Obituary of Sergeant Darby Todd Morin

It is with great sadness that the family of SGT. Darby T. Morin announce his passing on Saturday, August 22, 2009 in Afghanistan at the age of 25 years. The Wake service commenced on Sunday, August 30, 2009 at the Se-Se-Wa-Hum School on Big River First Nation Reserve. The Funeral Service for SGT. Morin took place on Tuesday, September 1, 2009 at 10:00 a.m. by the Se-Se-Wa-Hum School. Military Chaplain "MAJ" Michael A. Hoffman was officiant, there was a U.S. Army Honor Guard and the U.S. Army acted as the pallbearers. Lyle Whitefish was the Master of Ceremonies, numerous dignitaries spoke such as Saskatchewan Premier Brad Wall. Interment took place in the Whitefish Cemetery. Memories and Reflections on the life of Sergeant Darby Todd Morin A Celebration of Sgt. Morin's honorable life: At 19 years, a young and innocent boy left the loving arms of his family and walked straight into a boyhood dream. Darby was born to Violet Morin on November 12, 1983 in North Battleford, Saskatchewan. Violet lovingly gave Darby to her sister Irene to take on the responsibility of raising the rambunctious little boy. Irene and her mother Alice raised Darby the best they could. Alice taught Darby the importance of maintaining his culture, especially his language. She never let Darby speak English to her. She taught him how to skin deer and trap. Darby was a very proud and compassionate man. He was known for being energetic and eager to accomplish his goals in both his personal life and his career. Darby enjoyed encouraging people around him, whether they were friends, family or merely an acquaintance. He especially wanted to motivate young people in his community and all First Nations people to break away from the stereotypical views of today's young people. They should explore life's options off the reservations and gang associations. They should bring something back to our communities that would make us more proud and accomplished people. He valued his friends and family. He said he would run for Chief when he retired from the army. He would run the reserve with military precision and change 'Indian time' to 'Army time'. Darby was passionate about basketball. He was an excellent team player and never tried to dominate other players and always shook hands after each game- win or lose. This was a true testament to his character. Darby was advancing in the army to become a great leader. His NCO's were sure to acknowledge that. He loved his job and was always aware of the risks that accompanied it. That never deterred his ambition to succeed and achieve his endeavors. He wanted the best life for his wife and sons, this is what motivated him to do his best. He wanted to make a name for himself, to make his family, friends and community proud of him. The army was a suited life for Darby. As tired and exhausted he was, he always found the energy to persevere. On many occasions, he volunteered assistance to lower ranking soldiers, or the lagging soldier during a ruck march, though he remained well ahead of the platoon. Being well away from the community, Darby and his family relied solely on one another for support. His wife was always willing to do everything in her power to make sure his needs were met and that he was content. Their life revolved around their sons. When Christian was born they knew immediately he would need a brother and so came Blue Sky. Darby held his boys on a pedestal. He was comforted knowing he would never have to worry about his boys because they have a great mother, who right from day 1 loved and cared for them 24/7. When he was away he never failed to tell his wife ' make sure you kiss the babies for me', and tell them 'Daddy loves and misses them'. Darby made sure to prepare his wife if this day ever came. This gives her the strength to carry on, along with the daily reminder that there are still pieces of him here. His legacy will live on through his boys, as I'm sure Darby's friends and family will continue to share many stories with them. As he is in his resting place, though we mourn his passing, we as a culture do not have a word for 'good-bye', only the one that translates to' we shall meet again'.