SAAC Mourns Loss of Wally Morris

The Specialty Advertising Association of California (SAAC) announced a former Sheaffer Pen Company salesman and SAAC volunteer passed away April 18.

Wally Morris worked for Sheaffer for 46 years, starting as a retail salesman and later becoming the No. 1 salesman when he covered 11 states as the West Coast Regional Sales Manager.

"The craft of presentation was his specialty," Steve Parker, SAAC president; Nancy Phillips, SAAC executive director; and SAAC board of directors said in an email. "He created the 'la de da' atmosphere. No one else could make a simple pen look so wonderful."

"Wally believed in the idea that a small token of appreciation can go a long way," the email continued. "He was highly known to be seen giving out pens, temporary tattoos or any other specialty product he had in his pocket. Every person who met Wally walked away with a little piece of him. He knew just how to add meaning to a simple thank you. His favorite line was: "You know, on a scale of one to 10, you’re a 10.5," and he most certainty was."

Morris is survived by three children, Catherine Edwards, Walter Penn Morris II and Scott Morris, as well as four grandchildren Dawn, Darlene, Breanna and Walter Penn Morris III.

A vigil and rosary will be held at Camino Del Sol Memorial Center in Oxnard, Calif. at 6 p.m. May 15. A live Internet stream of the proceedings will be available at a sea sunset burial service in Ventura Harbor at 4:30 p.m. May 17. The family invites all to join both services.