Morris Blain Vance

Morris Blain Vance departed this world on November 21, 2024, and returned to our Father in Heaven. He was born Sep 20, 1939, in Fairview, Utah to Melba Petersen Vance and Aaron Blain Vance. He was the oldest of five children and very shy. As a child he spent endless hours building forts, hiking the canyons with his friends, and attending movie matinees.

He graduated from Helix High School in 1957 and attended Brigham Young University for a year. He then served a two-year mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in British Columbia, Canada. Following his mission, he attended San Diego State to complete his sophomore year, then returned to BYU. He graduated from Brigham Young University with a degree in Political Science. He then pursued his master’s degree in public administration, attending UCLA for a year, before finishing his degree at USC. At BYU he met and married the love of his life, Janice Opp. They traveled to exotic places and had many fond experiences while raising their family. They lived together happily for 49 years until her passing on June 29th, 2011. They raised two fine sons who have gone on to successful careers.

He first worked with the city of Los Angeles as an administrative assistant, then went to Carson as an Assistant City Manager. After a few years in Carson, he got a job as a city manager in Lomita, California. When he felt the need for a change, he applied for the City Manager job in Vista, where he served 17 years. After retiring, he ran for Mayor of the city of Vista in 2002, serving two terms, and retiring in 2010.

Later he met and married the second love of his life, Laureen, on Aug 3, 2013. They made many happy memories together as they traveled extensively.

Morris loved Family History and spent hours researching his family line. He also enjoyed scanning and repairing old photos. He was a devoted disciple of Jesus Christ and actively participated in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints where he positively influenced the lives of many people.

Morris loved the city of Vista and its citizens. He endeavored to leave Vista a much better place when he retired. His accomplishments in this life leave a legacy that he was proud of.

He was predeceased by his wife, Janice Vance, his father, Aaron Blain Vance and mother, Melba Vance. He is survived by his wife, Laureen, his sons, David (Erin) El Dorado Hills, CA Thomas (Julie) Laguna Niguel, 3 brothers, Dennis (Vicki) Washington, Utah, Ron (Jan) South Jordan, Utah, Garth (Denise) Seattle, WA and 1 sister, Debra (Russ) Harris Vista,CA. He leaves behind 6 beautiful grandchildren and 4 ½ great grandchildren.

Services for Morris will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints located at

451 W. Bobier Dr, Vista. CA. on Saturday, December 7, beginning at 11:00. A viewing will be held prior to the service at 9:30. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to a shelter that was close to his heart, Operation Hope at https://operationhopeswhelter.org.

Interment services will be held Monday, December 9, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. in the Fairview City Cemetery. 

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Recordings are available for 60 days from date of service.