Join us at the JH Fly Fishing School Camp for a Celebration of life for Spence from 1pm-4pm located off Fall Creek Rd outside Wilson. Kids welcome!
Please bring your favorite thoughts and memories which the family will be compiling for his children so they know what a legend their Dad is. If you'd prefer to email those privately please send to julia_minshall@yahoo.com. You can also mail those to Melissa's address above.
The camp is located just South of 3900 S Fall Creek Rd so look for the balloons on your left marking the entrance. Shuttles will be available to/from Stilson Lot throughout the event. Parking is limited so please carpool or take the shuttles from Stilson.
We created a memorial to celebrate the life of John Spencer Morton. Collecting your stories and memories here will offer us great comfort. Please continue to check this website often for the most updated information.
OBITUARY
"Eventually, all things merge into one, and a river runs through it. The river was cut by the world's great flood and runs over rocks from the basement of time. On some of the rocks are timeless raindrops. Under the rocks are the words, and some of the words are theirs."We created a memorial to celebrate the life of John Spencer Morton. Collecting your stories and memories here will offer us great comfort. Please continue to check this... see more"Eventually, all things merge into one, and a river runs through it. The river was cut by the world's great flood and runs over rocks from the basement of time. On some of the rocks are timeless raindrops. Under the rocks are the words, and some of the words are theirs."
We created a memorial to celebrate the life of John Spencer Morton. Collecting your stories and memories here will offer us great comfort. Please continue to check this website often for the most updated information.
We acknowledge many of you have inquired about how to help. If you choose to, please contribute to the education of Spencer’s two children using Venmo and other information below. All proceeds will benefit the Spencer Morton Children’s Education Trust. Please visit www.spencermortonchildrenseducationtrust.org for more information as well.
Venmo Account: @SpencerMortonCET; when prompted for a 4 digit code, use 6153. Email: jbedia@pearlequitypartners.com Phone: (301) 467-6153 First Name: Spencer Last Name: Morton Children’s Trust
One last time, he held his beautiful fish, his gentle hands suspending her at waters edge, between life and death, their hearts mingled for a time, and then he released her, back to her home, and he slipped away into the snowy night,... moreThe final release
One last time, he held his beautiful fish, his gentle hands suspending her at waters edge, between life and death, their hearts mingled for a time, and then he released her, back to her home, and he slipped away into the snowy night, carried away by the river, into eternity. less
The Morton Family has been in our thoughts since the tragic loss of Spencer. We remember driving Spencer and Sam to countless early morning hockey games followed by a mad dashes to make the first runs of a ski ski races that Spencer usually won. He was... moreThe Morton Family has been in our thoughts since the tragic loss of Spencer. We remember driving Spencer and Sam to countless early morning hockey games followed by a mad dashes to make the first runs of a ski ski races that Spencer usually won. He was such a humble, kind, considerate and genuine person supporting his peers at all times. We know he will be sorely missed by all who knew him. less
My many trips to JH were always highlighted by my bonding with Spencer, as the images of the Tetons are forever etched in my mind so will the fond memories of Spencer be etched in my Heart. Thank you for watching over Travis for me , as a roommate and... moreMy many trips to JH were always highlighted by my bonding with Spencer, as the images of the Tetons are forever etched in my mind so will the fond memories of Spencer be etched in my Heart. Thank you for watching over Travis for me , as a roommate and neighbor, but mostly as a true compassionate friend to both Travis , his family and ours. Forever in our hearts , rest now in peace my dear friend,❤️ less
Spencer was a light and beacon for living every moment of life. His energy and passion is boundless and just addicting. Really glad our paths crossed. My love to JH, family and friends .
Thank you God for giving us such a kind and loving soul. We will never know why he left us so soon, but we will always remember what he brought to this world. Be sure he has a fully stocked stream up there! 🥰
So sorry to hear the news, and passing along condolences to Spencer’s family out west and in VT. So many great memories from way back, here’s a photo of Captain Spencer with his Squirt hockey team! Condolences to his whole family, gone too soon
Spencer was such a valuable partner for Orvis Adventures. Always there to help. Always looking to provide the best possible experience. Spencer once hosted me on a visit to Jackson and I will always remember the time we spent together. Such a great... moreSpencer was such a valuable partner for Orvis Adventures. Always there to help. Always looking to provide the best possible experience. Spencer once hosted me on a visit to Jackson and I will always remember the time we spent together. Such a great host. The Orvis Adventures team has had several conversations about Spencer's passing and we are all quick to remember stories from our time in the field with him. He will certainly be missed. Orvis Adventures will be making a donation of $2,750 to the Spencer Morton Children's Education Fund that has been established and it is only a small token to how we could repay Spencer for his valued partnership over the years. To his family, please know we are all thinking of you during these hard times. less
Spencer touched the lives of so many people. His spirit and enthusiasm for life was uplifting to all around him. His kindness made the world a better place. His love of family was a lesson for all to follow.
During his time as a student-athlete at... moreSpencer touched the lives of so many people. His spirit and enthusiasm for life was uplifting to all around him. His kindness made the world a better place. His love of family was a lesson for all to follow.
During his time as a student-athlete at UVM, he showed us what it means to be a good teammate, a loyal friend and a respectful competitor. Through much adversity, he persisted and persevered to always do his best, always with a smile and with a perspective beyond his years. He was a young man who left an indelible mark on all those who had the good fortune to know him and to work and play along side him.
He will be sorely missed but his spirit will live among us forever
Our sincere condolences to his wife, family and friends with a hope that an abundance of happy memories sustain you through these most difficult of days.
Bob and I have a special memory of Spencer teaching our grandson, Sam, the finer points of bugs and flies last summer on his 12th birthday. Spencer, a gifted and patient teacher, taught 6 members of our family how to fly fish...and how to enjoy the... moreBob and I have a special memory of Spencer teaching our grandson, Sam, the finer points of bugs and flies last summer on his 12th birthday. Spencer, a gifted and patient teacher, taught 6 members of our family how to fly fish...and how to enjoy the beauty and peace being on the river fishing. Our love goes out to Melissa, Fritz, baby Morton and all his family. We will miss Spencer dearly. less
Spenser is my son David’s favorite ski coach during his many years with the ski club.
When I last saw Spenser in March skiing with his 1 year old son, he asked me all about when David first skied with his father Doug.
This is just so tragic and... moreSpenser is my son David’s favorite ski coach during his many years with the ski club.
When I last saw Spenser in March skiing with his 1 year old son, he asked me all about when David first skied with his father Doug.
This is just so tragic and such a loss for everyone who was lucky enough to know Spenser. My heart goes out to his son and his wife , a story too familiar to me. less
Thinking of your family as you all gather in a place Spencer loved so much. Hearing the news, it seems unimaginable to bear this heartbreak. Life slowed to a halt that sunny spring day —each moment then treasured with my family.
I have memories of... moreThinking of your family as you all gather in a place Spencer loved so much. Hearing the news, it seems unimaginable to bear this heartbreak. Life slowed to a halt that sunny spring day —each moment then treasured with my family.
I have memories of Spencer as a boy with a gentle face filled with kindness. On a visit to Marlboro, I remember hearing excited voices down by the pond. It was Gene and Spencer fly fishing , carrying on life in a place filled with family activity where generations played.
Dinny, Chris , Lizzy, Morgan, and Will – our thoughts are with you – sending all our love. less
I worked for Spence for two summers at JHFFS, one of the most formative periods of my life. He trusted me to run drift boat trips early on and I never wanted to let him down. Spence was the type of guy that would give you the shirt off his back. He... moreI worked for Spence for two summers at JHFFS, one of the most formative periods of my life. He trusted me to run drift boat trips early on and I never wanted to let him down. Spence was the type of guy that would give you the shirt off his back. He expected a lot from his team and then worked twice as hard himself: His work ethic was second to none. He always had my back and I had his. I wish I could tell him how I sought to emulate his work ethic during my three years of law school. Thanks for the life lessons, Spence. Tight lines. - Henry less
I had the honor of spending time with Spence at Westminster and UVM. Always a smile on his face...the most genuine, kind, and all around lovely human being! At UVM we remained friends, I always loved that we had those Westy memories in common!...I was... moreI had the honor of spending time with Spence at Westminster and UVM. Always a smile on his face...the most genuine, kind, and all around lovely human being! At UVM we remained friends, I always loved that we had those Westy memories in common!...I was reminiscing with my Westy girlfriends about haven taken Spence to my sorority formal Junior year up in Montreal...we always had such a nice friendship I knew it would be a good time with Spence, and it was! Something about Spencers energy that put people at ease, he radiated goodness. I told my husband the other day we should go to Jackson with our boys one day and hire Spence's tour co for some fishing, Im sorry our time was cut short Spence! My sincere condolences to the entire family. Rest In Peace my friend. 💔 less
I was fortunate enough to live with Spence in college and play hockey with him at UVM. Spence was one of the first teammates I met and since he was the mayor of the city, he took me in and showed me the ropes. Though hockey was a huge part of our lives,... moreI was fortunate enough to live with Spence in college and play hockey with him at UVM. Spence was one of the first teammates I met and since he was the mayor of the city, he took me in and showed me the ropes. Though hockey was a huge part of our lives, we also considered ourselves slightly above mediocre racket players. So much so that we decided to take a badminton class right before practice to settle the score. We figured it would be a nice warm up before practice, but it quickly degenerated into a grueling full on badminton war zone. By the end of class, we would be drenched and exhausted, then head straight to the rink. I always got a kick out of that. Here we were, dedicated hockey players dragging ass at every Tuesday practice because of a 1 credit badminton class. But that was the beauty of Spence. He had more passions than we can name, and he put everything he had into all of them. There was no save it for later with him. Spence truly seized every moment he could to go all in. Simply put, he loved life. And people loved him for that. less
Spencer no doubt was a talented, hard working, knowledgeable, and friendly guide/outfitter in our community. Of all the fishing guides at the boat ramp, Spencer was one who I would always walk across the parking lot to say hi to. I’ll miss his... moreSpencer no doubt was a talented, hard working, knowledgeable, and friendly guide/outfitter in our community. Of all the fishing guides at the boat ramp, Spencer was one who I would always walk across the parking lot to say hi to. I’ll miss his positive, friendly attitude every time I’m at the Wilson Bridge from many years to come. less
Spencer became an outfitter with us here on the Bridger-Teton National Forest in 2018 after he competed for, and was awarded a special use permit to provide fly fishing trips up on Pacific Creek, Buffalo Fork River, Blackrock Creek, and Spread Creek. ... moreSpencer became an outfitter with us here on the Bridger-Teton National Forest in 2018 after he competed for, and was awarded a special use permit to provide fly fishing trips up on Pacific Creek, Buffalo Fork River, Blackrock Creek, and Spread Creek. That process to issue those permits got a lot of attention given how much people care about our wild rivers and wild fisheries here in Jackson Hole. it was obvious in his application that he genuinely wanted to share a memorable experience with his guests; more than just a successful fishing trip. He wanted to connect them to public lands and the amazing resources we all love; and do it with care and respect. We had tremendous faith that he was going to offer great service to the public and he certainly did.
An outfitted trip in a special place can change people's lives and be tremendously meaningful when a dedicated professional like Spencer is leading the experience. I deal with a lot of outfitters, and have throughout my career. Spencer was one of the best, not only his professionalism, but his sincerity, enthusiasm, and his kindness. Not many outfitters send the Forest Service a Christmas card- Spencer did. He would always say hi when he was here leading a trip from Blackrock Ranger Station up Blackrock Creek, and the man was always smiling. All of us up here at Blackrock that worked with Spencer have a lot of respect for him, and we were all very saddened to hear of his passing.
From all of us up here at Blackrock, our deepest condolences to Spencer's Family and his friends and loved ones. He was one of the good ones and will be missed.
I didn't know Spencer well, but we had a lot of mutual friends who spoke very highly of him. I got the chance to fish with him 1/2 day with some journalists in June 2017, and wound up catching the biggest cutthroat of my life! The 2 of us could barely... moreI didn't know Spencer well, but we had a lot of mutual friends who spoke very highly of him. I got the chance to fish with him 1/2 day with some journalists in June 2017, and wound up catching the biggest cutthroat of my life! The 2 of us could barely contain our excitement when we saw this fish surface, and let out a collective "HOLY SHIT!" The journalists in the boat with us couldn't figure out why we were such geeks over a fish! less
What a loss
I remember meeting Spencer and knowing right away he was a great guy. Always up for helping out for a good cause and a talented guy all around. I’ll miss you friend.
Spenser was always the kid who ran around annoying all his older sisters and their friends. We were all relieved Spenser was born, so Carrie did not have to have 5 girls to contend with. Spenser was the kid that everyone liked and was always full of... moreSpenser was always the kid who ran around annoying all his older sisters and their friends. We were all relieved Spenser was born, so Carrie did not have to have 5 girls to contend with. Spenser was the kid that everyone liked and was always full of life, adventure and energy. Our love goes out to Carrie, Jessie,Katie, Jenny, Ashley and Spenser's wonderful family, and John Morton. Peggy and Shap Smith less
These photos of Spencer were taken at a fly fishing club on the Gaula River in Norway in June of 2013. Spencer was working as a salmon fishing guide and we were visiting our eldest, who was also working there. On his day off Spencer offered to teach me... moreThese photos of Spencer were taken at a fly fishing club on the Gaula River in Norway in June of 2013. Spencer was working as a salmon fishing guide and we were visiting our eldest, who was also working there. On his day off Spencer offered to teach me and a friend (pictured showing the iphone photo) how to do a Spey cast. Before that afternoon my vague impression of Spencer was an easy going, hard working, super likable guy. That day we spent hours and hours until late afternoon talking to Spencer about anything and everything, practicing with these gargantuan rods. Spencer made such a deep, lasting impression on both my friend and me: so present and in the moment, he gave the impression that the only place he wanted to be was standing in this icy river with two women in their fifties who couldn't tell a fly rod from a fig. Such a thoughtful and kind guy who deeply explored a surprising range of topics with an enormous empathy. Spencer will be missed but he won't be forgotten. less
Spence in his college years part 2...(he loved that bear claw necklace and always wanted the opportunity to wrestle a bear. If given the opportunity, I believe he may have won).
Spence in his college years...he made the bar top (first of many wood creations)...training for his first triathlon...college class doing river bank restoration)...
Spencer was kind, considerate, and observant from when he was a small child, and those qualities stuck with him as he grew into an impressive leader in his communities. When I moved west and drove through Jackson on my way across the country, Spencer... moreSpencer was kind, considerate, and observant from when he was a small child, and those qualities stuck with him as he grew into an impressive leader in his communities. When I moved west and drove through Jackson on my way across the country, Spencer hosted me at his Wilson cabin and treated his younger cousin to a drive around the greatest backroads in the Jackson valley. I could see his pride in knowing the valley and his awe at its beauty. He was working hard to make a life for himself there, so I was so proud and impressed, but not surprised, when he realized his goal of starting a fly fishing guiding business. I knew he’d lead with as much class, kindness, and perseverance as he approached other activities. Both humans and animals were left better by their contact with Spencer, and the world was infinitely better with him in it. We were not ready to say goodbye you, Spencer. less
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