Blue Knights International Memorial

	John Garrett Morford (1950-2013) Transferred to Heaven I from VA II

JOHN GARRETT MORFORD of Sparta, TN, formerly of Haymarket, VA completed his journey of faith Friday, February 22, 2013 at his dream home overlooking the lake in Sparta after a long illness. Garrett was born on July 6, 1950 in Pensacola, FL to the late John G. and Freida Stock Morford. After retiring as a Louisiana State Trooper, he recently retired after 23 years of service from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, a division of the Department of Transportation, where he was committed to upholding the mission of "saving lives, preventing injuries, and reducing vehicle-related crashes." He is survived by his wife of 26 years Katherine McGittigan Morford; sister Janice Morford of Germantown, TN; in-laws Terrance J. and Frances McGittigan of Baton Rouge, LA; brother-in-laws William J. McGittigan (Raquel) of Decatur, GA, Thomas J. McGittigan (Anne) of Kingwood, TX, and David McGittigan (Sonja) of Germantown, TN; and beloved, special nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his brother, Michael C. Morford. Garrett was a graduate of the University of Louisiana - Lafayette, a proud member of the Blue Knights Virginia-II International Law Enforcement Motorcycle Club, past president and treasurer of the Washington/Baltimore Rajin Cajun Club, and a Mason. A special thank you to all of the doctors and nurses that cared for Garrett during his illness. The staff and community of Hope Lodge went above and beyond the call to meet his every need. A celebration of Garrett's life will be held on Saturday, March 2 at 1 p.m., Greenwich Presbyterian Church, 15305 Vint Hill Road, Nokesville, VA. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to American Cancer Society 's Hope LodgeNew York, 132 West 32nd Street, New York, NY 10001. Chapter Memories: Here are some great photos of Garrett. The header picture was taken last summer and the day his bike was delivered back to him after he finished his treatments. The Chapter had the bike detailed and delivered it from Virginia to his newly built retirement home in Tennessee. He was looking really good and took the bike out that day for a ride. His bike's name was "Blackjack". He had not ridden the bike in close to a year. The last picture is of Garrett and Kathy at the Chapter Christmas Party in December. Sadly, after a well-fought fight, Brother Garrett succumbed to his cancer early Friday morning, with his wife, Kathy, by his side. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Kathy, the family and friends who knew Garrett. The Virginia-II Chapter will sorely miss our good friend, past Vice President and Blue Knight member of 7 years. We know that he will be well received in his transfer to the Heaven-I Chapter. "Ride with Pride" our brother. May you rest in peace as you take "BlackJack" for a ride through the pearly gates.

John Garrett Morford
(1950-2013)
Transferred to Heaven I from VA II

JOHN GARRETT MORFORD of Sparta, TN, formerly of Haymarket, VA completed his journey of faith Friday, February 22, 2013 at his dream home overlooking the lake in Sparta after a long illness. Garrett was born on July 6, 1950 in Pensacola, FL to the late John G. and Freida Stock Morford.

After retiring as a Louisiana State Trooper, he recently retired after 23 years of service from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, a division of the Department of Transportation, where he was committed to upholding the mission of "saving lives, preventing injuries, and reducing vehicle-related crashes."

He is survived by his wife of 26 years Katherine McGittigan Morford; sister Janice Morford of Germantown, TN; in-laws Terrance J. and Frances McGittigan of Baton Rouge, LA; brother-in-laws William J. McGittigan (Raquel) of Decatur, GA, Thomas J. McGittigan (Anne) of Kingwood, TX, and David McGittigan (Sonja) of Germantown, TN; and beloved, special nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Michael C. Morford. Garrett was a graduate of the University of Louisiana - Lafayette, a proud member of the Blue Knights Virginia-II International Law Enforcement Motorcycle Club, past president and treasurer of the Washington/Baltimore Rajin Cajun Club, and a Mason. A special thank you to all of the doctors and nurses that cared for Garrett during his illness. The staff and community of Hope Lodge went above and beyond the call to meet his every need. A celebration of Garrett's life will be held on Saturday, March 2 at 1 p.m., Greenwich Presbyterian Church, 15305 Vint Hill Road, Nokesville, VA. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to American Cancer Society 's Hope LodgeNew York, 132 West 32nd Street, New York, NY 10001.

Chapter Memories:
Here are some great photos of Garrett. The header picture was taken last summer and the day his bike was delivered back to him after he finished his treatments. The Chapter had the bike detailed and delivered it from Virginia to his newly built retirement home in Tennessee. He was looking really good and took the bike out that day for a ride. His bike's name was "Blackjack". He had not ridden the bike in close to a year. The last picture is of Garrett and Kathy at the Chapter Christmas Party in December.

Sadly, after a well-fought fight, Brother Garrett succumbed to his cancer early Friday morning, with his wife, Kathy, by his side. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Kathy, the family and friends who knew Garrett. The Virginia-II Chapter will sorely miss our good friend, past Vice President and Blue Knight member of 7 years. We know that he will be well received in his transfer to the Heaven-I Chapter. "Ride with Pride" our brother. May you rest in peace as you take "BlackJack" for a ride through the pearly gates.