Bernard Joseph "Bernie" Morin

Bernard Joseph “Bernie” Morin, 77, passed away at his Elmer City, Wash., home early in the morning of Saturday, Sept. 21, 2013. Born during the spring at the southern edge of the Fort Peck Reservation in Poplar, Mont., on May 3, 1936, to Joseph and Isabele Morin, Bernie left high school during his junior year to join the U.S. Navy. He served his country as an Aviation Boatswain Mate on seaplanes from 1954 to 1957, moving to Coulee Dam, Wash., upon his separation from the Navy. On May 15, 1965, he married Gail Overbey in Ephrata, Washington’s Saint Rose of Lima Catholic Church, which was followed by a real “whoop-t-doo” party at the Grand Coulee Moose Club.

A lifelong member of the Roman Catholic Church, Bernie had also belonged to both the Moose and Eagle Clubs, was active with 4-H and served with the Elmer City Volunteer Fire Dept. for 22 years. Bernie retired as a warehouseman with the U.S.B.R., enjoyed hunting, fishing and the annual Morin Family Reunions. Bernie was known throughout the Grand Coulee area for his dahlias and tomatoes, but his greatest enjoyment was spending time with his family and being with children, having coached many in Little League, including his own two sons.

Pre-deceased by his siblings: Willard “Boodgie” Morin, Doris Turcotte, “Peg” Marguerite Hope and Willis “Sonny” Morin; Bernie’s legacy lives on through Gail his beloved bride of 48 years; sons: Michael Morin and Robert Morin (Tammy Mann); grandchildren: Amy Morin, Christian Mann and Cassidy Trapani; sister Eleanore Wilhelm; brother-in-law Don Hope and his constant canine companion and buddy Cissy.

Rev Robert Himes led a recitation of the Rosary for Bernie at 7 p.m., in Strate Funeral Chapel in Grand Coulee, Wednesday, Sept. 25, 2013, and a 11 a.m., graveside service followed on Thursday, September 26, 2013, in Grand Coulee’s Spring Canyon Cemetery.

Bernie’s family requests any donations be made in his name to provide fishing poles for children at “Cast for Kids”, 297 SW 41st Street, Renton, Wash. 98507 (425) 251-3202. or via the website http://www.castforkids.org/get-involved/donate/, and/or volunteer their time at any endeavor to benefit children. Friends are invited to sign Bernie’s online register book at http://www.stratefuneralhome.com, Strate Funeral Chapel of Grand Coulee is honored to be serving Bernie’s family.