A fallen soldier from Big River First Nation will be remembered as a brave role model and loving father.
United States army Sgt. Darby Morin, 25, died early Saturday morning when the driver of the vehicle he was travelling in lost control, causing a rollover near Afghanistan's border with Pakistan.
Heavy fog blanketed the road at the time of the crash, and Morin was wearing his seatbelt, but was unconscious when military medics arrived on scene.
Morin was a nephew of Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations (FSIN) Vice-Chief Lyle Whitefish.
Whitefish, reached on his cellphone in Delaware on Monday afternoon, was preparing for Morin's body to arrive back in the United States at the Dover Air Force Base.
"You never think it would happen. Of course he was at risk every day, but a lot of young men and women come home. Unfortunately others don't, and he was one that didn't," Whitefish said.
Morin and his wife, Veronica, had two sons, Christian, 3, and Blue Sky, 19 months.
"He was a great father and he loved his wife and his children," said Whitefish. "He was very compassionate."
Morin's decision to enlist in the U.S. army immediately after graduating from Big River First Nation High School came from an admiration for its advanced technology, according to his uncle.
Morin spent four years stationed at Fort Eustis, Va., before being transferred to Fort Drum, N.Y., in April 2008.
In December, he was deployed to the Charkh District in Logar province, Afghanistan.
"He wanted to be a role model, he wanted to show kids they could be much more than being in a gang or whatever," said Whitefish.
Morin seemed to have a sense of humour, as well.
The nuclear, biological and chemical non-commissioned officer also served as the unofficial barber among the troops.
Whitefish remembered that when Morin visited Canada, young men would line up to get their hair cut just like his.
Big River First Nation soldier killed in Afghanistan
Big River First Nation soldier killed in Afghanistan
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- Published on August 25th, 2009
- Published on November 3rd, 2009
- Joshua Pagé
Military
A fallen soldier from Big River First Nation will be remembered as a brave role model and loving father.
United States army Sgt. Darby Morin, 25, died early Saturday morning when the driver of the vehicle he was travelling in lost control, causing a rollover near Afghanistan's border with Pakistan.
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Comments
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- Lorna/Larry
- - November 20th, 2009 at 12:47:27
Our most deepest condolences to the family, may he rest in peace . . . thank you for fighting for peace and our freedom.
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- Jessica
- - November 20th, 2009 at 07:00:57
you will be missed!
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- Lost Eskimo
- - November 19th, 2009 at 20:09:47
Darby Morin was needed by our Higher Power, I can see no other reason why a great kid like him was called away. He touched many hearts and leaves many more to honor him, and his ideals !!!! Big River we salute your fallen son, and hope that his sacrifice, and commitment will live on for many generations.
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- Laurie
- - November 19th, 2009 at 07:14:39
There are so many great young men that come from the Big River Reserve. Many of them good role models, but it seems that lately we are losing them. The younger generation should remember and respect what Darby was trying to do and that was choosing the right path rather than violence.
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- Lisa
- - November 19th, 2009 at 01:24:03
R.I.P. Darby Morin, you will always be a role model to all First Nation youth!
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- stevey
- - November 19th, 2009 at 00:33:35
My condolences to the friends and especially to the family of our fallen hero, Sgt. Morin. We are all indebted to the ultimate sacrifice he has paid. Thank-you. We will remember them!
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- Roger
- - November 19th, 2009 at 00:29:13
For Sgt. Darby Morin
This week the tall grass sings a song
Of a warrior afar who strayed
To stand up and be counted
For a better world a new day
We weep not for the loss of he
Who stood so bravely for
All that he believed in
To show he wouldnt take it anymore
So sadly he, to rest we lay
A warrior proud so brave
Who stepped forth to show the youth whose eyes
Looked up to him each day
To show that they must be so strong
In a world that they must share
That all the people on this earth
Must respect each others ways
As sweet grass burns and fills the air
Mother Earth she draws him near
He begins a gentle journey home
To the land of her sons birth
A land which had no borders
For a son whos walked our earth
For a caring heart that has ventured forth
From the homeland of his birth
Thank you Sgt. Darby Morin for your efforts towards making our world a better place.
You will not be forgotten, R.I.P.
By: Roger Borchert
The Borchert Family, Slave Lake AB -
- Sask
- - November 18th, 2009 at 18:52:15
R.I.P Darby you are True Hero!
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- stevey
- - November 18th, 2009 at 18:41:23
My condolences to the friends and especially to the family of our fallen hero, Sgt. Morin. We are all indebted to the ultimate sacrifice he has paid. Thank-you. We will remember them!
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- kathy
- - November 18th, 2009 at 17:33:15
you will be one of God's special angels. Bless you and all your family. Your sons will be forever proud of you.
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- Joann
- - November 18th, 2009 at 15:00:40
I wish we had a million more Darby Morins' to make our country proud.
