Obituary of Morgan Kitchen

July 23, 2000 – Calgary, Alberta

August 3, 2024 – Jasper, Alberta

Morgan Kitchen, an Alberta Wildfire crew member who served in both the Canadian Armed Forces and British Royal Marines, died while working in Jasper after he was severely injured by a falling tree and airlifted to a local hospital. He was only 24.

Morgan – also called Mack, Kitch, and Mo – was a bold and brilliant personality with a nimble wit and encyclopedic knowledge of wide-ranging topics from political history to linguistics to religious studies. His stories often included factoids so unbelievable they had to be Google-checked by his incredulous listeners. Of course, he was always right. Big, loud, and opinionated, Morgan often announced himself with a noisy clomp and welcoming roar. He would show up when you least expected it, and not show up when you did. His humour veered toward the outrageous and ridiculous. When he loved you, he could mock you mercilessly – and would every chance he got.

Morgan was one-hundred-percent authentic. He was not, shall we say, everyone’s cup of tea. He wanted a deep connection, and his intensity sometimes overwhelmed. For those who got him, he was a much-loved character who brought streams of adventure, joy, and laughter. He was generous and hospitable. He was the least materialistic person. His ‘stuff’ was nothing more than a bunch of books, two mismatched socks, some outdoor gear, and an old guitar. He was genuinely interested in and caring toward others and lived a life that was about more than himself. Like the biblical Jacob, he wrestled with God and saw Him face to face.

Morgan was a talented athlete, musician, singer, comedian, and actor. He could have been a gifted teacher but was wired to be a first responder. The lifestyle and people drew him in. The photos and stories his crew shared of his last few months reflect a genuinely happy man doing what he loved in a place as wild as he was.

He is survived by his parents, Robert Kitchen and Joni Avram; stepparents, Marielle Kitchen and Colin Henderson; siblings, Katie, Ryder, Peri, Charlotte, Clotilde, and Clement; as well as numerous cousins, aunts, uncles, and a thick network of friends.

If it’s true the glory of God is man fully alive, then Morgan glorified God in his short but bright flash of life. We mourn the experiences we will not have with him and are grateful for the ones we have had. He will never be forgotten. May his memory be a blessing.

A Celebration of Morgan’s Life will be held at Centre Street Church – Central Campus (3900 2 St NE, Calgary, AB) on Saturday, August 17, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. Reception to follow in the Church Atrium.

Family and friends who are unable to attend in person are invited to join Mr. Kitchen’s service streamed live (see link below) on the day of the service. For those who are unable to view live, a recording of the service will be posted.

If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Rocky Mountain Community Relief Fund, 214 Banff Ave Box 3100 Banff, AB T1L 1C7 Telephone: 403 762 8549 or online at Rocky Mountain Community Relief Fund.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Morgan’s family here.

In living memory of Morgan Kitchen, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB T2S 2L5, Telephone: 403-243-8200.

Click to Watch the Celebration of Morgan Robert Kitchen's Life