Ovide Morin (left) and Gary Morin Jr. (Submitted Photo/Unclehev Morin)

By Derek Craddock

SANDY BAY FIRE DEPARTMENT

‘They were legends’: Former Sandy Bay Fire Chiefs remembered for enduring service

Dec 10, 2022 | 12:00 PM

The community of Sandy Bay is in mourning after two former Fire Chiefs suddenly passed away this week.

On Monday, news broke that Gary Morin Jr., who served as fire chief for 10 years passed away suddenly. Just days later, his uncle, who was the fire chief before him for 15 years, also died.

The losses have shaken the community of Sandy Bay hard, but their families are remembering them for how they served and protected everyone around them.

“He did what he could, he went out of his way to make our community safe,” said Gary’s brother Everett Morin who spoke to paNOW.

Gary is survived by his wife and 10 children.

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Condolences have come in from beyond the borders of Sandy Bay with the Saskatchewan First Nations Emergency Management posted on Facebook regarding the loss.

“We acknowledge his dedication and sacrifices he made to keep his community safe,” the post reads. “Our deepest condolences also go out to his team of firefighters as you mourn this very heavy loss. We are here for your team in any way you may need.”

The Mathias Colomb Cree Nation Fire Department and Waskesiu Fire Department also shared their condolences on Facebook acknowledging his dedication and service to his community.

Meanwhile, Everett and Gary’s uncle Ovide is also remembered as a man who put his fellow residents first while serving as Chief of the Fire Department.

“He did whatever he could to protect and save his community,” said Everett. “They were good men to have in the community.”

“We’re taking home two of our fire chiefs, two of our guys that took care of our community. They were legends, they were heroes.”

Everett said after his brother became Fire Chief, he joined the department to assist him. He added the community has suffered a major loss but is coming together.

The family has put a call out to all fire chiefs from the Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation and other communities to join them in an Honour Guard and Last call for Gary and Ovide. That is scheduled to go on Dec. 12 at 2:00 p.m.

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derek.craddock@pattisonmedia.com

Twitter: @PA_Craddock