Zackory Kazuo Morton's Obituary
Zackory (“Zack”) Kazuo Morton, age 26, passed on July 9th, 2021, in Fremont, California. Zack will forever be loved by those of us that he left behind. He survives his mother, Laureen (“Lori”) Katz; his father Jeffrey Morton; his brother, Maxwell Morton; and a plethora of friends and family members. Zack’s Peña cousins were close like siblings (Corina, Rey, Eric, and Marisa), especially Corina, his big sister by heart, and her daughter Kiara Lopez, his little sis by heart.
Born on June 11, 1995, Zackory was a life-long resident of the historic Niles District of Fremont, CA (the original Hollywood), a close-knit community. Zack had a special bond with his Niles best friends since childhood, John Dempsey, Michael (“Maxi”) Chance, Phillip Kim, Kohei Kurokawa, and Tyler Brown, to name a few (far too many to list). Zack and his friends skateboarded, played Little League Baseball and competed on the high school wrestling team, in addition to certifying in high school paramedic and fire-fighting training.
Zack’s ardor for art became apparent early on. He had an innate creativity—likely passed down from his artist mother and maternal grandmother, and a keen intuition–and passion for cars, likely from his father. Zack loved to work on cars and motorcycles alike—through his teen years on, he set his scopes on automobile and motorcycle technology, his college major at CCSF. His welding and mechanic career landed him his dream job doing what he loves at Fremont Honda Kawasaki Suzuki. Zack was well-known as “the best they’ve ever had.” He spent countless hours riding with his motorcycle stunt crew, “The Gooniez,” who became his sanctuary and second family.
Zack was proud of his American and Japanese heritage, grandson to Kazue Nagai Katz, the first Japanese post-WWII bride to marry an American soldier. Zackory proudly carried his grandmother’s name in the male form, Kazuo (1st born), and had a passion for Japanese culture in his art (Manga and Anime), language (learned Japanese), music (Taiko Drum performer), and love of Japanese cars and motorcycles. Zack’s knack for cooking was likely inherited from his paternal grandmother, Joyce Morton, who could cook anything.
In addition to his many creative talents (artist, skateboarder, athlete, motorcycle stunt rider), Zack was an extraordinary, unique, intelligent individual with an engineering mentality (able to figure anything out), well-versed in many worldly subjects, to the surprise of many who only knew his mechanic or “cool” side. He was a loving old soul known for his wit, charm, talents, drive, and courageousness; most of all, Zack was a protector, known for his ability to sense when people needed help. He cared deeply for the well-being of everyone around him. As a result of his generous spirit and bright personality, he was loved by many. Zack was working toward a beautiful life and hoped to have a family of his own one day. His dog Cali-girl, who gently passed in his loving arms recently, was the love of his life—their bond was like no other. Zack loved “fully.”
Zack lived a beautiful full life, the way he wanted to—his way. His beautiful blue eyes and bright smile that lit up a room, will forever be remembered, along with his huge heart and special soul. Zackory truly is everyone’s hero—a person to admire and learn kindness from. Zackory Kazuo Morton—Mom, Dad and Max love and miss you tremendously.
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