Byron David Morris, 38, was born in Homer, Alaska on May 10, 1983 to Audrey and Roy Morris. Byron led an astoundingly big life beyond the diagnosis of Down syndrome. He attended Homer schools, graduating from Homer High in 2002. He was an avid Mariner basketball fan, attending home games for the past 25 years. Although basketball was his passion in sports, he also participated in Special Olympics bowling and bocce, attending tournaments around the state with his team mates.

Although Byron insisted Homer would always be home, he overcame his fear of flying to make many trips to Hawaii. There he enjoyed the beaches and seeking the islands’ best coffee. If you knew Byron, you know he loved coffee. One of his favorite pastimes was sitting at a local coffee shop, chatting it up with the guys, which he often did with his father and friends. Byron’s love for travel included road trips with family throughout Alaska and Canada.

Byron is known for his humor and brilliant intellect, his love of movies – especially Star Wars, his love of music, and his astute judge of character. “He brought laughter and the joy of it everywhere he went,” says a close friend. His one-liners induced belly laughs, which he thoroughly enjoyed. Another friend quotes, “He was cautious, thoughtful, hilarious, dedicated and enjoyed the finer things in life”. Trips to Anchorage meant he would return with yet another leather jacket to add to his collection. He proudly wore those in all seasons.

Homer businesses were blessed with Byron’s contribution to making the world a better place. Byron’s Business Support Services collected recycled materials weekly from 2006 until he was forced to quit due to Covid restrictions.

Byron passed suddenly and unexpectedly on August 24, 2021 of a pulmonary embolism. A celebration of life will be held when Covid surges have passed and we can safely gather.

Byron is predeceased by Roy Morris, father; Ivan “Bud” Benson, maternal grandfather; Loyd and Edna Morris, paternal grandparents; Robert Morris, cousin. He is survived by Audrey Morris, mother; Pauline Benson, maternal grandmother; and aunts and uncles – Deena Benson, Christy and Raymond Drake, Karen and Tom Dusenbery, Lela Benson, Kathy and Jack Turk, and Fred Morris. His cousins are: Fred, Ted, and Sam Morris, Lincoln and Bradley Drake, Ramsey and Garrett Dusenbery.

Memorial donations can be made to Special Olympics Alaska at specialolympicsalaska.org or mail to: 3200 Mountain View Drive, Anchorage AK 99501

May the Force be with You. Always.