John Russell Morrow

John was born in Louisville, Colorado on Sunday, June 28th, 1992. Days after John's birth, his loving birth parents blessed Kay, Randy, Angela and Sarah with an answered prayer. He joined their family when Angela and Sarah were 7 years old and it was a dream come true to finally have a little brother!

John attended Notre Dame Catholic School, Bear Creek Middle School and Chatfield High School. As a child, John played soccer and baseball, loved to swim, and enjoyed fishing. He played the saxophone, sitar, and guitar; all self-taught. Most of all, John loved being outside amongst the beauty of nature.

John had a great sense of humor. In the 4th through 6th grade, John played the saxophone and while he was asked to practice every day, John would be heard playing Pink Floyd's "We don't need no education", "We don't need no thought control"! John always smiled at his Mom when he played this song because he knew she was a teacher, and it would provoke an endearing reaction between the two of them.

John entered the Boy Scouts boxcar derby with his own design, an army tank, that won the "Most Unique" award! John was always an independent, deep thinker, and highly spiritual person. He was truly unique and wise beyond his years. When he was 17 years old, John's dream was to travel to India to assist the children in most need. His dream came true this past February, when John organized a Peace Walk, fed the children and distributed fans and frisbees to 140 children. His love expanded across the globe. John had an affinity for the homeless. In high school, when he and his friends went downtown, John made a point to converse with the homeless. He saw divinity in ALL people and loved everyone.

When John was 17, he earned the Eagle Scout Award, the Boy Scout's highest award. John searched for donors to share in his goal of providing teachers with basic resources necessary for successful learning at the Crow Agency Elementary School in Montana. Science was a passion of his and the school needed hands-on tools for science experiments. John was able to provide equipment for every grade level. Unconditional love of others was John's motivation behind this Eagle Scout project.

As a senior in high school, "Johnny", as he now preferred to be called, won a statewide writing contest. He wrote about how important it is for physicians to have compassion, empathy, and the desire to alleviate someone's suffering, when caring for patients. Johnny emphasized that compassion is just as important as diagnostic tests and medications. He was awarded a trip to Memphis, Tennessee to compete in a national writing contest and he represented the state of Colorado well. During the competition, in Tennessee, Johnny met his soulmate, who was from Florida.

After high school, Johnny moved to be with his partner and enrolled in college. They had a beautiful daughter together who continued her life's journey with a loving adoptive family.

Johnny and the family remained in touch, and he loved his daughter beyond words. Johnny returned to Denver for a while before he eventually discovered the beauty of Crestone, Colorado. He loved not only the nature of Crestone but also the warm, loving, friendly people of the Crestone community.

He loved going on camping adventures with his dad, visiting the Denver Botanic Gardens and museums with his sisters, and spending time looking for treasures and books at local thrift stores, libraries, and book stores. He was an avid reader who took great pride in his collection but would just as quickly give away a book he thought someone else might find meaning in.

He was always a seeker. He sought truth, love, and for opportunities to share himself and his gifts with others. He was intelligent and had a great understanding of technology. Johnny was an artist, philosopher, musician, and a published author of over half a dozen books. He was humble and unconditionally loved and accepted everyone. Johnny loved this poem, "I am not this hair, I am not this skin, I am the soul that lives within." ~ Rumi, a mystic poet. Johnny had a servant heart for all people and especially for those in need. Where there was darkness, he wanted to shine light. He further agreed with Rumi, who wrote, "If light is in your heart, you will find your way home." Johnny was passionate about sharing himself with others. He would literally give the shirt off his back, food from his table, hand you his heart, and gift you his time. He had a very gentle, kind and sensitive spirit. He was warm, soft spoken, welcoming, and a friend to all. Johnny spent much of his time in meditation and prayer. He volunteered in many ways to various groups every week. He believed in living a simple life. One of his favorite quotes was from Mother Teresa, "Live Simply so others may simply live". With sincerity, gratitude and love, Johnny LIVED the Golden Rule.

Johnny entered eternal peace on July 7th in Crestone, the land and community he loved. In lieu of flowers, we would love for his memory to live on through acts of kindness, sharing of ones' time, and helping most in need.

Johnny, you loved so well. We love you, and you are missed beyond words. 

Rosary 10:00 am, Funeral Mass 10:30 am, both Friday, July 31, 2026, Notre Dame Catholic Church, 2190 South Sheridan Blvd., Denver, CO 80219.