Kevin T. Morgan

Our world has such a tremendous void today without Kevin T. Morgan. Kevin, 48, of Amesbury, Massachusetts, passed away on Christmas after a courageous 5 year battle with Stage IV kidney cancer.

Kevin was born in July 1977 and raised in Leadville, Colorado. He later attended high school in Elko, Nevada. Upon graduating, he answered the call to serve his country and joined the U.S. Coast Guard, beginning a career defined by dedication, leadership and service to others.

While stationed at his first duty station aboard the U.S. Coast Guard cutter Woodrush in Sitka, Alaska, Kevin met the love of his life, Amelia (Mia) Matteson. Their meeting marked the beginning of a lifelong partnership rooted in love, loyalty and unwavering support. They married in August 2004. Together they built a family, welcoming daughters Avila in 2011 and Cambria in 2013, who were the light of Kevin’s world and his greatest source of pride and joy. He loved watching Cambria play soccer, cheering Avila on as she explored her passion for cooking and baking, and supporting both girls as they competed in dance competitions. Kevin was, in every sense of the phrase, a true “girl dad.”

Kevin proudly served more than 25 years in the U.S. Coast Guard before retiring as a Chief Warrant Officer 4 due to his illness. Kevin’s career as a Boatswain’s Mate took him up and down the California coast from U.S. Coast Guard Station Noyo River, Fort Bragg, CA; U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Aspen, San Francisco, CA; U.S. Coast Guard Station Golden Gate, Sausalito, CA; to U.S. Coast Guard Station Morro Bay, Morro Bay, CA. During that time, Kevin advanced quickly to Senior Chief and took his first Officer-in-Charge position. Demonstrating superior knowledge, judgment, and lifeboat handling in heavy weather and surf, Kevin earned the Coast Guard’s highest small-boat operational qualification, achieving designation as Surfman #360. Upon receiving his promotion to Chief Warrant Officer, he transferred with his family to U.S. Coast Guard District 7’s Enforcement Division, Miami, FL, and District 7 Tactical Law Enforcement Team, Opa Locka, FL, where he served as a leader in a highly trained unit for high-risk maritime law enforcement, counter-drug, and interdiction missions. During this time, he deployed to Greece to support the Hellenic Coast Guard during the Mediterranean mass migration response. Finally, Kevin and his family relocated to the northeast, where he served as Commanding Officer of U.S. Coast Guard Station Gloucester, MA, and finished his career at U.S. Coast Guard Sector Northern New England, South Portland, ME. Throughout his career, Kevin was recognized for exemplary service, receiving the Meritorious Service Medal, multiple Coast Guard Commendation Medals, the Coast Guard Commandant’s Letter of Commendation, and Presidential Unit Citations.

He carried the values of duty, integrity, and commitment into every aspect of his life. Throughout his illness, he faced each day with Herculean strength, determination, and grace willing himself to stay for as long as he could for Mia and his girls, who meant everything to him and remained his greatest source of purpose.

Those who knew Kevin would say there was no one who lived fuller, loved more fiercely, gave more of himself, or made people laugh harder. He was truly one of a kind. Known for his quick wit, keeping it real, and steady presence, he was someone people could always rely on. He loved golf, was a devoted fan of the Miami Dolphins, and found deep satisfaction in his various woodworking projects. He also enjoyed traveling and wished for his daughters to experience the world. They went on as many adventures as possible the last few years building memories to last a lifetime.

Kevin leaves behind a legacy of love, honor, humor and deep devotion to family. He will be missed immeasurably by Mia, Avila and Cambria; his family; and all who had the privilege of knowing him. Though his absence leaves a deep and lasting void, his memory will live on in the many lives he touched.

Kevin wished to be cremated. No services are planned at this time. A GoFundMe has been set up in support of his family.