PITTS, Morris Michael (Mike)

Vistoso Funeral Home, Oro Valley, Arizona M. Michael Pitts September 1, 1940 - January 19, 2015 Morris Michael Pitts, Jr., 74, of Tucson, Arizona (known to all as Michael or Mike) passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on January 19, 2015. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Carolyn Bartoe Pitts, with whom he recently celebrated 24 years of marriage; four sons from his 23 year marriage to Susannah Nabors Swanson; Morris Michael Pitts III, Allen Thomas Swanson, Dewey Thurman Pitts and Stephen Wyatt Swanson; grandchildren, Garrett Swanson, Dewey, Sean, and Catherine Pitts, Kaeli and Annalise Swanson, Halee and Paige Devincinzo, and by his sister, Patricia Ingram. Michael was preceded in death by his parents, Nell (nee Sims) and Morris Michael Pitts. Michael was born in Fairfield, Alabama September 1, 1940; the close-knit U.S. Steel company town near Birmingham where his father and grandfather had made their careers. He attended the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, majoring in geology and received his Bachelor of Science Degree in 1963. He married Susannah Nabors in 1961, and they raised four boys in Alabama, Arizona, and Georgia where Michael was as an exploration geologist and also worked in the field of water chemistry in a variety of industries. In 1989, at age 49, Michael returned to Tucson and the University of Arizona to pursue a long held dream of earning a graduate degree. There he became a member of St. Philip’s In The Hills Episcopal Church and met Carolyn Bartoe. They were married at St. Philip’s in 1990. Michael earned his Master’s of Science Degree in 1991 and his Doctorate (Ph.D.) Degree in 2005 in Mineral Economics from the University of Arizona. Concurrent with his studies, Michael invented, developed and patented an electronic water treatment device known as the Zeta Rod, an environmental technology utilized to prevent fouling in water systems. In 1996, he formed Zeta Corporation to manufacture and supply Zeta Rod systems in industrial, commercial, and residential applications contributing greatly to water conservation worldwide. Michael had an amazing life full of family, friends, and adventure. He remained a loyal Alabama football fan throughout his life and enjoyed his Alabama Alumni family here in Tucson. In his early life he was a spelunker, triathlete, licensed pilot, and an accomplished and competitive shooter. Michael loved animals, and in later years his love of music led him to take up bluegrass guitar and banjo, which gave him much joy. The last many years of his life he enjoyed sailing the Pacific Ocean on his beloved sailboat, Silverthorne. He sailed single handed with Silverthorne from Mexico to British Columbia, back to California, then on to Hawaii, Japan, and the Philippine Islands. A true sailor, he was content, happy, and truly at home on the open ocean. Sadly, Michael passed away from complications of treatment for esophagus cancer on January 19, 2015. We mourn his passing and celebrate his life. If you wish, in lieu of flowers, please make a donation to a charity that holds meaning for you. Mike was always interested in what was important to others. A memorial service will be held at St. Philip’s In The Hills Episcopal Church (4440 North Campbell Ave, Tucson, AZ 85718), on Wednesday, February 4 at 4:00 pm. A gathering will follow the service at one of Michael’s favorite places, the Monterey Court Café (505 W. Miracle Mile, Tucson, AZ [www.MontereyCourtAZ.com]). This is an outdoor venue with a good friend’s band playing music, so dress comfortably and warmly (jeans, boots, and cowboy hats are acceptable for the service at St. Philip’s as well). We suspect St. Peter is enjoying a little Maker’s Mark with Michael and we’ll all raise a glass. Fair winds and following seas our friend, we will miss you!