Meet Bob Morin.
“He’s the mayor,” rang out the words of a stranger who happened to be walking by Bob Morin’s house. Bob wasn’t there to hear, but maybe he will, if he’s released from the hospital.
“Bob was born and raised in Ottawa,” says his wife, Colleen. “We moved to Westboro in 1984. Bob is a people person. He loves to talk to people. There aren’t many people in this world who don’t love Bob. He takes the time to talk to them and in return they have a real conversation.
“Bob was always a salesman. He sold office equipment, office furniture, appliances, and such. In 2002, Bob had a mishap that made him look at life differently. When he was being transported by air ambulance after the accident, he made a pact with the powers that be. He said: if I ever walk again, I will pay it forward.
“At first Bob paid it forward at The Perley and Rideau Veterans’ Health Centre. Then he started volunteering at the Shepherds of Good Hope. The people there took to Bob because once you know him, you’ll love him forever.
“On Easter Sunday we went for our last long walk. As we paused at the corner, Bob noted that we hadn’t seen anyone we knew. The next people who went by, Bob says, ‘Hey do you want to talk to us?’ We had a twenty-minute conversation. That is the essence of Bob.” Collected by Ellen Bond
Humans of Kitchissippi is a special street photography project designed to introduce readers to some of the people who live, work, and play in Kitchissippi. Each instalment of HOK contains three elements: a photo, a name, and a quote from the subject that reveals a little bit about who they are. View our collection of humans right here.