Christopher Morris of Eliot, Maine, passed away on Tuesday, September 5, 2023, due to an unexpected cardiac arrest in his home at the age of 40.

Chris was born to Robin and George Morris on October 5, 1982. He was the first of the many beloved grandchildren of Katherine (Nana) Hawkes. As the eldest, he was never shy in sharing what he learned through his successes and failures with his younger relatives. Being a powerhouse of acceptance, he never judged others for their limitations; instead, he tried to find the kernel of wisdom in their circumstances.

He made a name for himself as a young athlete at Dover Middle School and High School, becoming a favorite of his coaches for his talents and easygoing nature. He played as many sports as he could fit into his schedule and excelled at academics whenever he put his mind to it. As an adult, he struggled to find his calling and recently began taking college courses. He had hoped to become a psychologist specializing in helping trans youths and their families, inspired by some of his own family's experiences.

After graduating high school, Chris met his wife, Emma, and they brought two beautiful boys, Atom and Chip, into the world. He was never prouder of anything than he was of his kids and their accomplishments, except perhaps his wife and her determination. Chris supported every project and extracurricular his family chose to take on, doing his best to "hold down the fort" and be a strong presence when needed despite his struggles with both his physical and mental health.

Chris was a lover of games and puzzles. He spent much of his time building models, playing games, and generally enjoying taking on mental challenges of all kinds. His laughter was infectious, and he truly loved bringing a smile to the faces of his family with his quick wit. He was able to find humor in almost any situation, livening up parties and family get-togethers throughout his life. Some of his favorite pastimes were traveling to his parents' timeshare to spend the week with his family, gardening, fishing, grilling, playing board games, and visiting his Nana to watch football or baseball every Sunday.

Chris always responded to a need with the offer of help, whether it was cleaning up an outdoor area for his aunt, rebuilding a floor, or babysitting his sister's kids. He was an unshakable rock to lean on during emotional upheaval, particularly in grief, which makes his loss all the more difficult for his loved ones.

Christopher was preceded in death by his grandfather, Earl Hawkes, his Uncle Tom, his brother-in-law, Glen, and his baby sister, Leah. He is survived by his incredibly patient wife, Emma Morris; his amazing sons, Alexander (Atom) and Earl (Chip); his mother, Robin, and his father, George; his grandmother, Katherine Hawkes; his sisters, Katie, Hannah, and their children, and his sister Holly. In addition, he also left behind so many aunts, uncles, cousins, and in-laws who loved him dearly and will miss him always.

There will be a celebration of life on Tuesday, September 26, at Pelkey Funeral Home in Kittery, ME, from 2-4 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Trevor Project."