Leo Paul Morin

When someone is identified as a natural leader, certain images come to mind. First thoughts are of a no-nonsense, tough-minded, dedicated and disciplined person. This description accurately fits Leo Paul Morin who was indeed a born manager. He will be remembered as being highly organized, practical and realistic. He was a person who always carried a strong sense of duty with him throughout his life. Possessed with traditional “old school” morals, Leo was an individual who clearly communicated to those around him just who he was and what he was all about. Everyone acquainted with Leo knew him as a well-respected man who was a stable force in his community.

His parents were Ernest and Mae Morin. Leo was raised in Oshawa, Ontario. Even as a youngster, Leo learned to be objective and decisive. His faith in the principles of authority and dependability was something that he carried with him throughout his life.

As a young boy, Leo was able to put his natural abilities to work. He was a bit like the sergeant of the family, helping to make sure that the others did what they should do and that they avoided those things they weren’t supposed to. In other words, he liked to organize and direct. Leo was raised with two siblings. He had one older sister, Margaret, and one older brother, Joe. Leo had an inborn appreciation for the order in the family, allowing for the oldest members to be the most respected and to take on the most responsibility. For Leo, this was a natural order of life, one he gladly embraced.

Leo's matter-of-fact attitude about most things was developed during his childhood. As a young boy, Leo enjoyed being part of teams, and organizations and being amoung groups of other kids who shared similar interests. Leo took part in hockey, he was a Sea Cadet and in his spare time he liked Sailing.

In school, Leo was as close to being a model student as one could possibly imagine. He sought to achieve perfect attendance in all of his classes. He would eagerly complete his homework, and often put in extra study time when he felt it was necessary. A logical and focused thinker, Leo was always good at following directions and meeting his schedules, whether they were set by his teachers or were self-imposed. Leo’s personal motto could well have been, “Do it right the first time.” He graduated from Oshawa Central Collegiate Institute in 1962. He enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite classes and teachers. His favorite class in high school was History. The teacher he enjoyed learning from the most was Bob Farrell.

Leo was sociable and approachable. Because he was always so straightforward in how he approached relationships, friends and family knew that what they saw was always what they got. He enjoyed the camaraderie of being with a group of friends. When Leo was a member of a group, his interaction worked to keep the others grounded. He wasn’t afraid to confront his friends and, when necessary, he challenged them to stick to the task at hand. Those close to Leo came to expect his high standards of performance. While growing up, some of his best friends were Danny Semenuk, Butch Mann, and Terry Delves. Later in life, he became friends with Bob Gow, Ed House, Jeff Doreman, Ian Golding, Dave Moutenay, and Bob Chapman.

An objective and conscientious individual, Leo reveled in the security of his family. On Novemeber 8, 1969 Leo exchanged wedding vows with Alexandra Hill at the Kingsview United Church of Oshawa, Ontario. One of Leo’s most endearing qualities was his uncanny ability to remember important dates and anniversaries, and his unending enthusiasm for organizing a celebration for his family and friends.

Leo was ever watchful of his children. He worried about them and was deeply concerned for their development as they grew up. He maintained a firm hand in their upbringing. Leo would give his stamp of approval to their requests, as long as he could see how they might benefit. He also had the ability to enforce the rules as needed to ensure that his children were properly raised. Leo and Alexandra were blessed with two children, one son, Andrew, and one daughter, Victoria. They were also blessed with two grandchildren, Caroline and Beatrix.

Being a hard worker who praised efficiency, Leo was always striving to make improvements where they were necessary. He was able to analyze situations and problems, keeping everything and everyone on track. An excellent project supervisor, Leo was a person who could quickly make decisions based on the information available. He worked cooperatively and expected the same from his colleagues. In both his personal and professional environments, Leo upheld his standards. His primary occupation was Industrial Engineering. He was employed for 37 years by General Motors of Canada Limited. Leo was a team player who certainly lived out the motto of “give me a job, and I will get it done.”

Leo was a Royal Canadian Armoured Corps veteran. His sense of duty helped lead him into the military where his understanding of rank, his willingness to abide by rules and regulations and his desire to follow orders was admired by his fellow service men and women. He was in the Ontario Regiment (RCAC). Through his hard work and dedication, he achieved the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. He received several awards recognizing him for his heroism, including a Canadian Forces Decoration with two bars.

Leo approached his leisure time in the same manner that he approached his life. A person who enjoyed being neat and orderly and one who understood the nature of things, he appreciated the hours he was able to devote to his various hobbies. His favorite pursuits were military vehicle restoration, reading, and volunteer services. Leo was content to enjoy his favorite pastimes alone but was also willing to share his interests with others.

Playing by the rules was a natural thing for Leo to do in life and that carried over to his enjoyment of sports. In high school, Leo played hockey and baseball. Recreational sports included hockey, running, golf, and curling. He also was something of a sports fan and enjoyed watching his favorite events whenever he got the opportunity. Tops on his list were hockey, soccer, and baseball.

Being generous with his time and energy, Leo liked to belong to a variety of groups and organizations. He was a vocal leader who enjoyed being a part of things. His desire to uphold traditions and his ability to take charge of any type of project made him a tremendous asset. In high school, Leo was a member of the Royal Canadian Sea Cadet Corp "DRAKE", he attained the rank of Chief Petty Officer, and became a Midshipman on the Cadet Instructors List. Throughout his later years, Leo was a former member of the Navy League of Canada; founding member and lifelong volunteer at the Ontario Regiment Ferret Club; President and Chair (until his death) of the Ontario Regiment Museum and Oshawa Aeronautical, Military and Industrial Museum; member of Oshawa United Veteran Services Committee and an organizer of Oshawa's annual Festival of Remembrance; President of Ontario Canadian Corps of Commissionaires. A member of the Royal Canadian Military Institute for over 30 years, he served on its Board of Directors from 2010-2012. He was a member of the Fort York Branch 165 Royal Canadian Legion, Friends of the Canadian War Museum, Conference of Defence Associations Institute, and a honourary member of the Korean Veterans Association of Canada, Unit 11 (Oshawa).

A civic-minded person, Leo was usually ready to jump in and help with community activities. He was the type of person who could masterfully organize events and projects and then see to it that they were run in an efficient and timely manner. Politically, Leo was a strong supporter of the Conservative Party of Canada. During these years, Leo applied his analytical intellect to problem solving and so was an asset on most committees.

Faith was important to Leo. He held high moral standards and was worried about the moral decay he saw around him. For that reason he held deep spiritual beliefs that he was willing to share. He was a member of St. Gertrude's Roman Catholic Church. During that time, he attended mass on a regular basis.

As someone who placed a high value on showing gratitude, Leo could graciously accept a “thank you” extended to him by those he helped. However, individual recognition wasn’t a motivating force for Leo; rather, when he saw that there was a need to get something done, he was more than willing to give his time and energy in order to see it accomplished. In addition to the Canadian Forces Decoration with two bars some of his most prestigious awards included being awarded the Queen's Silver, Golden and Diamond Jubilee Medals.

When it came time to travel or take a vacation, Leo used his scheduling expertise to make sure everyone and everything was ready to go. That also meant that he made certain no single person was overworked in putting the trip together. Leo had a knack for making sure that everyone who was involved had their specific tasks and that those tasks were completed. Some of the more memorable and favorite vacations included Provence, France, Mexico, Barbados, Ireland, and Quebec.

Leo was a lover of animals and cherished his pets. One of Leo’s favorites was Moses, the cat. They were best friends for 21 years.

When Leo’s retirement finally arrived in 2001, as always he was well prepared. He used his critical evaluation skills to make sure that every detail considered had been preplanned. In retirement, he found new pleasure in various volunteer efforts, including RCMI and the Ferrett Club. In many ways, Leo loved retirement, it provided him with the opportunity to catch up with his friends, attend functions and group outings, and tackle new interesting activities.

Leo passed away suddenly of a heart attack on July 22, 2013 at home. He is survived by his wife Alexandra, fondly known as "Sandy", his daughter Victoria, son Andrew and his wife Katrina; his grandchildren Caroline and Beatrix; his sister Margaret and his brother Joe. Services were held at St. Gertrude's Roman Catholic Church. Leo was laid to rest in Mount Lawn Memorial Gardens in Whitby, Ontario.

All who knew him would agree that Leo was a pillar of the community. He lived his life with his feet firmly on the ground. He had a strong work ethic, was pragmatic in his thoughts and acts, and constantly sought the means for self-improvement. He was willing to share his ideas and knowledge for the benefit of others, so that they could accomplish more in their lives. Leo Paul Morin did his best to ensure that his family, friends, loved ones, co-workers, and everyone whose life he touched was given the chance to become a better person.

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LIEUTENANT COLONEL (RET’D) LEO PAUL MORIN, CD

Past Commanding Officer and former Honorary Lieutenant Colonel, The Ontario Regiment (RCAC); retired employee of General Motors’ Oshawa Truck Assembly Centre.

Suddenly at his residence on Monday, 22 July 2013, in his 70th year. Predeceased by his parents, Ernest and Mae Morin (nee Courtney). Loving and devoted husband of 43 years to Alexandra (Sandy) Hill. Cherished father of Victoria and Andrew (Katrina). Adored Papa to Caroline and Beatrix. Dear brother of Margaret (Toronto) and Joe. Loving uncle to Diane and Lisa and predeceased by his nephew David. Fondly remembered by his cousins Doug in Oshawa, Ron in Australia, and his aunt Yvette Morin and several cousins in St. Lin and Montréal, Québec. Leo’s selflessness, humour, compassion, and gentle moral character will be sorely missed by his family, friends, colleagues and military comrades. LCol Morin had a long and distinguished record of military, professional and volunteer service. Born in New Liskeard on 15 August 1943 and raised in Oshawa, he graduated from Holy Cross Catholic School and Oshawa Central Collegiate Institute. He joined Royal Canadian Sea Cadet Corps “DRAKE”, attained the rank of Chief Petty Officer, and became a Midshipman on the Cadet Instructors List. He was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant (Navy) in 1965 prior to being commissioned in 1966 as an officer in The Ontario Regiment (RCAC). He filled all key unit appointments and served as its Commanding Officer from 1980-83, after which he served on the Directing Staff of the Militia Officer Training School (Toronto) and the Canadian Land Forces Command and Staff School (Kingston). In 1988, he was appointed Deputy Commander, Toronto (Militia) District, now 32 Canadian Brigade Group. In 1994 he was posted to Land Forces Central Area Headquarters, where he served as Senior Staff Officer (Armour) until his retirement from the Army in December 1997. LCol Morin served as President of the Royal Canadian Armoured Corps Association (Cavalry) from 1984-85 and was a Life Member on Council from 1997-2005. For 30 years he served as a member and, later, Chair of the Ontario Regiment’s Senate, Board of Trustees, and Foundation. More recently, he was a regional governor of Reserves 2000, where he tirelessly advocated on behalf of Canada’s Reserve Force personnel. He served as the Ontario Regiment’s Honorary Lieutenant Colonel from 2002-07 and was Treasurer of the national Council of Honorary Colonels (Army) from 2004-09. In civilian life, Leo was briefly employed at Duplate (Oshawa) before joining GM‘s Oshawa Truck Assembly Centre, serving in various industrial engineering positions for 37 years until his retirement in August 2001. More recently, he was a member of the General Motors Salaried Employees Organization (GENMO) Political Action Committee, which is fighting for the welfare of GM Canada’s salaried retirees. LCol Morin’s volunteer and community service was extensive: A former member and advisor to the Navy League of Canada; founding member and lifelong volunteer at the Ontario Regiment Ferret Club; President and Chair (until his death) of the Ontario Regiment Museum and Oshawa Aeronautical, Military and Industrial Museum; member, Oshawa United Veteran Services Committee and an organizer of Oshawa’s annual Festival of Remembrance; President, Ontario Regiment Association; Director, Great Lakes Financial Company, Canadian Corps of Commissionaires. A member of the Royal Canadian Military Institute for over 30 years, he served on its Board of Directors from 2010-12. He was a member of the Fort York Branch 165 Royal Canadian Legion, Friends of the Canadian War Museum, Conference of Defence Associations Institute, and an honorary member of the Korea Veterans Association of Canada, Unit 11 (Oshawa). LCol Morin was awarded the Queen’s Silver, Golden and Diamond Jubilee Medals in addition to the Canadian Forces Decoration with two bars. The family will receive friends at the OSHAWA FUNERAL HOME, 847 KING ST W (905.721.1234), OSHAWA, on Sunday, 28 July 2013 from 2:00 pm to 4:00pm and 7:00pm to 9:00pm. A celebration of Leo’s life will be held at his spiritual home, ST. GERTRUDE’S ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH, 690 KING ST E, OSHAWA, on Monday, 29 July 2013 at 10:30am with a reception to follow at the Col. R.S. McLaughlin Armoury, 53 Simcoe St N, Oshawa. In lieu of flowers, donations to The Ontario Regiment Museum c/o The Ontario Regiment Foundation would be appreciated by the family.