David Loyal Morgan, 71, passed away, October, 23, 2019 after a battle with dementia. Dave was born to Bernice Elaine (Sheely) and Loyal Maxwell Morgan on October 20, 1948, in Monte Vista.

Raised on the Morgan family farm and construction company, Dave learned the lessons of hard work and determination that molded him into the man he became. He got into his fair share of mischief with his three brothers. One day waiting for the school bus he tangled with a skunk. Too embarrassed to go home and fearful of punishment, he got on the school bus and went to school where he was eventually sent home for being a distraction. During his junior high and high school years, Dave was active in DeMolay and Methodist Youth Fellowship and a well-respected football player and wrestler on the Monte Vista teams.

Dave attended Adam State College, Colorado State University, and Brigham Young University pursuing his interests in counseling spawned by his deep love for helping people. While at Adams State College he was a walk-on to the football team, beating out players who had full-ride scholarships.

At 22, he joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and served a two-year mission in Independence, Missouri. In the church, he especially enjoyed working with children. He often volunteered to visit those in need and was always generous with his time. Leading by example, it is said that Dave never met a stranger.

Dave worked for the Alamosa Valley Courier where every week he wrote articles under the heading, “The Road Not Taken”. Additionally, he worked for San Luis Valley Comprehensive Mental Health, the Colorado Boys Ranch, La Junta, CO., and was a counselor in the La Junta School District. Eventually, he became the district guidance counselor at Sargent High School. Over the years, his students received millions of dollars in scholarships, which he viewed as his greatest accomplishment. Students under Dave’s counseling also received numerous Boettcher scholarships. Through the years, a number of these former students visited him and many said they would not have been able to go to college without his scholarship assistance, direction and belief in them. He had a passion for education and wanted everyone to be afforded every opportunity possible.

“Dave was a lifetime student and never stopped learning or teaching,” said his brother Bob. In addition to his school counseling, the LDS Church employed him to counseling members and their families in crisis or need.

Prior to his retirement, he worked for the Saguache Department of Social Services where he was a social worker for adult and child protective services.

Dave was preceded in death by his father, mother, brothers Richard and Kenneth. He is survived by his brother Robert Morgan of Alamosa. His life centered around his children and seven grandchildren. He would tell anyone and everyone about his offspring and their many endeavors.

During the last few years of his life, Dave lived in The Monte Vista Legacy and then the Evergreen Nursing Home in Alamosa due to dementia. Though his mind was failing him he remained the sweet, kind gentleman he had always been. Though his earthly test is complete, his legacy will live on.

Dave was buried in the Monte Vista Cemetery, November 2, 2019.