In what best can be described as awe-inspiring, the military funeral of Sergeant Mark Salesse on February 28 drew crowds in the hundreds at 442 Transport and Rescue (T&R) Squadron.

On a vibrant sunny Saturday afternoon, the squadron hangar floor was filled with family, friends and colleagues, both military and civilian, from near and far who gathered together to pay respect to a fallen soldier.

Mark Salesse, 44, was killed during a military training exercise at Polar Circus near Banff, Alberta. He and three other Search and Rescue Technician (SAR Tech) from 435 T&R Squadron, Winnipeg, had completed their ascent and were on the way down when an avalanche swept Mark off the side of a narrow cliff February 5. His teammates were not involved. Banff Parks Canada led a six-day search that was hindered by continuous poor weather. The mission was reduced from a rescue to a recovery as Parks Canada came to realize neither the conditions, nor the probable fall could be favourable for survival.

A motorcade of approximately 20 vehicles was met by the Pallbearer Party where eight SAR Techs proudly donning the orange beret gently received the casket and marched smartly to the center of the hangar floor. These men are fellow SAR Tech course mates, Course #38, and came from across Canada to be with their brethren.

Described by many as a gentle giant, Mark was genuine, honest and giving to all, as evident by the outpouring of comments shared by Liz Quinn, mother, Denis Byrne, best friend and fellow Army colleague, and members of the SAR community.

“Sgt Salesse had a physical presence that made people notice him, but it was his natural tendency to reach out and help others that made him a person others could call a brother or a friend,” shared Chief Warrant Officer Jeff Warden, Commandant, Canadian Forces School of Search and Rescue. “Some of you knew Mark better than others, but you’re here today because he had an impact on your life, and you want to honour that. Because he did affect you in some way, it’s not going to be easy to say goodbye.”

A native of Bathurst, New Brunswick, and stationed in Winnipeg, the family’s preference for a formal funeral on Vancouver Island was a reflection of Mark’s passion for the mountains, adventure and outdoor sport. It was here in Comox that Mark fulfilled his career aspirations by graduating into the SAR Tech profession (2005). He invested his passion beyond his career into his community, volunteering in the Comox Ground SAR organization and with Mount Washington Ski Patrol. And it was in Vancouver where Mark’s earlier military career in the Army began with the British Columbia Regiment. His life indeed came full circle in and around the mountainous region.

“Mark was a friend to everyone. He was the loving threads that held the colourful quilt of friends together,” expressed Liz Quinn during the service in her endearing words about her son. “And by the many gathered here today, he saw beauty in each of you, and you in him.”

The service concluded symbolically with a fly-past of one SAR aircraft in front of the wide open hangar bay, the pristine mountains spread across in the backdrop, as the lament is played by the piper.

Mark Salesse will return once again to his hometown of Bathurst on March 1 for the internment and an intimate service to allow his father, Maurice Salesse, who was unable to travel to British Columbia, as well as other family members a chance to pay their respect and say good bye to the ‘gentle giant.’

Major Mary Lee
19 Wing Comox Public Affairs
250-339-8201
After hours 250-703-7035
mary.lee@forces.gc.ca

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