Troy A. Morton

"Grace, take me to that higher place"
Troy Alexander Morton, 33, of Traverse City, continued on to that higher place on Saturday, Feb. 24, 2024, of cardiac arrest.
A benevolent being whose life on this earthly plane was too harsh for such a tender soul, Troy fought fiercely and is now free of torment, able to guide others to a place without pain or inner suffering.
Despite challenges that his family and friends could not fully fathom, Troy was selfless and brimming with unconditional love. His smile and his hugs were always big, as was his compassion for others. He graced this life with his true self, wise and enlightened beyond our comprehension, his unending focus on the positive helped to put our worries, hurts and cares into perspective.
His biggest lessons to those who loved him: Be kind, care for and love one another, resist the impulse to judge others, and when things seem darkest, either crack a joke or laugh at one.
Troy had many interests, including all kinds of music, nature photography, animals and vehicles of all kinds — super cars, muscle cars, square body trucks, and aircraft. Songs from two of his favorite bands, Tool and Rush, held a special significance for Troy. He had fun attending his brother's softball games, and in previous years enjoyed fishing with his dad, and was excellent at driving the boat. Troy was detail oriented and observant, the first to see a swan sitting on a nest of eggs as other walkers passed by unaware. Animals were drawn to Troy, and he cherished them, especially his toy poodle, Oreo, and his mixed-breed rescue dog, Goldie.
Troy was born Feb. 3, 1991, in Traverse City. He attended Cherry Knoll Elementary School, East Middle School, Central High School and the Beaver Island Lighthouse School. As an adult, he helped his dad prep custom cabinetry and worked as a painter's helper, where his attention to detail was prized.
Troy is survived by his mom, Valerie Korb, of Traverse City, who was his anchor and advocate throughout his life; his dad, Pete Morton (Mardi Link) of Traverse City, and his brother, Mitchell Morton (Kat Antoine), of Cadillac. He is also survived by his maternal uncle, Jerry Korb (Brenda), his maternal aunt, Teresa McIntyre (Troy), his paternal aunt Lisa Morton-Sipes, his paternal grandmother Sue Cummings, step-siblings Owen, Lucas and Will Tomaszewski, a special cousin, Callie Leaman (Mitch Naber), beloved niece Roxanne Grzesiek, and beloved nephews Monroe Morton and Felix Grzesiek. Troy's best friend, Nick Ortega, and many other family members also mourn his loss.
Troy was a donor to Gift of Life Michigan. He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Gerald and Wanda Korb, who each in their own special way made sure their grandson knew he was valued and loved.
A celebration of Troy's life for family and friends will be held at a later date.
Those wishing to commemorate Troy's life can do so with a donation in his name to the Cherryland Humane Society, 1750 Ahlberg Rd., Traverse City, MI, 49696, or to Northern Lakes Community Mental Health Authority, 105 Hall St., Traverse City, MI, 49684. Those wishing to express a memory of Troy, can do so on his tribute page at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com .
Troy adored his family, friends, and pets and in turn he was cherished and treasured. There will be tremendous joy when we all reunite.