Michael Lippitt Morris

Asheville - Michael Lippitt Morris, 72, a respected and well-liked general contractor in Southern Vermont for a quarter century, passed away on August 11, 2015 at his home in Asheville, North Carolina of natural causes. In recent years, Michael had also lived in Santa Barbara, CA and Marthas Vineyard, MA. Michael was a native of Cooperstown, NY where he was born and raised. Michael graduated from Cooperstown Central schools and also attended Oneonta State University. As a young man, Michael served his country in the US Army, was present at Martin Luther King, Jr.s I Have Dream Speech in Washington, DC, worked for Alan Ginsberg and lived on a small commune where he earned the lifelong and beloved nickname Newt. He later settled in Dorset, VT where he ran his construction company, Morris Construction, and raised his three children. An avid woodworker in his later years, he took great pleasure in fashioning beautiful pieces for family and friends. They serve now to remind us all of how generous he was by nature and how gifted he was in his construction and woodworking pursuits. As a longtime member of the Dorset Field Club he enjoyed teaching and watching his children play tennis every summer. A friendly, outgoing person and born story teller, Michael enjoyed the company of friends and family in VT, NC and CA as well as those made during his travels throughout the United States in his RV but, most of all, he was a devoted and loving father who would sacrifice anything to support and be present for his children. He is survived by his three children: Amanda Morris of Manchester, VT, Sam Morris of San Francisco, CA and Abby Morris, also of San Francisco, CA and his two brothers, Stephen Morris of Willow City, TX and Rick Morris of Richmond, VA. A memorial service to celebrate his life will be planned at a future date.