Leo Racicot started with the Canadian Pacific Railway at age 14 and retired 51 years later after gaining a broad knowledge of its operations "during the years when railroading was an exciting but hazardous occupation.
Mr. Racicot started his career in Bonfield where he was born. as a water tank pumper, then moved on to become an extra gang clerk and section man.
In 1909 he became assistant clerk to the roadmaster at Mattawa and then it was off to Schreiber to work in the shops.
Shortly thereafter he moved to Chapleau where he worked as a brakeman with a stint as a yardmaster.
By 1912 he passed his conductor exams and served on freight and passenger trains, on east and west ends, on freight and passenger trains until he retired on August 14, 1957.
A Sudbury Star article about Mr. Racicot notes that he was one of few Chapleau railroaders to receive a Golden Pass on retirement after 50 years of service. The pass was presented to Mr. Racicot by N.R. Crump, the CPR president.
Mr. Racicot became very much a part of community life after moving to Chapleau, particularly on sports, baseball and curling with the latter his favourite. The article refers to him as an ardent curler.
In 1929 and 1932 Chapleau hosted Northern Ontario Curling association bonspiels and in 1932 a rink skipped by Mr. Racicot reached the finals. Other rink members were Harry Morris (my grandfather), Vince Crichton, and A. Kinahan.
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"8 Enders Club" left to right. Tommy Therriault, Vince Crichton, Harry Morris, L. Evans, Leo Racicot, Newt Pellow, A.J. Vale, P. Merrifield
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In 1936, first and maybe only meeting of the "8 Ender" club was held at the Urwelkum Inn at Devon. It was referred to (by the Members) as the "most exclusive club in the world as far as we know, the only one of its kind in the world." Mr. Racicot was a member. See photo for all the members.
When I was doing a piece on the club some time ago, Dr Vince Crichton, son of Vince the member explained that "An 8 ender is where a team comprised of a skip, third, second and lead score the maximum number of points in one end which is 8 – each team has 8 rocks to throw and if all in the rings, and no opposition rocks closer to the button (absolute centre) then they count 8 points or however many are closer than the opposition. Not many attain this hallowed ground..." Thanks Vince.
He also donated the Racicot Trophy to the Ladies Curling Club.
Back at the CPR, for 15 years Mr. Racicot was local chairman of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Trainmen.
He served on the township council from 1942 to 1947, returning to public life to serve as Reeve of Chapleau from 1956 to 1959. For a short time he was also administrator of the Lady Minto Hospital.
Mr. Racicot also won many prizes for his lawn and garden as a member of the Chapleau Horticultural Society.
He moved to Oshawa to retire. Upon his death, funeral service was held at Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church with Rev. Father Laurent Dube officiating. Mr. Racicot had been an active member of the church when he lived in Chapleau.
My email is mj.morris@live.ca
