Earl Morris, former director of security, referred by co-workers and family as “Torch” for his strong spirit and red hair, was celebrated at a farewell party on March 27 prior to his departure. Many of Morris’s closest friends and co-workers from BYU–Hawaii gathered to say their goodbyes and celebrate his contribution.
Earl Morris said the administration has been a dream to work with as they have been unbelievably supportive. He said, “I have never felt that level of support and connection in 40 years in the work field.”
He continued, “Seeing people pull together for good causes and having strength for a common purpose was unlike anything I’ve ever seen. The students have made it such an incredible experience for us. They were the highlight.”
Darlene Morris, Earl’s wife, explained, “His nickname, ‘Torch,’ was given to him when he was a newborn because of his bright red hair, and it just stuck. But I can say, as his wife, it fits because he has a really strong spirit. He never backs down and always stands for truth and right.”
Working with Earl Morris for five years at BYUH, Sifa Talakai, supervisor in campus safety and security, said, “’Torch’ is one in a million.”
Spencer Hauata, a sophomore from Tahiti studying business management, worked with Morris for more than a year in the BYUH campus safety and security team. He shared, “Torch is an incredible director. He is kind but he is firm. He has a great personality and I really liked learning from him. He is a fighter for what is right and that has been such a great example for me.”
Darlene Morris expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to see her husband thrive at work and help the students and community. She said, “He has a way of building people, especially those who may not believe in themselves. Even though he likes to joke around, he’s very passionate about helping others. That’s one of his greatest strengths and I saw how much it impacted the students that he worked with here.”
Talakai shared, “I was so blessed to work so closely with ‘Torch.’ He brought so much good here to the campus and [the Polynesian Cultural Center]. He taught us how to always prepare for the worst, to recognize that scary things do happen, but also to hope for the best.
“’Torch’ has worked in many prestigious and high up positions throughout his career. What stood out to me the most, is that he doesn’t put himself above the man next to him. He always focuses on the individual. I know that so many students and faculty felt his individual love and care for them.”
Hauata continued, “I learned from him that being successful in life is not about what you become but who you become as a person. He told me that if 100 people tell me I can’t do something, I need to do what I want to and know I can do. He has taught me to be confident and believe in myself.”
Writer: Alyssa Odom