John (Jack) Archibald Morton

Long-time Seattle radio personality Jack Morton died peacefully in Bellevue, WA on June 1, 2016, from complications of a stroke. He was 81.

He was born in Seattle, WA on February 13, 1935. Jack attended Garfield High School and the University of Washington, where he was a member of the PSI Upsilon fraternity.

Jack started his radio career at KMO, and his radio personality career was blossoming at Seattle’s KVI radio when he met his wife of 39 years, Charlene Ruggles. Jack was the Master of Ceremonies at a Seattle Yacht Club Opening Day event when he met Charlene. They were subsequently married on October 6, 1977.

Jack also worked at KOL, KIXI, and KIRO radio. He was able to combine his radio work with his love of boating by hosting “Morton Cavortin’ Around the Sound” for KIRO on his boat the “Mortini”, providing helpful information to Puget Sound boaters. He loved cruising the Northwest, especially the San Juans and Desolation Sound in Canada.

Working at Seattle radio stations led to his unwavering support of numerous charity events; one of his favorites being a host for the Special People’s Christmas cruises on Lake Washington.

Jack’s radio work helped feed his insatiable appetite for adventure, leading him to race in the Victoria to Maui sailboat race, fly with the Navy Blue Angels, race in the Baja 500, and race several types of speedboats.

He served as a radio personality host for many group trips to Africa, Australia, South America, British Isles, Ireland, Japan, and to the South Pacific on a cruise ship, among others.

He had a quick wit, a pension for humor, was a great entertainer, and absolutely loved to make people laugh. He was sensitive to those in need, and loved cats and dogs.

Jack will be deeply missed by all who experienced his “bigger than life” personality. He is survived by his wife from a former marriage Nita Morton, Charlene Morton, brother Joe Morton (Carolyn) daughter Chari Clark (Victor), sons David Morton, Kevin Ruggles (Sandy), Scott Ruggles (Laurie), nephew Ryan, grandchildren Maxim, Carly, and Brian.

In lieu of flowers and in remembrance of Jack, the family suggests donations to the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center.