OBITUARY Jon Scott Morrison June 1, 1954 – July 12, 2018 Jon Scott Morrison (Scott), cherished husband, son, brother; highly regarded multifamily real estate industry leader; avid world traveler, thrill seeker and sports enthusiast; and vibrant, loyal friend died of cancer on Thursday, July 12, 2018, surrounded by his loving and caring wife Donna, his mother, and his sister. Born in Dearborn, Michigan to Robert J. Morrison (predeceased) and Idawillis Morrison, Scott had two older siblings–Jo Ellen Morrison and Robert S. Morrison. Scott spent his childhood in Michigan and Florida and graduated from St. John’s Military Academy, Delafield, Wisconsin in 1972 as a Senior Cadet, earning honors as Most Outstanding Cadet.
Following military school, he attended and graduated from Rollins College, Florida with a Bachelor of Arts Degree (BA) in 1976 and Master of Business Administration Degree (MBA) in 1977. Scott began his illustrious career in real estate and residential property management after graduating. Always a hands-on, energetic, problem-solving professional, Scott emphasized his now legendary trait when he concluded on an early career resume, “I MAKE THINGS HAPPEN”.
Scott’s last executive position was Senior Vice President of Operations with Legacy Partners, Inc., responsible for their apartment, mixed-use/retail and marinas in California, Arizona, Oregon and Washington state. Truly creating a legacy at Legacy Partners, Scott set extraordinary standards for himself and his team. He was an integral part of the company’s success and created an atmosphere where those who worked for him excelled.
“Something that seemed impossible became possible when Scott was involved”, said Kim Baker, Legacy’s Director of Marketing. CEO W. Dean Henry said, “So much of Legacy’s reputation and culture was due to Scott’s efforts and influence. He was proud of that and proud to be a part of Legacy”.
Prior to joining Legacy Partners in 1992, he was Regional Vice President for Trammell Crow Residential in Arizona/New Mexico/West Texas; Regional Vice President for Granada Management Corporation in Florida; President/ Principal for Saber Management in the Southwest; and Vice President for Southwest Management in Arizona. He served on the Executive Committees of numerous apartment industry associations representing the counties of Los Angeles, Orange, San Diego and the Inland Empire. Scott was also a Certified Property Manager (CPM®) through the Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM) since 1982.
Personally, and professionally, Scott’s life values were expressed by one of his frequent quotes, “Do what is right, do what is fair, and do what is honest”. As a result, his friends, co-workers, and colleagues are all intensely loyal to Scott, just as he was to them. His larger-than-life, heart-on-his sleeve, integrity-driven life will always be remembered by all who knew and admired him.
Scott was a thrill-seeker and athlete all his life. His last scuba diving trip in Cuba with wife Donna was one of their most memorable. Together they have explored oceans all around the world including exotic locations in the Philippines, Indonesia, Bahamas, Caribbean and Mexico.
Skiing was another passion of Scott’s and every February, he and Donna would head to Aspen, Colorado. They enjoyed many ski destinations over the years especially the Multi Family Executive Conference in Vail, CO. Other adventures Scott experienced were Harley Davidson motorcycle treks to Sturges, North Dakota, the Laughlin River Run, Kingman and Oatman, Arizona with the “wild burros”, the Love Ride in Pomona, CA, or a Sunday ride to “Hell’s Kitchen” on the Ortega Highway in San Juan Capistrano.
Action-oriented Scott grew to enjoy the tamer game of golf. When first learning the sport, as frustrating as it can sometimes be, Scott told a friend that he thought golfing should be outlawed and all golf courses be converted to parks. However, overtime he grew to enjoy it, so much so that he and Donna bought matching Loudmouth brand golf pants, making a distinctive fashion statement on the course.
In fact, Scott was always a dapper and fastidious dresser with an enviably organized closet and the right outfit (or sportswear and equipment) for every venue. Even when professional business dress moved to more casual wear, Scott consistently set the right tone for his employees and dressed appropriately–hard hat and boots when walking an apartment construction site to impeccable suit and tie when meeting with clients who dressed formally. Scott lived life to the fullest, working hard, exploring the world, and enjoying the company of his family, friends, co-workers, and industry colleagues — all of whom he considered his friends.
Scott is survived by his wife Donna, his mother Idawillis, stepson Brian Pfeifer (Haley), daughter-in-law Jennifer Pfeifer, five grandchildren – Mace, Easton, Hudson, Catherine and Charles, and siblings Jo and Robert. Scott’s father and stepson Howard “Skipper” Pfeifer predeceased him. There will be a closed casket viewing on Tuesday, July 24, 2018, from 5:00-9:00 p.m. at Pacific View Memorial Park and Mortuary, 3500 Pacific View Drive, Corona Del Mar, CA, 92625.
It will be followed by a funeral mass and reception on Wednesday, July 25 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Edward the Confessor Catholic Church, 33926 Calle La Primavera, Dana Point, CA 92629. Memorial donations may be made to Cedars-Sinai’s Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute in memory of Jon Scott Morrison.
If you found any mistakes, or you would like to add/remove to this obituary, please contact us by email: info@obituary.memorial. We never ask money for this.
