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12 FOUR SEASONS BREEZE | SEPTEMBER 2021 By Jan White Have you seen this man? Well, I have! As a matter of fact, just the other day I chatted with him along with his wonderful wife, Pam Morales, and learned what an amazing, interesting, and valuable life he has had and still has. This man is resident Chris Morales and he shared this story… Chris was born in Honolulu, Hawaii. He describes himself as having always been close to nature. In Hawaii, his childhood environment was complemented by an abundance of nature's beauty — mountains, beaches, waterfalls, ponds, and lush greenery. After completing junior high, Chris felt called to the ministry. He entered a Catholic Seminary where he studied for nine years to become a priest. But life had something different in mind for Chris. After his seminary experience ended, he decided to pursue his desire to serve humanity — especially our children — by entering the world of work in the field of youth programs. And so, while earning a living as a baggage handler for Pan American Airlines at night, during the day this humanitarian spirit shared his heart, wisdom, and expertise with a youth program in a nearby parish. Looking back, Chris says he believes that, as a child, he was greatly affected by his father's illness. He surmises that the experience he had during that time made a significant impression on him and demonstrated what an impact the invaluable influence a parent's love can have on a child's future. He says that that experience etched "the significance of caring" in his heart and was the catalyst that fueled his passion to positively contribute to the lives of children. In 1966, Chris met Pam, the love of his life, while on a camping trip in Yosemite, Calif. It didn't take him long to determine that she was a rare find and was one lady he should not let get away. Pam, who was born in San Pedro, Calif., was then pursing her RN at St. Vincent Nursing College. The couple married two years later. In August of 1968, Chris left Pan Am and moved to San Diego. He completed his bachelor's degree at the University of San Diego; then relocated to San Pedro in 1969 where he taught Latin, Ancient History, and Theology at Bishop Montgomery High School in Torrance. Between 1970 and 1974, Chris and Pam were blessed with a daughter and a son. Despite raising a family, the versatile Chris, along with his wife, found the time and wherewithal to both work on a graduate degree at USC and teach in a program called "WIN" (Work Incentive Program) with Los Angeles Unified School District. Chris constantly credits his wife, Pam, whom he calls "the feet-on-the- ground realist" for helping him, "the dreamer" in his many endeavors. For the few years that Chris was a 'teacher of men' with Los Angeles Unified, in every spare moment he was volunteering in what he describes as "the most fulfilling job I've ever done" — working for the Boy Scouts of America, teaching values-based outdoor education. Chris ran the Boy Scouts of America Los Angeles Area Council camps for around 16 years, creating innovative and exciting programs that propelled their camps to the prestigious reputation of 'premium' BSA camps. It was at that time he expanded his values- based outdoor education camp experience(s) to China. While working with the children, both here and in China, Chris is dedicated to not only teaching values to our youth, but also making learning fun. His quest is to teach well, make learning fun, and help children take a more active role as a learner in their educational Chris Morales Dedicates His Life to Service