Gilbert "Gib" Morton, III

Gilbert “Gib” Morton III May 21, 1940 – July 15, 2025 Castle Rock, Colorado

 

Gilbert “Gib” Morton III, 85, passed away peacefully on July 15, 2025, in Castle Rock, Colorado, surrounded by loved ones. Born on May 21, 1940, in San Diego, California, Gib lived a life full of adventure, curiosity, craftsmanship, and heart. Whether he was rebuilding engines, scaling mountains, casting a fishing line, or cheering on a grandchild’s game, Gib gave his all. His generous spirit, inventive mind, and quiet humor left a mark on everyone who knew him.   He is survived by his devoted wife of 61 years, Marlene Morton (née Mattes); his loving sons, Michael (Robin [née Perez]) Morton and Mark (Chelsea [née Vegter]) Morton; and his cherished grandchildren, Matthew, Mason, Allene, and Ender Morton. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Dakota Koenig.   Gib was predeceased by his parents, Gilbert E. Morton II and Francis Morton (née Alexander); and by his sister, Patricia Ann Finch (née Morton). He is lovingly remembered by Patricia’s children—Marilyn, Thomas, and Michael Finch.   Gib will be deeply missed by extended family and lifelong friends who knew him as a doer, a dreamer, and a man who never stopped moving.   Gib attended Benjamin Franklin Elementary, Woodrow Wilson Junior High, and graduated from Herbert Hoover High School in San Diego. He was a talented golfer in high school—winning the Sail Ho Golf Club Tournament trophy in 1956, which sits proudly in his office. Always a hard worker, Gib started out as a dishwasher at the San Diego Zoo during high school and college.   Following high school in 1959, Gib enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, completing boot camp and earning the rank of Lance Corporal. As military needs evolved, he transitioned into the Marine Corps Reserves, where he continued to serve with dedication. He was honorably discharged in 1965, having fulfilled his commitment during a time of shifting global tensions and domestic readiness.   He and Marlene both attended San Diego State University—Marlene graduated with a degree in education, and Gib graduated with a degree in accounting and business and was a member of Kappa Sigma fraternity. They married on July 18, 1964, at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in San Diego.   Professionally, Gib brought precision and integrity to everything he did. He spent several years with Ryan Aeronautical before becoming an accountant for Service Corporation International (SCI) for many years.  He later worked for FoodMaker Inc., the parent company of Jack-in-the-Box, where he also delighted in taste-testing new menu items.    A skilled fixer and lifelong learner, Gib worked in construction and always had a knack for solving mechanical problems. He restored cars with his sons—especially his prized 1930 Model A with a rumble seat—alongside two Corvettes and two 1971 Camaros.   Gib had a passion for endurance and the outdoors. Three mornings a week, he'd rise at 4:00 a.m. to run mountain laps near Mount Helix for 45 minutes to an hour, mix in pushups and stretching, then bike for another hour—all before breakfast. His commitment to these early routines was well known in the family, and over the years, they occasionally became moments of connection and shared effort.   One of his proudest achievements was retracing his father's footsteps in 1993 by hiking the 21-mile round trip to Mount Whitney's summit in one day—this time with his sons, echoing a feat his own father accomplished in 1947.   Travel was another joy in Gib’s life. Before starting their family, he and Marlene spent summers exploring Central America and Europe—Italy, Germany, and Switzerland among their favorite destinations. He lovingly planned a surprise honeymoon to a cherished family camping spot, cooking trout fresh from the lake.   Though his body eventually slowed, Gib’s spirit for exploration and connection never dimmed. His legacy lives on in the stories told around dinner tables, in the skills passed on to his sons, and in the deep love he shared with Marlene—a partnership that began way back in high school.   A private family gathering will be held next summer. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a contribution to the American Cancer Society.