William Anderson Morton

William "Bill" Anderson Morton, aka Aaron Anderson Morton, was born on November 4, 1933 in Salem, Kentucky and passed away on November 8, 2015. Bill was a 54 year long resident of Southern California, and lived in Escondido, California for the past 17 years. Bill died peacefully at home; his final days spent surrounded by family. Although born in Kentucky, Bill's early years were spent between Colorado Springs, CO, Nebraska and then Colorado Springs again. Bill's childhood was extremely difficult, and was one he did not often speak about. But despite these tough years, Bill had the desire and dream to excel. And excel he did. He attended junior high and high school in Colorado Springs where he was an excellent student and state championship wrestler. Bill received a scholarship to University of Colorado, Boulder where he would begin his studies in Sociology and return a few years later to complete his degree. Bill served in the United States Navy, during the Korean War, aboard the USS Inflict (MSO-456). He loved his time in the Navy and would often recite stories and memories of those days. Bill and Colleen married in 1958. When he graduated college, mid-term in 1961, they loaded up a 4 foot U-haul trailer and a 1957 Ford station wagon with their young son and daughter and all of their worldly possessions and traveled West in search of the American Dream. And the American Dream they found in Southern California. Two additional sons were born and they were now a family of 6 living in Orange County and building a beautiful and active life, which later included actually building the family's dream home in Anaheim Hills, CA. Bill first went to work for the Los Angeles Probation Department, and later transferred to Orange County Probation Department, and served there until 1972 when he became a United States Federal Probation and Parole Officer. An interesting career, he supervised many including well known celebrities, until his retirement in 1992. Always in search of the next dream, retirement did not slow Bill down. He was a licensed real estate agent, as well as a licensed Private Investigator. He started, owned and operated a successful private investigative business, the Aaron Anderson Agency, specializing in employee background checks. He loved to travel and took several memorable trips including Europe, Hawaii, Alaska and Mexico. But he enjoyed the simple things in life as well - beautiful sunsets, breakfast at iHop, a good cup of coffee, Snickers candy bars, cheese danish, maple old-fashioned donuts, and cherry pie. (Bill had quite a sweet tooth.) A wonderful singer and dancer, Bill was part of a barbershop quartet, and his "Rooster" dance Easy Street from "Annie" is a family favorite memory, along with the night at the greek restaurant. Bill was a golfer, loved to write, was especially good at writing poems, and was a master at crossword puzzles. He was known for his sharp sense of humor and great mind. He was smart, very witty, and had a beautiful smile and endearing laugh. Bill was a handsome man, and a snappy dresser. He always looked so sharp in his fancy suspenders, and he always wore a hat, and had quite a collection. Anyone that knew Bill will know that he will never be forgotten. Bill loved his family, and was always there for them, providing insight, experience and advice however needed. His constant encouragement and support greatly influenced the many successes of all his kids and family. And, oh how he so very much loved his little white Bichon Frise dog, Paco. They went everywhere together. Bill is survived by his wife of 57 years, Colleen; son Dale and daughter-in-law Jayne; daughter Diane and son-in-law Dave; son Rob and daughter-in-law Jennifer; son Randy and (soon to be) daughter-in-law Laura. Grandchildren Lindsey; Kristin (husband Matt); Amy (husband Michael); Sean; Tyler; Ryan; Amanda; Kaylie and Jake; two great grandchildren Michael and Maxton; and his little white doggie, Paco. Our hats off to you Bill. In our hearts, always and forever. We love you!

William Anderson Morton

November 4, 1933 - November 8, 2015