John Wells Morrison

John Wells Morrison passed away on November 3, 2020, in Highland, Utah. John Wells [Hickman] Morrison was born September 5, 1930 in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Josiah Eugene and Lulu Riddle Hickman. Sadly, just four days after giving birth and naming her newborn son, Lulu passed away. Because of overwhelming responsibilities, Eugene decided to give his newly born son up for adoption to a cousin. Arvel Wells and Gretta Fullmer Morrison adopted John shortly after his birth and added the middle name of Wells. John was the eldest of three children: brother, Bruce Franklin and sister, Nanette.

John was raised in Cottonwood; it provided all the splendor for an idyllic childhood. Winters were spent skiing at Alta just a short distance up the canyon from their home and taking sleigh rides through the snow. The neighborhood lakes and streams provided many hours of delight for the lazy days of summer.

Horses were John’s passion, a love instilled in him by his adoring father. The lovely Morrison home was complete with horse stables, a riding ring, and a jump course. In addition, the family had the horse ranch, Rancho del Honora, located in Van Nuys, California. He spent many summers in Missouri riding, training and showing horses. In his youth, John was an avid skier, frequenting Alta Ski resort, placing in the Junior National Ski Finals.

John was educated in Salt Lake City schools. However, during the winter months of January through March the family lived near Griffith Park in Glendale, California where he attended school. He also attended Menlo Men’s Preparatory College in Palo Alto, California, before returning to attend and graduate from East High School. He attended University of Utah and was a member of Sigma Chi fraternity. He valued his many experiences, opportunities and associations with his Sigma Chi brothers.

While attending the University of Utah, John met and married Maridon McAllister of Scarsdale, New York. They were married on July 7, 1951 in Salt Lake City, Utah. They made their home and raised their six children in various locations in and around Salt Lake City and Northern California.

Upon the death of his father in 1951, John became owner and manager of Morrison Auto Supply, an automotive accessory store, which was founded by his father. John was also employed by many other corporations and was a sales representative for a variety of companies.

Upon retirement, John and Maridon made their home in Newport Beach, California. They loved strolling the charming walks of Balboa Island and the picturesque beaches of Corona del Mar and Laguna. In the last few months of his life, John returned home to Utah to be among family and friends.

John is survived by his six children: Michelle (David Curtis) Janke of Sandy, Utah; Donnette (Jeffrey Taylor) Fisher of Provo, Utah; John Wells (Tamara McKeon) Morrison, Jr. of Encinitas, California; Bruce McAllister (Amy Larson) Morrison of Bountiful, Utah; James McAllister (Patricia “Trish” Jones) Morrison of Draper, Utah; Maridon (Paul Jackson) Brockbank of Highland, Utah; 24 grandchildren and 37 great grandchildren and 3 more expected; a sister, Nanette (Michael S.) Demaree of Irvine, California. He is preceded in death by his wife, Maridon McAllister; parents, Arvel Wells and Gretta Fullmer Morrison and a brother, Bruce Franklin Morrison.

He will be interred in Salt Lake City Cemetery on Friday, November 13, 2020.