Pipestone Flyer
Mulhurst Legion Branch # 246 presented Les Ouimette, the last surviving charter member of this branch, with the 65 year long-service pin and bar to be added to his past-president and 50-year award ribbon and pin and 60-year long-service bar. From World War II, Ouimette has voluntary service medals and the bar for service in the Pacific and on islands in the Pacific. He served as a wireless electrical mechanic and is a proud veteran who has served his country and his community well.
Les Ouimette was an active member of Mulhurst Legion Branch #246 from the very beginning, when he was nominated the first secretary treasurer, when it was first organized in 1949. Later, he was president for the 1956-1958 term, and provided the Legion Branch history for its 50th Anniversary, as recorded in “Mulhurst: the First 50 Years.”
Les Ouimette's father, Benjamin, homesteaded in the Mulhurst area while still in his teens. He fought in World War I and was wounded at Vimy Ridge. Later he acquired the lakeside quarter where the Rowley sawmill had operated. Les remembers skiing down the huge sawdust pile when he was a boy.
While enlisted, Les Ouimette met his wife when he was stationed in New Jersey. She is from Massachusetts. They have two daughters, four granddaughters and a grandson. He is now 94 years of age. A man of many abilities and interests, he worked as a carpenter for a time and built his own house, but enjoyed most his 30 years working as a lab tech at the Texaco Bonnie Glen gas plant. He has travelled extensively all over Canada and the U.S.A.
One of his many other interests was photography extending back to early methods using plates. He also liked gardening and astronomy for which he built a place for his telescope.
He is also very much a gentleman, which was very evident in the way he graciously made sure that he spoke with everyone who came to the presentation of his 65 year service pin and bar. Mulhurst Legion Branch # 246 is proud of him.
Pictured: Mulhurst Legion Branch # 246 Chairman of Honours and Awards, Jack Tupper, presents the 65-year long-service award pin and bar to Les Ouimette, the last serving charter member of the branch. Photo by Margaret Chegwin