American revolutionary Samuel Adams once remarked:
"Neither a lofty degree of intelligence nor imagination
nor both together go to the making of genius.
Love, love, love, that is the soul of genius."

If this is true, then our friend Emmett James Morgan, Jr., was indeed a genius.

Emmett loved people. And people loved him.

This page is our small way of honoring Emmett and continuing his legacy of love and kindness.


Wednesday, August 24, 2011

In Lieu of Flowers

Emmett Morgan was one of the funniest people I've ever met. He had a gift for making people laugh. He relished the absurdity of life and the fullness of the human experience. And he paid attention to the details.

When you liked something, Emmett noticed. And when you least expected it, he would show up with the perfect thing to brighten your day. These small gifts always hit the mark. They were brilliantly conceived and perfectly timed to make your heart sing.

Emmett was big on action, and his gifts often took the form of a kind word or deed. His advice was always valuable and usually surprising, as was his take on life.

Emmett would also bring people presents. He was not rich in the monetary sense, but he was rich in imagination. He would pick out some small gift that showed he'd been thinking especially of you. When you opened it, he eagerly awaited your reaction. And he was rarely disappointed (except for the time when he "short-sheeted" my hotel room bed. To Emmett's dismay, I got into bed without incident. He'd miscalculated my height, being close to a foot taller than me.)

Emmett once returned from a trip to New York with an exquisite compact mirror for me. I collect frogs and the vintage-style mirror has a frog on it. It's one of my most cherished possessions. I carry it everywhere I go, and every time I use it I am reminded that Emmett, while on vacation thousands of miles away, thought of me and took the time to pick out the perfect gift. I am reminded of our deep love for one another. I am reminded to be like Emmett and pass that love around.


If Emmett liked a book or a movie or a restaurant, we all soon found ourselves reading the book or seeing the film or dining out. Usually Emmett came along; he got such joy out of watching us watching the movie or sampling the food.

In fact, just a few days before he passed away, Emmett saw the film "Mao's Last Dancer" and it moved him to tears. He would want me to tell you to see it...as a parting gift.

He will undoubtedly be nearby watching with you. You'll have no trouble recognizing him. He'll be the spirit enveloping you with love.

In lieu of flowers, the family of Emmett "EJ"  Morgan requests that you honor the memory of Emmett with an act of kindness. Do something thoughtful, generous, and unexpected. And imagine Emmett beaming at you.

- Maureen Charles

We invite you to share here the ways in which Emmett was a gift to you and the ways in which you are paying it forward.

8 comments:

natalie sofer said...

Emmett was an an awesome friend to me and alejandro. He and candace taught me to be for my man while he loved to play the horses. I am certainly not a gambler but when the 4 us played at the track it was always great fun and i really got to love it. The last gift Emmett picked out for me were small binoculars so i can see the horses up close when went to the track. I will always remember Em whenever we go to the track. We always loved celebrating with each other. Em I know you will be giving us luck and I know you will still be there as we pick the winners.

Anonymous said...

I loved Emmett Morgan as did so many people. I feel like one of the most blessed people to have been on the receiving end of his love and appreciation. Emmett gave his love so freely because he could. There were no barriers to cross with him. He was just himself and let everyone be themselves. We laughed at just about everything.
Emmett came into my office one day and wanted to find out about assisting at Landmark and I said “I know – you can be my Team Leader for Refunds.” And he said “Ok!” and that was that. He then brought his friend Kris and a few other people into the party, and we formed the club formally known as “Vicki & the PIP’s (Partners in Possibility.) We wore sparkly top hats and made fools of ourselves from time to time. We put the word “fun” in Finance. I treasure all the great memories and Sunday brunches with Emmett and Candace. Their relationship is an inspiration to me. I also remember how much Emmett loved his family, and I had the pleasure to join them for a Thanksgiving dinner in Pasadena one year. I am so sorry for their loss.
I can feel his spirit celebrating us celebrating him and smiling at us. I know that smile will stay around forever. You are missed Em!
Vicki Harbath-Smith

Dena Skoko said...

Emmett was one of my favorite people. One of my best times was when I use to go over to visit Candace and Emmett and watch the Sopranos. Emmett would bring me popcorn and make sure I had an ice cold beverage. He always took care of me and everyone around. He was so of service and such a beam of Light. I miss you Emmett may your spirit carry on.....forever:)

Anonymous said...

I love how Emmett loved my precious Candace. I love how happy he made her. I love the way his face would light up when she walked into a room. I love the wonderful relationship that they shared and the gift that that is to all of us! Nancy Zapolski

Andrea Herz Payne said...

darling mo-i knew emmett through knowing candace. thank you for making us better acquainted. what a beautiful man. love, andrea

Terri Weathers said...

My Father Emmett was one of my best friends. We were so like minded. If anyone in the world understood me the best it was him. There was nothing left unsaid between the two of us. I will miss our phone conversations that always consisted of everything under the sun and most of all laughter. I loved the time we spent together and I was always excited to see my dad...he just had something special about him. I know now my dad is still one of my lights and that our relationship is just as strong but has transformed. I will now pass on his wisdom and his special way that that he treated me on to my children. I will forever miss him. I love you Daddy always and forever.

Anonymous said...

Like many of us, I knew Emmett through Candace. What I knew about Emmet was he took such good care of Candace so that Candance could take care of us. Candace gave to us so generously, he must given as much in the background to have her be with us. I am eternally indebted to him for giving me my life and all the people I touch today. I only met Emmet twice and yet his impact on me and my life has been huge.

Bertila Damas said...

Emmett Morgan; Never, never, ever a dull moment around Emmett. Emmett had an amazing way of constantly catching me off guard in a conversation with the most outrageous perspective...ever full of peace, love and mischief! What fun we had years back as group members in so many seminars, with Reuven and the girls...OMG so FUN! Thanks Emmett for visiting with us, we all pass through so briefly on this planet and it was a real pleasure having shared some time with you. Thank you, thank you, thank you and could you put a bet on the third race up in heaven for me...Till we meet again on the other side, when I collect my winnings ;) With Love & Thanks, Bertila