The Maryland State Soccer Association lost one of our own last May, as Darwin “Lefty” Morton passed away after complications from a fall he took. Lefty was 92 years of age and lived a long and wonderful life.

Lefty became involved at the adult level in 1987 with the influence of former MSSA President Gene Ringsdorf, who asked him to become registrar for the Maryland Major Soccer League.  From there Lefty represented the league at MSSA meetings.  He then was elected as a Delegate-at-Large on the MSSA board.  Lefty served as the MSSA Cup Commissioner and assisted Secretary Anna Steffen in her duties as state registrar.  In 1994, Lefty was elected as the Second Vice President of MSSA and later became Vice President when the two positions were consolidated.  He served as Vice President through 2008 but continued with MSSA as a Delegate-at-Large.  At the 2011 Annual General Meeting, Lefty was given the title of Honorary Vice President of MSSA.

So many of us had the privilege and honor of serving with Lefty on the MSSA board and we kept in touch with him as we could.  He was a great friend, mentor, trusted advisor and most of all a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and uncle.  He will be sorely missed but not forgotten by all of us in the Maryland soccer community.  We are comforted with the knowledge that Lefty will be watching our soccer games in Maryland from a great seat.  Rest in peace our friend.