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Born: September 2, 1949 |
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Death: May 17, 2012 |
| Survived By |
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Sherry L Smith, Spouse |
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Carissa Marie Lee Mornes, Daughter |
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Nathaniel Christian Lee Mornes, Son |
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Jeraldine Mornes Ennis, Sister |
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Ruean Mornes Taylor, Sister |
| Preceded in Death By |
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Walter Jaye Mornes, Father |
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Aurora Yolanda DePalma Mornes, Mother |
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Send Flowers | Send Card
Christopher Walter Mornes
September 2, 1949 -
May 17, 2012
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Christopher Walter Mornes
Born: September 2, 1949 in Grand Rapids, Minnesota
Died: May 17, 2012 in Sarasota, Florida
A Life Well Lived !
Known and respected throughout the performance boating industry, Chris was employed by Douglas Marine (Skater Powerboats) for more than a decade as General Manager as well as Sales and Public Relations Manager, helping to establish Skater Powerboats on and off the race course. Chris was the face of Skater Powerboats. His presence and good nature were ever present at boat shows, powerboat races and poker runs, as was his charismatic smile that will always be remembered.
Despite his successful career, Chris did not boast about his past. However, his credentials were impressive, having held managerial and marketing positions with several companies of note, including Circus Circus Enterprises (Team Warlock), (Knight & Carver Yachts) and (Arneson Marine), Mann’s Limited (Lehman Power Corp), and Nordskog Publishing (Powerboat Magazine). While at Sports International, a marketing agency, Chris developed European and domestic sponsorships for NASCAR Grand National, IRL, Formula 1 Tunnel Boats and U.S. Offshore Race events, and developed close working relationships with a number of renowned, international companies. He was also very instrumental in supporting the early Power Boating Canada/Poker Runs America’s poker run events that were held on The Great Lakes in the mid-1980s as a sponsor when he was employed by Warlock Powerboats.
These are just a few of his professional accomplishments. With his father, Chris established Florida Yacht Exchange, Inc. in Ft Lauderdale, FL, building and marketing custom luxury yachts.
Graduating from Grand Rapids High School, Chris lettered in football, track and wrestling, and attained a degree in Business Administration and Marketing from Itasca State College, University of Minnesota.
Always looking for the next great adventure, Chris helped to establish hang gliding as a full-fledged sport. He flew flexible wing hang gliders with Bill Bennett, manufacturer of the Delta Wing water ski hang glider, and jumped off mountains in foot-launched, flexible wing gliders.
In the military, Chris served in both the Minnesota National Guard and the United States Army’s Air Cavalry & Armament Reconnaissance Division. He piloted Huey helicopter gunships during the Vietnam War, where they were called Angels. He also flew Minnesota Civil Air Patrol’s Search, Rescue & Air Ambulance. Chris was an Underwater Dive Search Rescue & Recovery Specialist. He held Land and Sea Federal Aviation Administration Ratings in Rotor, Single and Multi-Engine aircraft.
Chris lived his life with passion and dedication, and will continue to soar with the Angels. He was greatly loved, and he will be greatly missed.
Chris is survived by his wife of 11 years, Sherry L. Smith; Son Nathaniel Christian Lee Mornes, Fort Lauderdale, FL; Daughter Carissa Marie Lee Mornes, New York, NY and Sisters Jeraldine Ennis and Ruean Taylor. He was predeceased by his father Walter Jaye Mornes, and mother Aurora Yolanda Mornes.
A mass will be held on June 15 at 3 pm at St. Martha’s Catholic Church, 200 N Orange Ave, Sarasota, FL 34236, followed by an Honor Guard ceremony accompanied by members of The Vietnam Brotherhood. At a later date, interment will be at the Sarasota National Veteran’s Cemetery.
A Celebration of Life will follow at 4 pm at The Gator Club, 1490 Main St, Sarasota, FL 34236.
Condolences may be sent to Sherry Smith, LMT, c/o Health Naturally, 2831 Ringling Blvd, Ste D114, Sarasota, FL 34237-5352. Phone 941-954-1909.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations in memory of Chris Mornes to www.catdepot.org, 2542 17th St, Sarasota FL 34234-1905, and The Vietnam Brotherhood, c/o Alan Penn, Commander, 4361 Whispering Woods Pl, Sarasota, FL 34233-3628.
Funeral arrangements under the direction of Gendron Funeral & Cremation Services Inc., 135 N. Lime Ave, Sarasota, Florida 34237 941-365-1767. Online condolences may be made at www.gendronfuneralhome.com.
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| Services |
Catholic Memorial Mass
Friday
June 15, 2012, 3:00 pm
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St Martha's Catholic Church
Click for Map and Directions
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Military Honor Guard
Friday
June 15, 2012, 3:45 pm
at
St Martha's Catholic Church
Click for Map and Directions
Honor Guard ceremony will take place immediately following the Mass.
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Celebration of Life
Friday
June 15, 2012, 4:00 pm
at
The Gator Club
Click for Map and Directions
2nd Floor. Refreshments and cash bar.
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