The Stephen James Morin Memorial Fund

Honoring the Legacy of Stephen James Morin: A Global Citizen and Adventurer

Stephen Morin was more than a traveler—he was a true world citizen. By the age of 28, he had visited 86 countries, but his journey wasn’t about checking places off a list. Stephen ventured far beyond typical tourist destinations, immersing himself in different cultures, challenging stereotypes, and capturing the beauty and complexity of each place he explored. His passion for understanding the world and his adventurous spirit inspired everyone around him.

In September 2024, we lost Stephen unexpectedly to illness while he was in Azerbaijan, doing what he loved most—traveling and connecting with people from other cultures. Our family is now focused on preserving the incredible legacy he left behind. To honor his memory, we are establishing the Stephen James Morin Memorial Fund, which will offer an annual award to a graduating senior at Roseville High School, Stephen’s alma mater. This fund will support a student who embodies Stephen’s love for exploration, curiosity, and making a positive impact in the world.

Each year, our family will have the privilege of reading essays from graduating seniors who apply for the grant. The recipient will be chosen for their dedication to exploring off-the-beaten-path destinations and challenging stereotypes in the same way Stephen did. The winner will receive a travel stipend, empowering them to explore underrepresented regions and foster a deeper understanding of the world’s diverse cultures.

In the first year of the fund, we will also make an special grant to Ali, a young man from Azerbaijan who put his life on hold to help save Stephen. Deeply touched by Stephen’s adventurous spirit, Ali expressed a desire to carry forward his legacy by visiting and learning from new places around the world.

We invite you to join us in remembering Stephen and contributing to this fund, which will help inspire future generations of young adventurers and global citizens, just like Stephen.

Thank you for helping us keep his spirit alive.

Love, The Morin Family.

Stephen's Obituary in the Sacramento Bee