Our sweet son and brother, Curtis Wade Morgan, passed away on Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2024, in the Conejos County Hospital, with his loving mother by his side. A viewing will be held on Monday, Nov. 18, 2024, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 755 Main St., Sanford, from 10-11 a.m., in the Relief Society room. Interment will follow at the Sanford Cemetery.
Curtis was born with two holes in his heart and was given a blood transfusion in his head resulting in a scar that he carried for the rest of his life, a constant reminder of the delicate condition of his Down Syndrome existence. Love DS they radiate.
Curtis attended the Valley Industries workshop and eagerly watched for the bus to pick him up each morning. His sack lunch included a cold Pepsi, his favorite beverage. Curtis used sign language and had a special flick of the wrist to let it be known when he was ready for his soda. One time when he was visiting family a lock had to be put on the refrigerator door to ration his Pepsi intake. Despite his learning disability Curtis figured out how to get in the frig anyway surprising everyone with his genius.
Curtis was quick to go to the strollers of strangers, smile, pat little hands, and talk to babies and small children. Some people were taken aback with Curtis’s approach, and some were afraid, but most people soon realized the sweetness of his gestures and were kind to him. He loved to hug his nieces and nephews and often kissed them on the top of their heads.
Curtis loved Lawrence Welk, the Tabernacle Choir on Temple Square, parades, and anything to do with music. He would sit on the floor in front of the TV and lead the orchestra, choir, band, and even hymns at church. His rhythm was spot on never missing a beat. He directed with quiet enthusiasm that brought smiles to people as they observed him.
Curtis was a man of few words yet he made his desires known. When he was hungry Curtis would set the table ready for a meal. He was patient but one time let out a sigh of disgust when the silverware was set for a right-handed person. Curtis was left-handed, scowled at his sister, and with a deliberate motion, changed the silver to accommodate his correct eating hand. He loved milk, ice cream, and food in general, but he hated grapes, and would not eat Jello.
When family came home to see Mom and Curtis, he would jump up, come to the door, and give his version of “Hi.” He’d hug us and help carry in suitcases. Often Curtis would end up on the couch to sleep but he never complained. Mostly every day Curtis would gather his stuffed animals, a blanket, his magazines and deck of large playing cards and make his nest in the corner of the couch. When Colleen, his and Mom’s neighbor, would come over to bring the mail, Curtis and Colleen would play with his cards cheering when he found the Joker.
It wasn’t easy to care for Curtis. He didn’t master hygiene and had to wear a bib when he ate. He couldn’t hurry and it was difficult to be patient with him. Nevertheless, Mom took care of him day after day, morning to night until only recently when care givers took over some of those duties. In spite of that Curtis and Mom had a special bond and he was a great comfort to her in the 10-plus years following the passing of Dad. Curtis taught us many things during his life. The most important was of the power and gift of love.
Curtis is survived by his mother, Janet Morgan, Monte (Shauna) Morgan, Lois (Dale) Nielsen, Kristy (Mitchell) Brooks, Kent (Kathy) Morgan, Paula (Shane) Eppley, and Max Morgan; many nieces and nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins.
The family wishes to thank their dear friends, neighbors, care givers many whose homes Curtis stayed in, medical personnel and extended family for their love and support for Curtis throughout his life and these final, difficult days.
