Peak Tribute to the Life of Morrie Chernis

Posted By Les Conklin on Apr 24, 2017

April 14, 2017, Updated April 21

Morrie Chernis at Pinnacle Peak Park. Photo Courtesy of Friends of Pinnacle Peak Park.

When you look at Pinnacle Peak remember Morris Chernis and think about the good work that he did for Pinnacle Peak Park, Scottsdale, and our community.

Morrie moved to Scottsdale in 2000 and it was not long before Pinnacle Peak captured his attention and heart. He founded Friends of Pinnacle Peak Park, a group of local resident volunteers whose mission is to assist Scottsdale in maintaining the distinctive character of the park, and supporting improvements and educational initiatives through fund raising activities. Morrie was there for the grand opening of Pinnacle Peak Park on April 20, 2002. At the end of this article, we’ve included a link to a 2012 Friends of the Pinnacle Peak Park video in which Morrie speaks.

Morrie was also there when Friends of Pinnacle Peak Park partnered with Friends of the Scenic Drive and the Greater Pinnacle Peak Association, the publisher of this magazine, to sponsor several Cookout at the Ranch events. Those annual events raised funds for the park, scenic drive, and Scottsdale’s preservation efforts.

Morrie’s daughter, Mary Kaufman, shared the obituary below with The Peak.

“Morris Chernis passed away on March 29^th, 2017 at age 85. Survived by loving wife Anne of 62 years. Children Stuart (Diane), Barbara Dailey (Marlin), Mary Kaufmann (Jamie) and Doug (Nicole). Grandchildren Chris, Geoff, Brad, Demi, Drew, Cameron and Rachel as well as 4 great-grandchildren. His Sister Pat Trousdale, as well as many friend and relatives.

“He enjoyed a 40-year career at Boeing in Seattle. Moved to Scottsdale in 2000 and became passionate about Pinnacle Peak Park. Volunteered and started the Friends of Pinnacle Peak. He made everyone feel that they were the most important person through his loving and caring manner. Not only was he incredibly interesting more importantly he was interested. He will be deeply missed by all those loved him.

“In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Friends of Pinnacle Peak Park, Temple Beth Ami or Association of Arizona Food Banks. Memorial Service celebrating a life well lived will be held at The Sage Condo Club House Sunday April 2^nd at 10AM. 4807 N Woodmere Fairway, Scottsdale, AZ.”

Les Conklin, the president of the Greater Pinnacle Peak Association – Friends of the Scenic Drive, says “Morrie was a great conversationalist and even better listener. I had the pleasure of attending several Seattle Seahawks games with him. He was an avid fan, one of the club’s first annual season ticket holders. I remember those games because Morrie was exactly as his daughter writes, ‘he was incredibly interesting and … interested.’ It’s no wonder that Pinnacle Peak Park has been such a quality success with people like Morrie leading the way.”

Celebration of the Life of Morrie Chernis

Friends of Pinnacle Peak Park celebrated the 15th anniversary of the park’s grand opening on Thursday, April 20th (see article below). Friends also honored the life of Morrie Chernis on the same day from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Family, friends, and members of Friends of Pinnacle Peak Park filled the park’s ramada. The City of Scottsdale’s Yvonne Massman and John Loleit and guests spoke about Morrie’s good work at the park. A highlight of the event was the reading of a proclamation issued by Mayor Lane declaring the day as Morrie Chernis Day at Pinnacle Peak Park. Guest’s shared memories, a pot luck buffet, and a beautiful afternoon at the park.

Friends of Pinnacle Peak Park Video

Select the link below to see Morrie Chernis speak in this segment of a 2012 Friends of Pinnacle Peak Park video.

Friends of Pinnacle Peak Park Video with Morrie Chernis

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