LEWISTON, Maine — Dozens met in Lewiston Saturday for a ceremony in memory of Ron Morin, one of the 18 Mainers killed in the tragic October shootings. The town renamed local softball fields in his honor, where he spent his time as a coach, umpire, and player.
Earlier this month the city council gave their approval to change the formerly named Randall Road Softball Complex to the Ron Morin Memorial Fields.
"He's been around these fields for 30-plus years. Everyone that came here will know him. He always had a smile on his face," Eric Morin, Ron's son, said.
Joined by his sister, Amy Puciaty, and several other friends and family members, attendees also unveiled a new sign with a picture of Ron.
"When we learned about it, we were almost in shock and it just meant so much to our family to know how much time he spent here, and now his name lives here," Morin said.
The idea to rename the field was carried through with the help of leaders and members of the non-profit, Maine Strong Memorial Foundation, which aims to support Maine families going through an unexpected tragedy.
Those who knew Ron said he was a supportive coach, umpire, and team player within the softball and baseball teams in Lewiston.
Friends and former teammates of Ron said the field dedication reflects the kind of person he was: a jokester who always knew how to cheer people up.
"Everybody loved him," Lucien Morissette said, Ron's brother-in-law. "He would talk with somebody and you thought they were best friends."