He was the husband of Wendy (Thompson) Morton. Dana was born Aug. 23, 1941 in Norfolk, Virginia, the eldest child of Rutledge and Mary (Boynton) Morton. He graduated from Gorham High School, Class of 1959 and the University of Maine, Class of 1963, where he was a member of the Gamma Nu chapter of the Delta Tau Delta fraternal organization.
The Central Intelligence Agency recruited Dana at the University of Maine. Highlights of his service as a Principle Physicist and Engineer included innovative work in the CIA Office of Special Projects and the Office of Technical Services. His experience included the “Ox Cart” project at Area 51 in Nevada, telemetry supporting the Apollo space project that first placed man on the moon, development of optical spectrum intelligence capabilities and of two ground-breaking aircraft, the U2 “Black Angel” and A12 – later designated the SR-71 “Black Bird.”
Dana left the CIA upon earning an advanced Professional Engineering degree to work at Allied Engineering of Gorham. He founded Morton & Rose Associates, becoming Stevens, Morton, Rose and Thompson (SMRT, Inc.) of Portland, there serving as President. Dana co-founded Timberline, Inc. of Limerick and was an active participant in Leadership Maine, mentoring those who wanted to learn “what makes Maine tick” and how to lead Maine’s people, communities and economy. Finally, he founded and operated Dana R. Morton, Inc. of Biddeford until retirement.
Dana was a true connoisseur of life, an Eagle Scout and voracious reader who always enjoyed a good story, mystery, solving puzzles and he was fascinated by science. He loved the outdoors and shared a sense of adventure while creating hiking many peaks of the Appalachian Trail, especially Mount Katahdin, camping, and canoeing Maine with his family.
It is with tremendous respect and pride that his loving family honors Dana’s quiet service to mankind and to the United States during a perilous time in history, his steadfast dedication to family, to the town of Limerick and the State of Maine. Everyone who met Dana Morton knew of his unassuming inquisitive nature, kind spirit, enthusiasm, quick wit, and his worldly knowledge and intellect.
Survivors include his college sweetheart and wife of 54 years, Wendy Morton of Kennebunkport; two sons, David Morton and wife Ann of Weston, Florida and Timothy Morton and wife Gina of Woodinville, Washington; one daughter, Leslie (Morton) Heinemann and husband David of Victor, Idaho; four sisters, Mary Lou Medina of Arundel, Susan Watson of Standish, Sarah Morton of Ellsworth, and Linda Hoppe of Yarmouth; one aunt, Ellen Davison of Bridgeton, and 10 grandchildren.
The family is planning a celebration of Dana’s life at 228 Beachwood Ave., Kennebunkport on July 22, 2017 at 11 a.m..
Should friends desire, memorial donations may be made to the Francis Small Heritage Trust, PO Box 414 Limerick, ME 04048 in Dana R. Morton’s memory.
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