Charles ‘Don’ D. Morris

Known by his family and friends as Don, he was born in Miami, Florida, on Dec. 6, 1950, the son of Charles and Rose. Don spent his youth adventuring in southern Florida, from cruising city streets on his skateboard to getting treed by gators in the nearby swamps.

Don was a humble man with a brilliant mind. He graduated high school and attended junior college at the age of 16, completed his undergraduate studies at Florida Atlantic University, and earned his Ph.D. in psychology at Vanderbilt University in Tennessee.

Don’s love of music and outdoor adventure blossomed in Nashville, where he learned guitar from watching musicians play at local juke joints and explored the Great Smoky Mountains. From there he roamed the country’s national parks, from Yellowstone and Glacier to the Northwest and Alaska, and even skinny-dipped with grizzlies in Denali.

Don taught undergraduate psychology at St. Lawrence University in New York, where he met and married his loving wife, Karen. They settled in Saranac Lake, where Don served a 31-year career, ending as chief psychologist at Sunmount DDSO in Tupper Lake.

Don’s greatest joys were his family and beloved animals, with whom he shared his love of the outdoors and music. He enjoyed weekends camping, hiking, skiing and playing his guitar. The sound of his guitar echoes with the gentleness, kindness and generosity Don shared with those who loved him.

Don’s second greatest love was paddling. As co-author of the North Flow guidebook, he inspired countless folks to explore the woods and waters of the Adirondacks. Don found happiness and meaning on the water. From Class VI rapids and remote wilderness brooks to adventuring down the Colorado River, Don chronicled every detail along the way.

After being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, Don spent his Sundays paddling on Lake Placid with his closest friends; the Morris family sends its love and gratitude to Tom, Dean, Randy and Pete for the peaceful companionship they provided over the years. To his friend John, who played piano for him on the weekend, and to the Shamrock crew, with whom he loved playing music, the family sends it thanks.

Remaining to cherish Don’s memory eternally are his wife, Karen, of Saranac Lake; his daughter, Kat, of North Bergen, New Jersey.; his son and daughter-in-law, Chris and Kaet, of New Orleans, Louisiana; and his sister, Mary, of Orlando, Florida. He also leaves behind his dog, Patches, whom he will no longer trip over.

Gifts in his memory may be directed to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, Tri-Lakes Humane Society or the Northern Forest Canoe Trail’s Northern Forest Explorers program, which introduces youth to the lakes, rivers and ponds he loved. A memorial paddle and reception will be held in the summer of 2025.

Dad, we wish you love and happiness on your next great adventure.