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GARDEN -- Kevin W. Morter of Garden, Michigan passed away unexpectedly in Ojai, California while visiting his son and grandsons on Saturday, September 12th. He was 73. Kevin was enjoying music at an outdoor fall festival at St. Thomas Aquinas Church with his family at the time.
Born in Pasadena, California and raised in Ventura, Kevin enjoyed playing baseball, football, rock music and surfing. After graduating from Buena High School in the same town, he majored in journalism at Ventura College and worked in that field for most of his career, including his service in the U.S Army. Over the years he worked in television as a news director and anchor in California and in Traverse City, Michigan. Kevin enjoyed some years reporting news on the radio at Escanaba's WDBC/WYKX before accepting the position of U.P. Regional Rep for U.S. Senator Carl Levin, from whom he said he learned his strong political ethics. He identified with his Irish roots, especially on St. Patty's, and was proud of his indigenous heritage as a decendent of the Alaskan Tlingit Tribe. The name Tlingit means "people of the tides," and Kevin often said his people needed to live near water.
While working in the U.P., Kevin made an appointment one day to open a bank account with Pam Hughes at the bank formerly known as MFC First National. He always said that if it weren't for their free checking, they may never have met. Lives were changed forever and a family was joined as the two of them were later married in 1994. They enjoyed life together, living in Wells, Michigan and later Naples, Florida, always appreciating life and new experiences together, and feeling as though no one in this world could be luckier. With a son and three stepchildren, becoming a grandparent was also a new and transformative experience as they
welcomed nine grandchildren. Kevin returned to television news in Florida, and sat the anchor desk one last time. Later, after completing his technical education, he became a surgical technologist for the rest of his working career. In his off time, Kevin truly enjoyed open wheel motorsports and worked as a pit reporter for IndyCar with his two brothers from another mother whenever he was able to. He donned his red Santa suit over the years and made surprise visits on Christmas Eve to the delight of his grandchildren and neighborhood kids. Never far from his early rock band roots, Kev listened to his favorite bands while working outside, and kept drumsticks nearby so he could play to the beat in his head. For his own enrichment, he completed a ministerial bachelors degree in parapsychology from a college of holistic theology.
Kevin and Pam returned to Michigan and settled on the Garden Peninsula after retirement in 2018 and enjoyed the quiet pace, vegetable gardening, beekeeping and watching the deer and other visiting wildlife. He was a foodie, often seen in the kitchen rolling homemade pasta, helping Pam bake his favorite buffalo chips cookies, or snitching his favorite pork carnitas before dinner was ready. Kevin was a large personality with an even bigger heart, terrific hugs that squeezed you with love, and a sense of humor that while both irreverent and cynical at times would most definitely keep you in stitches. He will surely be missed.
Kevin is survived by his wife of 32 years, Pam Morter, his son, Eric Morter of Ojai, CA, step-daughter, Rhonda Hughes, Appleton, WI, step-son, Bill (Bridgette) Hughes, Escanaba, step-daughter, Sarah Hughes (Nick) Kies, Escanaba, sisters, Mary Ellen Barrett, Capistrano Beach, CA and Kathy MacLaren, Santa Maria, CA, grandchildren, Evan Morter, Santa Barbara, CA, Justin Morter, Ventura, CA, Landon, Morter, Ojai, CA, Lauren Stefl, Appleton, WI, Mikara Hughes, Mikaiden Hughes, Logan Hughes, Lulana Hughes, and Seth Kies, all of Escanaba, inlaws, Grant and Kathy Andersen, Rapid River, MI, many beloved nieces and nephews, and treasured friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Adelbert and Mary Morter, and stepmother, Marilyn Morter.
According to his wishes, formal funeral services for Kevin will not be taking place.