What can I say about this wonderful man? So inspirational. a role model. He was a gentleman and a gentle man. I am blessed that he was my Uncle. Anyone who knew Oscar has a deep respect for him. I have a few stories and wonderful memories of Oscar. The first story is from my high school years; In one of my classes, I had a classmate who sat at the back of the room, he was big, scary and never spoke. No one messed with him. One day he overheard me mention to my friend that I was going to visit my Uncle Oscar and Auntie ‘G’. Suddenly I heard a big booming voice ask ‘Oscar Labine?’. I confirmed that it was. His eyes watered up and he explained to me that Oscar brings him fishing. He did not have a father and Oscar was his one and only male role model. He clearly loved him. Needless to say, from then on, I had my very own bodyguard. Uncle Oscar, without ever knowing it, made my high school experience a very safe one. In my line of work, I can speak to up to a hundred people from all over Canada in a day. One call I had was from a Veteran who had lived in Kirkland Lake a long, long time ago. He stated he only knew one personal who was still in Kirkland Lake. He explained his friend was an incredible man, extraordinary. I asked him his friend’s name? He said ‘there is no way I would know his friend’ It took me a few minutes to get him to tell me his name was ‘Oscar Labine, but you wouldn’t know him’ I was shocked and said ‘Uncle Oscar?”. We laughed. He explained what a tremendous respect he had for Oscar. Anyone who has ever met Oscar has this respect for him. He was exceptional. I honestly believe that he has saved hundreds of lives with his work with the mines and the union. He ensured the safety of miners. I am so happy that we have gotten closer over the past few months. My last visit with him at the cottage a couple of weeks ago was so nice. I was reluctant to go when I realized that he already had company. Oscar insisted that my husband and I stay. He was always bringing people together. We had the pleasure of meeting Chris and his son. On the drive to his cottage, I could not believe I counted 13 rabbits on the dirt road. I told Uncle Oscar how cute and fuzzy they were. Without missing a beat, He replied that my husband should have hit them with the car so we can have rabbit stew. What quick wit, I loved his sense of humour. I will miss you and I love you I am so happy he was part of my life Rest in peace dear Uncle

Labine family, please accept our sincerest sympathies on your loss. Oscar and I worked at Macassa Mine in the 1980s and I remember him as a good miner and diligent crusader for his fellow worker’s rights. After his retirement, we often stopped to chat on the street. He was a good man. Bill Glover and family.

Rest in peace sweet Uncle. I love you and I will miss you. Our condolances Lee and Joe

Oscar, I will always remember the times I visited you and the many happy hours sitting around the kitchen table laughing and talking. You will always hold a special place in my heart. You aren’t gone from us, you have only gone fishing. Doris

Rose-Ann, Angie, Bernie and families I am so sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing. He was a wonderful man and an even better uncle. Truly the glue that helped keep the family together. Every time I hear my own children tell a “colourful story”, I think of your Dad. He lives in all of us. Noella, Eli and Isaac

Rose, Angie, Bernie and families. We send our sincere sympathy on the loss of your dad. He was a great teacher and a good friend to us all. He will be sadly missed from our lives and his loss leaves a big hole in our hearts. The managers in heaven better treat the angels well or Oscar will have a picket line up and be organizing for better conditions. He definitely taught us to respect, defend and protect others at all times. I will always remember Oscar taking me boxing at the old KL arena. He was a champion then and once a champ always a champ. God Bless. I’ll see you tuesday. Uncle Joe and aunt Barb.

Bernie, Angela and RoseAnne and families: We are very sorry for your loss. My Dad was telling me the stories of the sauna nights at your Dad’s house. These are memories that no one can take away. God Bless, The Doonans.

Deepesty synpathy on the loss of your father. He was a kind,caring, gentle man and had the patience of a saint. His first love in life was his family and was extemely dedicated and devoted to all of you. His one great mission in life was to guide his children through life and keep them on the straight and narrow. I know he is proud of all of you and can rest knowing that the guidance he has privided you with will carry you through the rest of your lives until you meet again. Love Janice

To Bernie and family, We are very sorry to hear of the passing of your father and grandfather and send you our sincere condolences at this time. Dave, Caroline, Stephanie and Tim

Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time, may god Bless you and your families,we often sat with your Dad at Timmies in the morning and he would share a story or two…we will miss him…..

RoseAnne, Bernie, Angie and families. I am very sorry to hear about the passing of your Father, I send my sincere sympathy to all of you. I will always remember the fun times I had with Uncle Oscar when he took me fishing – those are dear memories that I still cherish to this day. He will be missed but never forgotten. Kris Saric & family

Bernie, RoseAnne, Angie – My condolences on your loss. Oscar played an important role in my life growing up, and I think of him fondly.

Dear Rose, Peter, Jason, Miranda and Calvin. We are both so sorry for your loss. A chat with Oscar was always something to look forward to on our visits and we will greatly miss him. We are really upset that we are unable to be with you at this time but you are in our hearts and will be in our thoughts.

Dear Angie Bernie and families: We are so sorry for your loss. Our trips north will never be the same. He will be greatly missed.

Dear Rose & Peter and family. Our thoughts are with you and yours. I am so glad that I was able to spend a bit of time with Oscar over the years. He was a special man and will leave such a void in your lives. Your memories of him will live in your hearts. With Love

YYossy, Angie, Bernie and families: Thinking of you today. I’m sorry. Mr. Labiiine was lucky to have his family with him. Big hugs Rose and Ange….

Your Dad was a real “gentleman”. We came to know him when he worked out at the complex. He was very pleasnat and we had many chats….he was a proud father and grandfather and spoke of his family often. He was so kind to go out of his way to drive me home for my car keys from the cross-country trail as I had locked them in the car. We are very sorry for your loss.

Dear Rose, Bernie and Angie, I remember being in high school, and your Dad having me type up a paper on the need for better ventilation in the mine. Fairness and safety in the workplace….a lesson well learned thanks to your Dad. I never told him how his words made an impact on me, but he would surely have laughed to know that his influence sometimes made me less than popular with management. I haven’t seen any of you in decades, though I’ve been told that Uncle Oscar has left behind a legacy he can be very proud of. If there is strength to be found in numbers, may the many many people thinking of Oscar provide you with the courage you need to face the loss of someone so dear.

“FRIDAYS” I will never forget Fridays with Oscar. One in particular that stands out is upon arrival Oscar said “come in sit down, let me tell you some lies” we talked for a bit then Oscar said “would you like a toast. I said you don’t have a toaster. He excused himself, went in the back bedroom and came back to the kitchen with a wire coat hanger, no sooner he was bending it every which way, turned on the element and made me a slice of toast. Oscar had a heart of gold, and I am going to miss him dearly. I will never forget his smile, his laugh, his many stories, but most of all his friendship. My sincere condolences to the family.

Your family has suffered the loss of someone very special⦠â¦someone who will always have an important place in our memories â and in our hearts. With Our Condolences Denise, Tim, Shawn, Sophie & Nicole

To The Families of Oscar Labine I have known Oscar for many years and always enjoyed our conversations. My sincere thoughts and prayers are with you. Sid Hamden