The Rev. Robert R. Morin, 84, former owner of Morin Shoe Store, died at Androscoggin Valley Hospital on, Thursday, April 3, 2008.

He was born June 28, 1923, in Berlin to the late Roland and Marie Morin. He graduated from Berlin High School in 1943 and was honorably discharged from U.S. Marines in 1945.

Robert married Eleanor C. Richardson on May 7, 1944 at Union Episcopal Church in West Claremont.

Robert and his wife Eleanor were accepted into the Episcopal Church at St. Barnabas Church in Berlin, where he later served as Senior Warden for a number of years. During this service he chaired a joint venture with Senior Meals and the church vestry.  Robert helped establish the first ecumenical Boy Scout troop in Berlin under the sponsorship of St. Barnabas and later became a scoutmaster. He was also instrumental in creating the first 4-H club in Berlin.

December 5, 1994, Robert was ordained as a Deacon of the Episcopal Church in Berlin. He dedicated over 20 years of ministry in the North Country to the terminally ill and lonely.

He was instrumental in the creation of the Berlin Housing Authority, and in 2006 was recognized for his 43 years of service as a member and leader. Through his efforts, two senior/disabled apartment projects were created, eliminating over 90 units of sub-standard  housing.

Robert served as Chairman of the Berlin Board of Education, a charter member of the Berlin/Gorham Lions Club, and a member of the North Country Clergy Council.

He is also remembered for having his own French Canadian radio show on W.B.R.L.

He is survived by his wife, Eleanor, a son David and his wife Cindy, all of Berlin; a son Richard of Colchester, VT.; daughters Ronaele of Claremont, and Carolee of Dover; a sister, Dr. Priscilla Kelley of Norwood, MA; four grandsons, two great-granddaughters, four nieces and two nephews.

There will be no calling hours. There will be a Service of the Word,

celebrating the life and ministry to the community of Deacon

Bob, Saturday, April 26th at 11 AM, at St. Barnabas’ Church, with The Rt.  Rev. Gene Robinson, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of New Hampshire presiding. All touched by Bob’s wide reach of ministry and friendship are warmly invited to attend.

Interment will be in the family plot in Union Cemetery in West Claremont Sunday, April 27th at 3 PM.

There will be a celebration of Deacon Bob’s ministry with a Eucharist of the Resurrection on Monday, April 28th at 6 PM at St. Barnabas Church with the Rt. Rev. Douglas Thuener, Retired Bishop of New Hampshire presiding.

Memorial donations may be made to the Berlin/Gorham Lions Club or to St. Barnabas Rectors’ Fund, Berlin, NH.