Obituary of Brent Gordon Morris

Brent Gordon Morris was born on October 17, 1964 in Van Nuys, CA to Eugene and Alice Jean Morris. Brent was the ninth child and would often refer to himself as the “Grand Finale” of the family. We feel in this case, truly the best was indeed saved for the last! Brent was born with Down Syndrome and when his parents were given the option of having him raised in an institution, his mother said definitely not! She was determined to learn whatever was necessary to help Brent and raise him with his family. She later said Brent learned and did what each of her other 8 children did, just at his own pace. Brent was always a happy child who loved being with his family. He brought so much love into the Morris home and wherever he went. He has always been a peacemaker who helped calm others and help them feel happier. Whenever Brent thought his siblings or extended family members were arguing or challenging one another during games, he would say “Remember, no matter who wins or loses, we are family!” Brent did not like conflict and he did all that he could to help calm those around him. Brent attended public schools and graduated from Granada Hills High School. Following high school he worked at the New Horizons workshop in North Hills for almost 20 years. During most of those years he also performed with the Brite Lites Theater Company who performed for many occasions and groups in the San Fernando Valley. Brent LOVED music, dancing and being on stage. Brent also had the opportunity to be on television during an episode of Doogie Howser, M.D. which aired back in September 1992. He also participated in a Bank of America commercial. We told him he was our favorite TV Star!! Brent loved to watch the television show Batman when he was young. He also loved The Incredible Hulk and Wonder Woman. Superheroes became a lifelong favorite of his. His brother David would often take Brent to the newest superhero movie which was a great reason to have a brothers outing. Brent gathered quite a collection of superhero movies and would never tire of watching them over and over. Music was a great love of Brent’s. He enjoyed lots of music and especially liked Celine Dion, Whitney Houston, Amy Grant, Madonna and Michael Jackson. Brent loved being a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and was proud to be ordained a Priest and to be able to bless and pass the sacrament to his fellow members. It was important to Brent to attend church each Sunday and he liked to sit in the front row and be among the other members of our congregation. Brent served as President of the Sunday School for many years and would arrange for opening and closing prayers for the class. He was always in attendance sitting in the front row with his scriptures in hand. Although Brent had trouble handling things related to money, he had an increased ability with intuition and spirituality. Brent was a very social person and he loved to read his scriptures as well as books and magazines. He loved to meet people and interact with anyone who wanted to have a conversation. Brent was sometimes a flirt and enjoyed being with girls. He truly believed all girls are beautiful and treated each one as a special person. Brent loved to give and receive hugs and he never said a mean thing about anyone! One particular time when his sister Mindy was having a problem with their mother and was explaining to Brent that she didn’t know what to do, Brent held Mindy by the shoulders, looked her in the eye and said, “Just love her.” The perfect advice from the perfect son to the much less than perfect sister! Brent was always one to set a good example and show what it means to truly love others unconditionally. Brent developed dementia while in his 40’s and became unable to care for himself and eventually lost the ability to verbally communicate. Brent lived with his family until the age of 51. He then required more physical care than his family could safely provide. We feel very blessed that Brent was welcomed into the UCPLA family in Thousand Oaks where he lived the last 4 years of his life. UCPLA has wonderful caregivers, staff and friends who helped Brent feel comfortable and safe. Brent’s extended family is very grateful for the care and love Brent was shown. He was always well groomed and dressed and seemed happy. This was a wonderful gift for which we thank UCPLA! Brent passed away at age 55 on December 24th in Simi Valley due to the effects of dementia. He was preceded in death by his parents Eugene and Alice Jean and his brother Mike. He is survived by his brother David and his sisters Jeri, Kathy, Chris, Amy, Jeanine and Mindy. Brent has been laid to rest at Oakwood Memorial Park in Chatsworth, CA alongside his parents. A Celebration of Brent’s Life will be held on Saturday, March 7, 2020 at 2:00 p.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints at 1276 Erringer Road in Simi Valley. All are invited to join with Brent’s family at this memorial service. Casual attire is welcomed. In lieu of flowers, we encourage donations in Memory of Brent Morris to UCP of Los Angeles. Donations can be made online at UCPLA.org and click donate, or by mail to UCP of Los Angeles, Attn: Amy Simons, 6430 Independence Avenue, Woodland Hills, CA 91367. If you have additional questions, you can call UCP of Los Angeles at 818-782-2211.