It is with deep sadness that we share the news of John Morton’s passing in August of this year. John was a dedicated trustee who served on our board for 25 years, including eight years as Chair. His leadership, wisdom, and commitment left a lasting impact on our organization and all who had the privilege of working with him.

Professionally, John had a five decade career in the University of Hawaii system. During this time, he served as a faculty member, the provost of Kapiolani Community College for 21 years, and ultimately retired as the Vice President for Community Colleges at UH. John was a champion for education and social justice. I think this is why John was such a natural fit with Assets, though he never had a child attend the school. John believed in the power of education to positively change individual lives, and society as a whole. Because of this belief, John felt education needed to be as accessible as possible. 

John was judicious with his words, and impactful when he spoke. He was a great listener. He was unflappable. He was wise. He was generous with his time and gifts-of-self, which is why so many of us count him as a mentor. We send our warmest aloha to his wife, Willow, and their whole ‘ohana.