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Lenn and Dena Morin lost their youngest son Tyler about two weeks ago after an unexpected medical issue. Now, friend of the family Jacki L’Heureux-Mason hopes the community will rally to help the family as their grieve.
L’Heureux-Mason is executive director of Tourism Moose Jaw and has organized the Sidewalk Days festival since 2012 — a task she said might not have been possible without Lenn Morin.
“A very dear friend, to myself and Sidewalk Days itself, Lenn Morin — (who is) well known to a lot of people in the music community and Moose Jaw and the surrounding area — suffered the loss of their youngest son going around about two weeks ago now, in a way that no family should have to expect,” L’Heureux-Mason explained.
She explained that despite Tyler’s death, Lenn decided to continue his near-essential role at Sidewalk Days.
“We were preparing to try and make some last-minute changes for Lenn, so that he could grieve in the way that he needed to with his family. And because of his background, it was really important for him to be there for Sidewalk Days and to do something for his community, which is just so on brand for Lenn. He’s just a selfless human being.”
Morin has been involved with setting up the staging and equipment necessary for bands to perform at Sidewalk Days since the festival for over 10 years, including many volunteer hours.
A GiveSendGo page has been created for Tyler — who was also an organ donor — to take some stress off the family. The goal is to raise $7,500 for the Morins.
In addition to the GiveSendGo fundraiser, a dinner in partnership with The Mad Greek Restaurant has been organized for later this month.
“Unfortunately, funerals aren’t cheap,” L’Heureux-Mason said. “We’re hoping to have a fundraiser dinner, possibly two depending on how it goes.
“The first one is going to be July 31st, a Wednesday, at The Mad Greek, and the tickets will be available by the end of the week. I can have them, I’m going to have them up at the Tourism Office, as well, so people can just call my cell phone number at any time.”
L’Heureux-Mason’s number is 306-690-9949.
Once tickets have been purchased, fundraiser contributors can call The Mad Greek to arrange for pick-up or eat-in anytime on July 31. There will also be an ongoing 50/50 that day for the Morins.
“Lenn is a musician, well-known in the city. He’s a drummer and a great mixer, as well,” L’Heureux-Mason added. “Most of our artists are just blown away by the quality and professionalism that he provides.
“When it’s your responsibility to have to bury your own child... I just felt like it’s something that no parent should have to do.”