Sylva Joseph Morin was born in Falher on September 24, 1926 to Wilfrid and Rose-Aimee Morin. Dad was the thirteenth of sixteen children. He was asked to quit school in Grade 8 to help out on the family farm.
As he got older, he developed very athletic abilities and Dad excelled at baseball. As he honed his skills, he played in many tournaments and that would be where he eventually met the apple of his eye.
Patricia Dolan from Donnelly Heights would become his girlfriend and eventually his wife. They would be married on October 10, 1950.
From this reunion their family consisted of six children: Ron, Dolores, Lorraine, Lynn, Mark and David.
Dad farmed his whole life and for years worked off the farm to supplement his income. He worked on oil rigs, in lumber camps and was a skilled carpenter.
Mom and Dad loved to entertain and also attend neighbours house parties where you would see Dad playing his guitar.
Pepere was a very special grandfather who always had time for each and every grandchild. He treated each and every one of us as if we were the most special grandchild in the world. He knew how to teach us right and wrong without ever raising his voice. Ruffling our hair, rocking us or that little kiss on the cheek meant the world to us.
Pepere had very strong working man’s hands, he had an infectious smile but more than anything, Pepere had the biggest heart. He gave a piece of that heart to each and every person he met.
He was a very unselfish man and ironically, he gave enough of his heart that it eventually ran out. Pepere, you left an imprint on each and every one of us and we will forever remember your presence and big smile. You were a true gentleman and most of all, the best grandfather in the world.
If Dad had one passion, it was hockey. He loved to listen to his Montreal Canadien games in the early years and then watch them on TV in the later years. One of his house rules were be quiet and never walk in front of the TV.
“Wait for a commercial,” he would say.
He loved going to Pirate games and seldom missed one. The highlight of his hockey career was managing the Falher Pee Wee team. He was dedicated and in 1982 realized his dream where he helped guide them to the Quebec Pee Wee tournament.
Dad excelled in everything he did: school, sports, dancing, playing guitar, carpentry and the many jobs he held. One of his greatest passions was hockey.
Many years were spent at arenas where he served as coach, manager or equipment manager for minor hockey. His love of the outdoors and his pride in seeing things grow shone in this proficient, meticulous yard and garden.
Dad enjoyed gatherings and camping trips with neighbours and friends. He loved being surrounded by family and those most special times he and mom had alone, together.
In Dad’s retirement years he enjoyed his yard and his garden and was very proud of them. He loved having friends and relatives stop in for coffee, meals or just a chit chat.
In 2014, mom and Dad moved to the Villa Beausejour and eventually Dad’s health started to fail. The last six months were especially hard, but being the strong person he was, he had a few milestones to reach.
In September, he reached his 89th birthday, and next he would celebrate his 65th wedding anniversary. And then this December 25th, he spent his last Christmas surrounded by family.
Dad, your memories, your quick smile and your big heart will live on because you gave a little of your heart to everyone you met.
Mom you had the best life partner, we had a hero of a Dad, the grandchildren had a Pepere that they loved to be around because he was interested and caring.
Dad, you’ve moved on to a better place and today, we don’t say goodbye but rather so long – till we meet again.
You’re our HERO.
Sylva Joseph Morin was predeceased by his parents, Wilfrid and Rose-Aimeé; sisters, Alfreda Morin, Juliette Thibault, Gracia Aubin, Rosa Garant, Rose Fortier, Sister of Providence Lucienne, Bernadette Carmichael, Noella Tanguay, Yvette Morin and Emella Fournier; and brothers, Sylvio Morin, Henri Morin, Roland Morin and Roger Guay.
He is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Pat; his sons, Ron (Donna), Mark (Julie) and David (Michelle); daughters, Dolores (Rosaire Bastien), Lorraine (Luc Desaulniers) and Lynn (Dave Gervais); and Teena (Gervais) Toker, who stayed with them when she lost her mom; as well as 18 grandchildren and 26 great-grandchildren.
Sylva is survived by his sister, Fernande Fortier; sisters-in-law, Mariette Guay, Stella Tanguay and Erica Dolan; and brother-in-law, Don Carmichael.
Funeral services for the late Sylva J. Morin were held January 2, 2016, at the Paroisse Ste. Anne Parish in Falher, Alberta, with Msgr. Charles Lavoie officiating. Interment will follow in the spring of 2016.
Funeral arrangements were under the direction of Chapel of Memories Funeral Homes in Peace River, Alberta.
If friends and family so desire, donations may be made to the Mazankowski Alberta Heart Institute in Sylva’s name.
