[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 9 (Monday, January 23, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E55]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          HONORING KENT MORTON

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. THADDEUS G. McCOTTER

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, January 23, 2012

  Mr. McCOTTER. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor the extraordinary 
life of Kent Morton and to mourn him upon his passing at the age of 28.
  Born on June 12, 1983, Kent Morton was a gregarious man with a ready 
smile. He loved his close-knit family and called his older brother 
Shane his best friend. Kent was a man who was always willing to help in 
any way he could. He was happily involved in his Garden City community 
and spent many hours as a PTA volunteer at Lathers Elementary School 
where his daughter Makayla is a student. He often used his formidable 
painting skills to help beautify his church.
  Regrettably, on January 11, 2012, Kent Morton fell more than 100 feet 
from the painters' scaffolding on the Ambassador Bridge into the frigid 
Detroit River. Although he did survive the initial fall, he could not 
survive the strong current and passed from this earthly world to his 
eternal reward. He is survived by his beloved parents, Fawn and Mario 
Salvatore, and father David Morton. He leaves a legacy in his adored 
daughter, Makayla, and an unborn child. His treasured siblings, Shane, 
Amber, Bret and Sarah will forever carry Kent in their hearts. He will 
be deeply missed by his cherished fiancee Kristi Waltsgott and many 
family members and friends.
  Mr. Speaker, Kent Morton is remembered as a loving father, a 
compassionate son, a devoted brother and an admired friend. Kent was a 
man who deeply treasured his family, friends, community and his 
country. Today, as we bid Kent farewell, I ask my colleagues to join me 
in mourning his passing and honoring his devotion to his country and 
his community.

                          ____________________