa., to Gerd Wiese and DeWitt Cuyler Morris. He leaves his most beloved wife of 43 years, Justine “Tina”; and the pride and joy of his life, his children, son, DeWitt Cuyler Morris and his wife, Cindy, of Southwest Harbor, and daughters, Helen Scott Morris Tirone and her husband, Bradley, of Freedom and Lia Morris Siff and her husband, Danie, of Oakland. Tom was blessed with the great love of his seven grandchildren, Samuel, Sophia and Thomas Morris, August and Stella Tirone, and Owen and Abigail Siff. He leaves his loving sister, Gerd Morris Grace; brother, William B. Morris, both of New York City; along with his wonderful nieces and nephews, Ingird C. Beeman, Charles Grace III, Melissa Grace and Gerd Grace. Tom attended numerous academic institutions, starting with Episcopal Academy, and then on to Valley Forge Military Academy and Chestnut Hill Academy, all in the Philadelphia area. He graduated from Babson Institute, Boston, with a degree in business administration. He served in the National Guard with distinction, and was a life member of First City Troop of Philadelphia, George Washington’s founding troop. He was a member of Society Of The Cincinnati, New York state and a member of the Cruising Club of America. In Southwest Harbor, Tom was a three-term member of Pemetic Elementary School Board and served on the Warrant Committee. He was also a regular for many years at Deaconseat Restaurant’s infamous “round table,” where he enjoyed coffee and the camaraderie of fellow community members. Tom settled with his wife, Tina, married Oct. 16, 1965, in Philadelphia, where Tom tried his hand at banking, marine insurance and finally as a shipping agent. It was always the water and sailing that Tom loved more than any classroom or office, and with a dream in his heart moved to Southwest Harbor in 1972, to live on the island where he spent his childhood summers in Northeast Harbor, sailing. He started Morris Yachts in 1972, in the backyard where he built his first boat, a Friendship Sloop for eternal friends, James and Marsha Wilmerding of Northeast Harbor. Al Michaud, then of Manset was his first employee and to become, great friend. Tina worked at Tom’s side, keeping books and was his ever-present supporter. He collaborated with yacht designer Chuck Paine of Tenants Harbor in 1973, and together they forged a vision of beauty that has led Morris Yachts to be recognized as one of the most prestigious yacht builders in the country, winning numerous Boat of the Year awards from Cruising World Magazine throughout the last decade. Tom’s son, Cuyler, joined Morris Yachts in 1995, and together rode the waves of managing a family business, expanding Morris Yachts Service Industry, increasing their boat building capacity, and now employ a greatly appreciated and dedicated crew of 130. Tom was a stalwart, independent and humble man of great integrity, careful thought and hard work. Of his favorite expressions was, “If there is a will, there is a way.” He gave infinite guidance and love not only to his children, but also to many people he befriended in his life. He was a devoted and loving partner in life to his wife, Tina. He will be indescribably missed by his family, who wishes him “smooth sailing” and peace on his new journey. A memorial service will be held 3 p.m. Monday, Dec. 15, at Morris Yachts, Trenton. A celebration of his life will be held on the summer solstice of 2009 at Bass Harbor Yard. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Tom’s memory may be made to Southwest Harbor Public Library, P.O. Box 157, Southwest Harbor, ME 04679 or Mount Desert Island Community Sailing Center, P.O. Box 116, Southwest Harbor, ME 04679. Arrangements by Jordan-Fernald, 1139 Main St., Mount Desert. Condolences may be expressed at www.jordanfernald.com.