Neil W. MORIN

JAMESTOWN -- Neil W. Morin, 79, Jamestown, formerly of Hebron, died March 23, 2005, at a Jamestown healthcare center. Services will be held be held at 11 a.m. CST Monday at Spangelo Funeral Home, Hebron, with the Rev. Paul Ferrie officiating. Burial will be at Walhalla Cemetery, Walhalla, later this spring with military rites being performed by Bartlette-Resler Legion Post.Visitation will be held from 8:30 a.m. until the time of services Monday at the funeral home.Neil W. Morin was born Jan. 31, 1926, in Walhalla, the son of Albert and August (Nuelle) Morin. He was raised, educated, baptized and confirmed at Walhalla. Neil accepted Jesus as his personal savior Feb. 2, 1944. He entered into the U.S. Navy Jan. 29, 1944, and shipped out to Pearl Harbor on the USS Almandite, working as a gunners mate. Their mission was to help get their service mates back on their feet following the attack on Pearl Harbor. Following discharge on May 4, 1946, Neil returned to Walhalla and worked at Robertson Lumber yard and as a bartender. He met a school teacher named Lillian Weidrich. They were married May 31, 1951, at Cavalier. They resided in Walhalla, Beulah and New Salem before coming to Hebron in 1960. Neil worked for Burlington Northern Rail Road from 1966 to 1988. He was known for his beard, which he said kept his face warm when working in the winters. Neil was active in the community as a member of the American Legion, and a long time member of the Hebron City Council. He was also a lifetime member of the VFW. Neil enjoyed woodworking, especially remodeling their home on Summit Avenue. He received much pleasure playing musical instruments including the accordion, harmonica, juice harp, piano, organ and guitar. Neil also loved things of nature, planting and caring for his garden, and planting numerous trees in Hebron. Neil took much pride in accomplishing tasks for the residents of Hebron. Neil truly loved socializing and visiting, as he possessed a great sense of humor and wit. Neil entered the North Dakota Veterans Home in Lisbon in July 2003, and then entered Central Dakota Village in Jamestown in September 2004, where he has resided since.Those left to share his memory include two daughters, Marcia (Tim) Brandvold, St. Joseph, Minn., and Shelly Barth, Jamestown; two grandchildren, Duane William Barth II, and Justin John Barth; and his longtime, devoted pet companion, Kickie.Neil was preceded in death by his parents; his wife of 49 years, Lillian; one son, Rocky; and one brother, William. Published in The BismarckTribune on 3/26/2005.