The cowboy, the checkers player, and how they both changed my life

This First Person column is the experience of Jody Zarn, a Winnipegger who loves to buy coffee for friends and strangers. For more information about CBC's First Person stories, please see the FAQ.

I have always loved buying people coffee. Friends, strangers, it doesn't matter who you are, chances are, I'll buy you coffee or tea. It's my thing.

So, on Nov. 8, 2019, when I saw a homeless man standing outside my work, it seemed only natural to buy him a cup of tea.

His name was Leroy, and we became instant friends.

Every morning I met Leroy in the mall. I brought food and supplies from home and made tea in my office. We'd visit, and I'd head up to work. 

I'd say, 'Leroy wasn't your typical homeless person," but there is no typical homeless person, is there? 

People who are homeless are just that, people. They have stories, skills, accomplishments. Leroy had all of those.

Born in Guyana, raised in Barbados, Leroy came from a life like you and me. He obtained a diploma in hotel management, worked in the hospitality industry and studied psychology at the University of Winnipeg. 

And, as it turns out, he was once the best checkers player in Canada and the 12th best in the world.

Leroy learned the game as a boy from an older man in the community. He quickly rose to the top and became ranked as the third best in Barbados. 

He was fondly called the Prince of Barbados, for he was almost as good as his friend, Ron King, who went on to be the best in the world. 

And while Leroy's talent for the game took him throughout Canada and the U.S., his journey was not without hardship. He recalled a tournament in Hamilton, where, just before the game, a top player hurled racist taunts at him.

His opponent sneered, only to be defeated by Leroy in an easy win.

In 2004, Leroy was recognized as an outstanding volunteer for the Boys and Girls Club of Winnipeg.