CELEBRATION OF LIFE
Sgt Mark Anthony Salesse
December 11, 1970 – February 11, 2015
"THAT OTHERS MAY LIVE"
"Many live till they die. Some die without living. Mark lived.
My consolation as a mother is that Mark died doing what he loved most, in the majestic mountains that so beckoned him.
He chose his final resting place."
~ elizabeth quinn
On Thursday, February 5, 2015, my son, Sgt. Mark Salesse, aged 44, a Search and Rescue Technician (SAR tech) from 435 Transport and Rescue Squadron based at CAF 17 Wing Winnipeg, Manitoba, died during an annual Canadian Armed Forces winter training exercise in the Canadian Rockies in the area of Banff National Park. He died on a very challenging and sought-after ice climb named ‘Polar Circus' located on the west flank of Cirrus Mountain (10,720') on the east side of the Columbia Icefield Parkway. Mark and his climbing partner had ascended the summit of Polar Circus and were on the descent. Mark was the leader and was walking across a large snow-covered granite ledge (20m x 100m); his weight unhinged a large section of unstable snow which slid off and he fell down with it, approximately 80-90 metres below. The reverberation triggered an avalanche below the ledge area, which swept Mark's body a further 100 metres. His climbing partner luckily was unhurt. Although Mark was an experienced climber, it was humanly impossible to survive this fall. After searching for a few hours, the partner could not locate Mark. It was snowing lightly at the time; however rescue operations altered due to impending bad weather and to the threat of further avalanches; the area had to be secured before rescue could be continued. – The facts, however, made it obvious that the rescue mission was to become a recovery mission. With the help of probes, K9 units, metal detectors, and sonar wave, Mark's body was recovered under 2.7 metres of snow by Parks Canada Search and Rescue crew on the morning of February 11, 2015. Mark was the son of Elizabeth ‘Liz' Quinn (Robert Brady) of Moncton, N.B., and of Maurice Salesse (Melita Roy-Gionet) of Chamberlain Settlement, N.B. – He was predeceased by an infant sister, Micheline Yvonne (1975).
He was dearly loved and will be greatly missed by his QUINN aunts and uncles: George & Josie Quinn of Montreal, Qc; Anne Quinn of Moncton, N.B.; Hélène (late Don) Manuel of Bathurst, N.B.; John Quinn (died 17 days later on February 22, 2015) of Lakeville, N.B.; Arthur & Hilda Quinn of Charlottetown, PEI.; Bob & Laura Quinn of Salisbury, N.B.; by his soul-brother-in-arms Denis & Claire Byrne of Victoria, B.C.; and his cousins: Erik Quinn of Montreal; Keith (Jenn) Manuel of Bedford, N.S.; Craig (Serenia) Manuel of Vancouver, B.C.; Natalie (Kirby) Manuel-Doucette of Truro, N.S; Adam (Dianna) Quinn of Moncton, N.B.; Kendel Quinn
(Marc Landry) of Shediac Bridge, N.B.; Jérémie (Jenny-Lyne) Quinn of Moncton, N.B.; Rebecca Quinn of Charlottetown, PEI: Christopher Quinn of Kativik-Kuujjuaq, Northern Quebec; Megan-Archambault-Quinn of Montreal, Qc; Thomas Quinn of Montreal, Qc; and Bentley Quinn of Moncton, N.B.
He will also be missed by his SALESSE aunts and uncles: Francine (late Paul) Imbeault of Chamberlain Settlement, N.B.; Lisa & Eugene Guignard of Bathurst, N.B.; Leah & Gilbert Doucet of Chamberlain Settlement, N.B.; Robert & Paulette Salesse of Bishops, Qc; Darlean & John Labonville of Bathurst, N.B.; and his cousins: Ann Margaret (Mel) Namoca of Hawaii; Shawn Guignard of Bathurst; Corey Guignard of Bathurst; Louise (Rejean) Kenny of South Tetagouche; Kevin (Lori) Doucet of North Tetagouche, N.B.; Pierre (Françoise) Salesse of Quebec; Melissa (Kevin) McGivery of Hampton, N.B.
Missing him also will be his half-sister Triscia Raven (Bill) from Oro-Medonte, Ontario. Triscia is the daughter of Maurice Salesse (Bathurst, N.B.) & Patricia Gowing-Rowbottom (Mount Forrest, Ontario). It was in the autumn of 2011, while he was recuperating from an accident which had occurred earlier at Ouray, Colorado, that Mark surprisingly discovered that he had an older sister, Triscia, living near Orillia, Ontario. They met at an agreed location in South-Eastern Ontario and exchanged contact information; luckily Triscia and Mark had 3 years to visit a few times and learn about each other. Triscia also visited our Brockville home with Mark and with husband Bill a couple of times before we moved to Moncton.
As a young child growing up in Chamberlain Settlement, he enjoyed his time with the Boy Scouts and later Air Cadets. In January 1982, Mark and I moved to a downtown apartment; times were tough as a single parent so Mark took on a delivery route for the Northern Light along Murray Avenue and tributaries to make some spending money.
In the summer of 1984, while I was recuperating from cervical cancer surgery, Mark returned to reside with his father and be closer to his childhood friends; he remained with his dad till the late fall of 1985 when he moved in with his beloved grandfather Leo Quinn. He finished his year at Bathurst High School, and then in late June 1986, Mark moved to Ottawa with me. In his drafting course at Merivale High School he achieved the highest award for his architectural drawing; although he never pursued a career in this, he was quite capable of designing free-hand any project he needed to construct. – While at school, Mark worked part-time job at a pharmacy filling shelves and at a bike repair shop, and later was employed with a courier service in downtown Ottawa where he became known as the fastest and dependable runner/biker on staff. – Mark was always a gentle caring boy growing up however life wasn't always roses for a single parent and a teenage boy in a big city. Between the ages of 15-17, Mark was a regular teenage boy with growing pains and challenges; tough love played a role. I was happy that with professional guidance and my continued support he chose the right path in life. I met my husband Robert in January of 1987; he was a positive and loving influence in Mark's life.
In the fall of 1989, after years of wanting to become a Footguard but too young to enroll, Mark was accepted in the Governor General's Footguards, a Reserve Infantry Unit; he served on Parliament Hill and at the Governor General's manor in Ottawa in the summer of 1990. Robert and I, and my brothers George and Johnny and sister Anna, were at Mark's graduation; it was such a proud moment for all of us! We were, and are, so very delighted of his focus and his achievements.
At my wedding in September 1990 he was best-man to my husband Robert Brady; they had become great friends and would enjoy each other tremendously over the next 25 years. Mark looked to Robert as a mentor and sought his wisdom on many of his life's journeys.
In October 1990, Mark moved to Vancouver and enrolled in the British Columbia Regiment (Duke of Connaught's Own), a Reserve Force armoured reconnaissance unit, and served until 1998. It is during this time that he met his lifelong friends, Denis & Claire Byrne. – Mark, as Master Corporal, served as Peacekeeper with the NATO mission in Bosnia-Herzegovina as part of Operation Palladium on two separate tours, one for which he was awarded with the NATO Medal for Former Yugoslavia, the Canadian Peacekeeping Service Medal, and the Non-Article 5 NATO Medal for Operations in the Balkans. Upon his return to Canada, Mark transferred to the Regular Force with the 2nd Battalion Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry (2PPCLI) based at Winnipeg where he served with honour and distinction.
He received a Land Force Western Area Commander's Commendation on Operation Prudence for his deployment in the Central African Republic from October 1998 to January 1999; Mark was noted as a role model and a team builder.
In late June 2002, Mark was with special security forces during the G8 Summit which was held at Kananaskis, Alberta. The summits are unofficial forums which bring together the heads of the richest industrialized countries. They are also a venue for widespread debates, protests and demonstrations; some of which can become quite volatile.
It was in the summer of 2004 when Mark fulfilled his ultimate career aspirations when, after a strenuous selection process, he was selected to undergo intensive training to become a SARTECH (Search and Rescue Technician). With his previous experience in the Army, Mark was more than prepared for the various aspects of his SAR paramedic training including winter and mountain operations. However it was his ability to motivate and inspire others to accomplish tasks as a team when faced with challenging circumstances that really stood out in the minds of his SAR instructors.
Mark graduated from CFSSAR in June 2005. Mark's postings included 442 Squadron at CFB Comox on Vancouver Island, British Columbia.; 444 Combat Support Squadron at CFB Goose Bay, Labrador; and finally at 435 Transport and Rescue Squadron at CFB Winnipeg, Manitoba.
The love for outdoor sports and physical challenge is what really drew Mark to a life on the West Coast. With the Rocky Mountains and the Pacific Ocean at his doorstep, Mark pursued his interests for volunteering in various ground SAR and ski patrol (Comox-Courtenay Ground Search and Rescue & Mt Washington Ski Patrol), in mountaineering, rock climbing, ice-climbing, and in scuba diving; he was certified for decompressed diving. Mark was a well-respected certified hang-glider pilot and instructor; owning and operating his hanggliding company for several years. He also enjoyed the Ultimate Frisbee sport at Winnipeg. His many endeavours were completed with passion. He was a Big Brother at Winnipeg in 1998-2003.
Mark had many mountain climbing feats around the globe including: Mt Matterhorn (4,478 m) in the Alps; Mt Logan (5,959 m) in Yukon; Mt McKinley (6,168 m) in Alaska; Mt Baker (3,286 m) and Mt Rainier (4,392 m) in Washington State, USA; Mt Cook (3,724 m) in New Zealand; and Mt Kilimanjaro (5,895 m) in Africa. Mark was scheduled to climb world-renown Ama Dablam (6,812 m) in the Himalaya range of eastern Nepal this November; he invited my husband Robert and I to join him nearby in Nepal as he climbed Ama Dablam which means "Mother's Necklace" because of the long ridges on each side like the arms of a mother protecting her child.
My husband Robert & I spent much time with Mark coast to coast. We were present at his graduations including Governor General's Footguards (Ottawa) and SAR (Comox). - We were fortunate to enjoy many activities with Mark over the years, including camping, fishing, hiking, canoeing (the Churchill River in Labrador & the Assiniboine River in Winnipeg), RV'ing, touring, attending music concerts, or simply going for long walks or discussing history and genealogy over a pot of tea. Mark enjoyed cooking; we prepared and enjoyed many meals together. During one of my visits he requested I teach him how to make pie dough and tea biscuits; imagine Mark at 6′5″ and me at 5′1″ at his kitchen counter making pie dough together…teaching him not to overwork the dough with his strong hands and long fingers! These memorable moments are absolutely priceless!
I was grateful that, after years of living his hang-gliding feats through his many awesome photos, we (mom & son) jumped off the mountaintop at 2,000 feet and were up in the sky together; he was on his hang glider & I was on a paraglider over the Fraser Valley near Chilliwack, B.C. – Precious memories captured on video! – Many of his friends and comrades gathered at our home over the years sharing stories and laughter around our backyard campfire. Cherished photos! We also enjoyed many indoor & outdoor building projects together at our home or at his. Last November, Mark visited after we moved into our new Moncton home and helped Robert build shelving units and a work bench in our storage shed. We see his ‘chi' everywhere.
The body rested in the tender care of Comox Valley Funeral Home at Courtenay-Comox, Vancouver Island, B.C. ~ Over 500 attended the full Military Funeral, officiated by Padre Mathew Lucas, held on February 28th, 2015 at CFB Comox.– The Military made arrangements to have his body flown across the country to the care of Elhatton's Funeral Home at Bathurst where a wake was held for family and friends. A mass, held at Holy Family Church on March 3rd was officiated by Father David Ferguson and Father Wesley Wade; ironically, Father Wade who presided at Mark's funeral mass had also officiated at his baptism in 1970 as a recently ordained priest.
Military memorials for Mark were also held at CFB Winnipeg (Manitoba) on March 6th and at CFB Goose Bay (Labrador) on March 10th. – Flags were lowered at several cities including overseas at Belgium and at Afghanistan where many of his former comrades are deployed. - The Sherpa guides held vigils at mountainsides in the Alps in memory of their beloved climber. – His many friends and neighbours gathered to celebrate ‘Mark left his Mark on Me' with their own special memorials in Vancouver, in Winnipeg and in Comox.
Mark was a gentle giant among men; one who saved people and troubled souls. He had a zest for life and touched the hearts of those whom he met. His positive attitude was an inspiration to many. Mark was dearly loved and will be sorely missed by family, friends, his SAR family, and past & present comrades.
My husband and I have received overwhelming support; we would like to extend our deepest appreciation to family, friends, colleagues, Comox Valley Funeral Home, officiating Padre Lucas at Comox, officiating Fathers Ferguson & Wade at Bathurst, Elhatton Funeral Home at Bathurst, to the Canadian Armed Forces and its members, and the brotherhood of SAR (Canadian Search and Rescue) for their unending support and assistance. We acknowledge all of Mark's friends, neighbours, and comrades ‘coast to coast' and around the world for standing alongside us in thoughts or in presence.. We are grateful. Thank you! RESCUE!
His remains were cremated following the Bathurst service. – Mark's ashes will be escorted by a military guard and honourably buried at Beechwood Military Cemetery at Ottawa on July 11, 2015. Section 103, Lot 1423 B. --- A symbolic portion of Mark's ashes will be buried on July 03, 2015 in his hometown at the St Mary's Cemetery in East-Bathurst, N.B., (see Find a Grave Memorial #149309704) alongside his uncle John Quinn, and a bit of his ashes will be respectfully scattered by his mother in his beloved Rockies.
I was 17 years old when I gave birth to Mark. My aspirations for him were that he does goodwill towards others and sees the world beyond Bathurst; he did this and much more. I celebrate the person he was; I was proud to call him son. Mark was, and is and always will be, a part of me. I loved him dearly and will miss him terribly; I will long for his visits, his phone calls, his postcards, his long ‘SitRep' emails, and his dozen roses each Mother's Day.
Once a mother, always a mother; although I will no longer see him, Mark will remain forever in my heart alongside my daughter Micheline.. ~ Elizabeth Quinn (mom)
RCAF holds Search and Rescue Technician Military Funeral
19 WING COMOX— In what best can be described as awe-inspiring, the military funeral of Sergeant Mark Salesse drew crowds in the hundreds today 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 six 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, Denise 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.'
The body will rest at Elhatton's Funeral Home, Bathurst, Tuesday, March 3rd, 2015 after 9:30 am until time of funeral, which will be at 1 pm at Holy Family Church, 430 St Peters Avenue, Bathurst, NB.
Part of his ashes are also buried in his home town in Saint Mary's Cemetery.
His sister is Micheline Yvonne SALESSE, Find a Grave, Memorial # 149413231.
Other Burial here∼Sgt Mark Salesse Search and Rescue Technician
Died February 11th 2015
Beechwood Cemetery
Section 103
Ottawa Ontario
"That Others May Live" SALESSE, Sgt Mark Anthony December 11, 1970 - February 11, 2015 It is with great sadness that our family announces the death of our beloved son Mark, at the age of 44. Mark was originally from Chamberlain Settlement (suburb of Bathurst), New Brunswick. Mark died in an avalanche during a Canadian Armed Forces training mission in The Canadian Rockies in Banff National Park on a very challenging and sought-after ice climb named "Polar Circus". Mark was the son of Maurice Salesse (Melita) of Bathurst, N.B., and Elizabeth 'Liz' Quinn (Robert Brady), of Moncton, N.B. - He will be greatly missed by his half-sister Triscia Raven (Bill) from Ore-Medonte, Ontario. He was predeceased by an infant sister, Micheline Yvonne. He was dearly loved, and will be greatly missed, by his aunts and uncles: George & Josie Quinn of Montreal, Qc; Anne Quinn of Moncton, N.B.; Helene (the late Don) Manuel of Bathurst, N.B.; John Quinn of Lakeville, N.B.; Arthur & Hilda Quinn of Quebec; Bob & Laura Quinn of Salisbury, N.B.; and his cousins: Erik Quinn, Keith (Jenn) Manuel, Craig (Serenia) Manuel, Natalie (Kirby) Manuel-Doucette, Adam (Diana) Quinn, Kendel Quinn (Marc Landry), Megan Archambault-Quinn, Thomas Quinn and Bentley Quinn. Mark served in the Canadian Armed Forces with honour and distinction. He enrolled in the Governor General's Foot Guards, a Reserve Infantry Unit in 1989 and served on Parliament Hill, and at the Governor General's Manor at Ottawa, in the summer of 1990. In October 1990, Mark moved to Vancouver and enrolled in the British Columbia Regiment (Duke Of Connaught's Own) and served until 1998. He was deployed, as a Peacekeeper, to Croatia on OP Harmony and achieved the rank of Master Corporal; he later received the Governor General's Medal of Bravery for his mission there. Mark transferred to the Regular Forces and joined the 2nd Battalion Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry based in Winnipeg, Manitoba, where he served with distinction. He completed deployments in the Central African Republic and in Bosnia-Herzegovina. In 2004 he fulfilled a lifelong dream of becoming a SARTECH (Search and Rescue Technician) and underwent rigorous selection. Mark graduated from CFSSAR in June 2005. Mark's posting included 442 Squadron in Comox, BC, 444 Combat Support Squadron in Goose Bay, Labrador and finally 435 Squadron Transport and Rescue Squadron in Winnipeg, Manitoba. He received a Land Force Western Area Commanders Commendation for his deployment in the Central African Republic. A Military Funeral was held at Comox, British Columbia at 2.00pm on Saturday February 28, 2015 at CFB Comox. Preceding the commencement of the Funeral, there was a vehicle procession for designated participants from the Comox Valley Funeral Home at 1101 Ryan Road, Courtenay, BC. Viewing was held from 3.00pm until 6.00pm on February 27, 2015. On March 3rd, Mark's service will take place in Bathurst, New Brunswick. The body rested at Elhatton's Funeral Home (www.elhatton.com), Bathurst, N.B. on Tuesday March 3, 2015 from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm. The funeral mass was held at 1 pm at Holy Family Church, 430 St. Peter's Avenue, Bathurst, NB. In Lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada, The War Amps of Canada, or The Memory Project.
Sgt Mark Anthony Salesse
December 11, 1970 – February 11, 2015
"THAT OTHERS MAY LIVE"
"Many live till they die. Some die without living. Mark lived.
My consolation as a mother is that Mark died doing what he loved most, in the majestic mountains that so beckoned him.
He chose his final resting place."
~ elizabeth quinn
On Thursday, February 5, 2015, my son, Sgt. Mark Salesse, aged 44, a Search and Rescue Technician (SAR tech) from 435 Transport and Rescue Squadron based at CAF 17 Wing Winnipeg, Manitoba, died during an annual Canadian Armed Forces winter training exercise in the Canadian Rockies in the area of Banff National Park. He died on a very challenging and sought-after ice climb named ‘Polar Circus' located on the west flank of Cirrus Mountain (10,720') on the east side of the Columbia Icefield Parkway. Mark and his climbing partner had ascended the summit of Polar Circus and were on the descent. Mark was the leader and was walking across a large snow-covered granite ledge (20m x 100m); his weight unhinged a large section of unstable snow which slid off and he fell down with it, approximately 80-90 metres below. The reverberation triggered an avalanche below the ledge area, which swept Mark's body a further 100 metres. His climbing partner luckily was unhurt. Although Mark was an experienced climber, it was humanly impossible to survive this fall. After searching for a few hours, the partner could not locate Mark. It was snowing lightly at the time; however rescue operations altered due to impending bad weather and to the threat of further avalanches; the area had to be secured before rescue could be continued. – The facts, however, made it obvious that the rescue mission was to become a recovery mission. With the help of probes, K9 units, metal detectors, and sonar wave, Mark's body was recovered under 2.7 metres of snow by Parks Canada Search and Rescue crew on the morning of February 11, 2015. Mark was the son of Elizabeth ‘Liz' Quinn (Robert Brady) of Moncton, N.B., and of Maurice Salesse (Melita Roy-Gionet) of Chamberlain Settlement, N.B. – He was predeceased by an infant sister, Micheline Yvonne (1975).
He was dearly loved and will be greatly missed by his QUINN aunts and uncles: George & Josie Quinn of Montreal, Qc; Anne Quinn of Moncton, N.B.; Hélène (late Don) Manuel of Bathurst, N.B.; John Quinn (died 17 days later on February 22, 2015) of Lakeville, N.B.; Arthur & Hilda Quinn of Charlottetown, PEI.; Bob & Laura Quinn of Salisbury, N.B.; by his soul-brother-in-arms Denis & Claire Byrne of Victoria, B.C.; and his cousins: Erik Quinn of Montreal; Keith (Jenn) Manuel of Bedford, N.S.; Craig (Serenia) Manuel of Vancouver, B.C.; Natalie (Kirby) Manuel-Doucette of Truro, N.S; Adam (Dianna) Quinn of Moncton, N.B.; Kendel Quinn
(Marc Landry) of Shediac Bridge, N.B.; Jérémie (Jenny-Lyne) Quinn of Moncton, N.B.; Rebecca Quinn of Charlottetown, PEI: Christopher Quinn of Kativik-Kuujjuaq, Northern Quebec; Megan-Archambault-Quinn of Montreal, Qc; Thomas Quinn of Montreal, Qc; and Bentley Quinn of Moncton, N.B.
He will also be missed by his SALESSE aunts and uncles: Francine (late Paul) Imbeault of Chamberlain Settlement, N.B.; Lisa & Eugene Guignard of Bathurst, N.B.; Leah & Gilbert Doucet of Chamberlain Settlement, N.B.; Robert & Paulette Salesse of Bishops, Qc; Darlean & John Labonville of Bathurst, N.B.; and his cousins: Ann Margaret (Mel) Namoca of Hawaii; Shawn Guignard of Bathurst; Corey Guignard of Bathurst; Louise (Rejean) Kenny of South Tetagouche; Kevin (Lori) Doucet of North Tetagouche, N.B.; Pierre (Françoise) Salesse of Quebec; Melissa (Kevin) McGivery of Hampton, N.B.
Missing him also will be his half-sister Triscia Raven (Bill) from Oro-Medonte, Ontario. Triscia is the daughter of Maurice Salesse (Bathurst, N.B.) & Patricia Gowing-Rowbottom (Mount Forrest, Ontario). It was in the autumn of 2011, while he was recuperating from an accident which had occurred earlier at Ouray, Colorado, that Mark surprisingly discovered that he had an older sister, Triscia, living near Orillia, Ontario. They met at an agreed location in South-Eastern Ontario and exchanged contact information; luckily Triscia and Mark had 3 years to visit a few times and learn about each other. Triscia also visited our Brockville home with Mark and with husband Bill a couple of times before we moved to Moncton.
As a young child growing up in Chamberlain Settlement, he enjoyed his time with the Boy Scouts and later Air Cadets. In January 1982, Mark and I moved to a downtown apartment; times were tough as a single parent so Mark took on a delivery route for the Northern Light along Murray Avenue and tributaries to make some spending money.
In the summer of 1984, while I was recuperating from cervical cancer surgery, Mark returned to reside with his father and be closer to his childhood friends; he remained with his dad till the late fall of 1985 when he moved in with his beloved grandfather Leo Quinn. He finished his year at Bathurst High School, and then in late June 1986, Mark moved to Ottawa with me. In his drafting course at Merivale High School he achieved the highest award for his architectural drawing; although he never pursued a career in this, he was quite capable of designing free-hand any project he needed to construct. – While at school, Mark worked part-time job at a pharmacy filling shelves and at a bike repair shop, and later was employed with a courier service in downtown Ottawa where he became known as the fastest and dependable runner/biker on staff. – Mark was always a gentle caring boy growing up however life wasn't always roses for a single parent and a teenage boy in a big city. Between the ages of 15-17, Mark was a regular teenage boy with growing pains and challenges; tough love played a role. I was happy that with professional guidance and my continued support he chose the right path in life. I met my husband Robert in January of 1987; he was a positive and loving influence in Mark's life.
In the fall of 1989, after years of wanting to become a Footguard but too young to enroll, Mark was accepted in the Governor General's Footguards, a Reserve Infantry Unit; he served on Parliament Hill and at the Governor General's manor in Ottawa in the summer of 1990. Robert and I, and my brothers George and Johnny and sister Anna, were at Mark's graduation; it was such a proud moment for all of us! We were, and are, so very delighted of his focus and his achievements.
At my wedding in September 1990 he was best-man to my husband Robert Brady; they had become great friends and would enjoy each other tremendously over the next 25 years. Mark looked to Robert as a mentor and sought his wisdom on many of his life's journeys.
In October 1990, Mark moved to Vancouver and enrolled in the British Columbia Regiment (Duke of Connaught's Own), a Reserve Force armoured reconnaissance unit, and served until 1998. It is during this time that he met his lifelong friends, Denis & Claire Byrne. – Mark, as Master Corporal, served as Peacekeeper with the NATO mission in Bosnia-Herzegovina as part of Operation Palladium on two separate tours, one for which he was awarded with the NATO Medal for Former Yugoslavia, the Canadian Peacekeeping Service Medal, and the Non-Article 5 NATO Medal for Operations in the Balkans. Upon his return to Canada, Mark transferred to the Regular Force with the 2nd Battalion Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry (2PPCLI) based at Winnipeg where he served with honour and distinction.
He received a Land Force Western Area Commander's Commendation on Operation Prudence for his deployment in the Central African Republic from October 1998 to January 1999; Mark was noted as a role model and a team builder.
In late June 2002, Mark was with special security forces during the G8 Summit which was held at Kananaskis, Alberta. The summits are unofficial forums which bring together the heads of the richest industrialized countries. They are also a venue for widespread debates, protests and demonstrations; some of which can become quite volatile.
It was in the summer of 2004 when Mark fulfilled his ultimate career aspirations when, after a strenuous selection process, he was selected to undergo intensive training to become a SARTECH (Search and Rescue Technician). With his previous experience in the Army, Mark was more than prepared for the various aspects of his SAR paramedic training including winter and mountain operations. However it was his ability to motivate and inspire others to accomplish tasks as a team when faced with challenging circumstances that really stood out in the minds of his SAR instructors.
Mark graduated from CFSSAR in June 2005. Mark's postings included 442 Squadron at CFB Comox on Vancouver Island, British Columbia.; 444 Combat Support Squadron at CFB Goose Bay, Labrador; and finally at 435 Transport and Rescue Squadron at CFB Winnipeg, Manitoba.
The love for outdoor sports and physical challenge is what really drew Mark to a life on the West Coast. With the Rocky Mountains and the Pacific Ocean at his doorstep, Mark pursued his interests for volunteering in various ground SAR and ski patrol (Comox-Courtenay Ground Search and Rescue & Mt Washington Ski Patrol), in mountaineering, rock climbing, ice-climbing, and in scuba diving; he was certified for decompressed diving. Mark was a well-respected certified hang-glider pilot and instructor; owning and operating his hanggliding company for several years. He also enjoyed the Ultimate Frisbee sport at Winnipeg. His many endeavours were completed with passion. He was a Big Brother at Winnipeg in 1998-2003.
Mark had many mountain climbing feats around the globe including: Mt Matterhorn (4,478 m) in the Alps; Mt Logan (5,959 m) in Yukon; Mt McKinley (6,168 m) in Alaska; Mt Baker (3,286 m) and Mt Rainier (4,392 m) in Washington State, USA; Mt Cook (3,724 m) in New Zealand; and Mt Kilimanjaro (5,895 m) in Africa. Mark was scheduled to climb world-renown Ama Dablam (6,812 m) in the Himalaya range of eastern Nepal this November; he invited my husband Robert and I to join him nearby in Nepal as he climbed Ama Dablam which means "Mother's Necklace" because of the long ridges on each side like the arms of a mother protecting her child.
My husband Robert & I spent much time with Mark coast to coast. We were present at his graduations including Governor General's Footguards (Ottawa) and SAR (Comox). - We were fortunate to enjoy many activities with Mark over the years, including camping, fishing, hiking, canoeing (the Churchill River in Labrador & the Assiniboine River in Winnipeg), RV'ing, touring, attending music concerts, or simply going for long walks or discussing history and genealogy over a pot of tea. Mark enjoyed cooking; we prepared and enjoyed many meals together. During one of my visits he requested I teach him how to make pie dough and tea biscuits; imagine Mark at 6′5″ and me at 5′1″ at his kitchen counter making pie dough together…teaching him not to overwork the dough with his strong hands and long fingers! These memorable moments are absolutely priceless!
I was grateful that, after years of living his hang-gliding feats through his many awesome photos, we (mom & son) jumped off the mountaintop at 2,000 feet and were up in the sky together; he was on his hang glider & I was on a paraglider over the Fraser Valley near Chilliwack, B.C. – Precious memories captured on video! – Many of his friends and comrades gathered at our home over the years sharing stories and laughter around our backyard campfire. Cherished photos! We also enjoyed many indoor & outdoor building projects together at our home or at his. Last November, Mark visited after we moved into our new Moncton home and helped Robert build shelving units and a work bench in our storage shed. We see his ‘chi' everywhere.
The body rested in the tender care of Comox Valley Funeral Home at Courtenay-Comox, Vancouver Island, B.C. ~ Over 500 attended the full Military Funeral, officiated by Padre Mathew Lucas, held on February 28th, 2015 at CFB Comox.– The Military made arrangements to have his body flown across the country to the care of Elhatton's Funeral Home at Bathurst where a wake was held for family and friends. A mass, held at Holy Family Church on March 3rd was officiated by Father David Ferguson and Father Wesley Wade; ironically, Father Wade who presided at Mark's funeral mass had also officiated at his baptism in 1970 as a recently ordained priest.
Military memorials for Mark were also held at CFB Winnipeg (Manitoba) on March 6th and at CFB Goose Bay (Labrador) on March 10th. – Flags were lowered at several cities including overseas at Belgium and at Afghanistan where many of his former comrades are deployed. - The Sherpa guides held vigils at mountainsides in the Alps in memory of their beloved climber. – His many friends and neighbours gathered to celebrate ‘Mark left his Mark on Me' with their own special memorials in Vancouver, in Winnipeg and in Comox.
Mark was a gentle giant among men; one who saved people and troubled souls. He had a zest for life and touched the hearts of those whom he met. His positive attitude was an inspiration to many. Mark was dearly loved and will be sorely missed by family, friends, his SAR family, and past & present comrades.
My husband and I have received overwhelming support; we would like to extend our deepest appreciation to family, friends, colleagues, Comox Valley Funeral Home, officiating Padre Lucas at Comox, officiating Fathers Ferguson & Wade at Bathurst, Elhatton Funeral Home at Bathurst, to the Canadian Armed Forces and its members, and the brotherhood of SAR (Canadian Search and Rescue) for their unending support and assistance. We acknowledge all of Mark's friends, neighbours, and comrades ‘coast to coast' and around the world for standing alongside us in thoughts or in presence.. We are grateful. Thank you! RESCUE!
His remains were cremated following the Bathurst service. – Mark's ashes will be escorted by a military guard and honourably buried at Beechwood Military Cemetery at Ottawa on July 11, 2015. Section 103, Lot 1423 B. --- A symbolic portion of Mark's ashes will be buried on July 03, 2015 in his hometown at the St Mary's Cemetery in East-Bathurst, N.B., (see Find a Grave Memorial #149309704) alongside his uncle John Quinn, and a bit of his ashes will be respectfully scattered by his mother in his beloved Rockies.
I was 17 years old when I gave birth to Mark. My aspirations for him were that he does goodwill towards others and sees the world beyond Bathurst; he did this and much more. I celebrate the person he was; I was proud to call him son. Mark was, and is and always will be, a part of me. I loved him dearly and will miss him terribly; I will long for his visits, his phone calls, his postcards, his long ‘SitRep' emails, and his dozen roses each Mother's Day.
Once a mother, always a mother; although I will no longer see him, Mark will remain forever in my heart alongside my daughter Micheline.. ~ Elizabeth Quinn (mom)
RCAF holds Search and Rescue Technician Military Funeral
19 WING COMOX— In what best can be described as awe-inspiring, the military funeral of Sergeant Mark Salesse drew crowds in the hundreds today 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 six 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, Denise 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.'
The body will rest at Elhatton's Funeral Home, Bathurst, Tuesday, March 3rd, 2015 after 9:30 am until time of funeral, which will be at 1 pm at Holy Family Church, 430 St Peters Avenue, Bathurst, NB.
Part of his ashes are also buried in his home town in Saint Mary's Cemetery.
His sister is Micheline Yvonne SALESSE, Find a Grave, Memorial # 149413231.
Other Burial here∼Sgt Mark Salesse Search and Rescue Technician
Died February 11th 2015
Beechwood Cemetery
Section 103
Ottawa Ontario
"That Others May Live" SALESSE, Sgt Mark Anthony December 11, 1970 - February 11, 2015 It is with great sadness that our family announces the death of our beloved son Mark, at the age of 44. Mark was originally from Chamberlain Settlement (suburb of Bathurst), New Brunswick. Mark died in an avalanche during a Canadian Armed Forces training mission in The Canadian Rockies in Banff National Park on a very challenging and sought-after ice climb named "Polar Circus". Mark was the son of Maurice Salesse (Melita) of Bathurst, N.B., and Elizabeth 'Liz' Quinn (Robert Brady), of Moncton, N.B. - He will be greatly missed by his half-sister Triscia Raven (Bill) from Ore-Medonte, Ontario. He was predeceased by an infant sister, Micheline Yvonne. He was dearly loved, and will be greatly missed, by his aunts and uncles: George & Josie Quinn of Montreal, Qc; Anne Quinn of Moncton, N.B.; Helene (the late Don) Manuel of Bathurst, N.B.; John Quinn of Lakeville, N.B.; Arthur & Hilda Quinn of Quebec; Bob & Laura Quinn of Salisbury, N.B.; and his cousins: Erik Quinn, Keith (Jenn) Manuel, Craig (Serenia) Manuel, Natalie (Kirby) Manuel-Doucette, Adam (Diana) Quinn, Kendel Quinn (Marc Landry), Megan Archambault-Quinn, Thomas Quinn and Bentley Quinn. Mark served in the Canadian Armed Forces with honour and distinction. He enrolled in the Governor General's Foot Guards, a Reserve Infantry Unit in 1989 and served on Parliament Hill, and at the Governor General's Manor at Ottawa, in the summer of 1990. In October 1990, Mark moved to Vancouver and enrolled in the British Columbia Regiment (Duke Of Connaught's Own) and served until 1998. He was deployed, as a Peacekeeper, to Croatia on OP Harmony and achieved the rank of Master Corporal; he later received the Governor General's Medal of Bravery for his mission there. Mark transferred to the Regular Forces and joined the 2nd Battalion Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry based in Winnipeg, Manitoba, where he served with distinction. He completed deployments in the Central African Republic and in Bosnia-Herzegovina. In 2004 he fulfilled a lifelong dream of becoming a SARTECH (Search and Rescue Technician) and underwent rigorous selection. Mark graduated from CFSSAR in June 2005. Mark's posting included 442 Squadron in Comox, BC, 444 Combat Support Squadron in Goose Bay, Labrador and finally 435 Squadron Transport and Rescue Squadron in Winnipeg, Manitoba. He received a Land Force Western Area Commanders Commendation for his deployment in the Central African Republic. A Military Funeral was held at Comox, British Columbia at 2.00pm on Saturday February 28, 2015 at CFB Comox. Preceding the commencement of the Funeral, there was a vehicle procession for designated participants from the Comox Valley Funeral Home at 1101 Ryan Road, Courtenay, BC. Viewing was held from 3.00pm until 6.00pm on February 27, 2015. On March 3rd, Mark's service will take place in Bathurst, New Brunswick. The body rested at Elhatton's Funeral Home (www.elhatton.com), Bathurst, N.B. on Tuesday March 3, 2015 from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm. The funeral mass was held at 1 pm at Holy Family Church, 430 St. Peter's Avenue, Bathurst, NB. In Lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada, The War Amps of Canada, or The Memory Project.
CELEBRATION OF LIFE
Sgt Mark Anthony Salesse
December 11, 1970 – February 11, 2015
"THAT OTHERS MAY LIVE"
"Many live till they die. Some die without living. Mark lived.
My consolation as a mother is that Mark died doing what he loved most, in the majestic mountains that so beckoned him.
He chose his final resting place."
~ elizabeth quinn
On Thursday, February 5, 2015, my son, Sgt. Mark Salesse, aged 44, a Search and Rescue Technician (SAR tech) from 435 Transport and Rescue Squadron based at CAF 17 Wing Winnipeg, Manitoba, died during an annual Canadian Armed Forces winter training exercise in the Canadian Rockies in the area of Banff National Park. He died on a very challenging and sought-after ice climb named ‘Polar Circus' located on the west flank of Cirrus Mountain (10,720') on the east side of the Columbia Icefield Parkway. Mark and his climbing partner had ascended the summit of Polar Circus and were on the descent. Mark was the leader and was walking across a large snow-covered granite ledge (20m x 100m); his weight unhinged a large section of unstable snow which slid off and he fell down with it, approximately 80-90 metres below. The reverberation triggered an avalanche below the ledge area, which swept Mark's body a further 100 metres. His climbing partner luckily was unhurt. Although Mark was an experienced climber, it was humanly impossible to survive this fall. After searching for a few hours, the partner could not locate Mark. It was snowing lightly at the time; however rescue operations altered due to impending bad weather and to the threat of further avalanches; the area had to be secured before rescue could be continued. – The facts, however, made it obvious that the rescue mission was to become a recovery mission. With the help of probes, K9 units, metal detectors, and sonar wave, Mark's body was recovered under 2.7 metres of snow by Parks Canada Search and Rescue crew on the morning of February 11, 2015. Mark was the son of Elizabeth ‘Liz' Quinn (Robert Brady) of Moncton, N.B., and of Maurice Salesse (Melita Roy-Gionet) of Chamberlain Settlement, N.B. – He was predeceased by an infant sister, Micheline Yvonne (1975).
He was dearly loved and will be greatly missed by his QUINN aunts and uncles: George & Josie Quinn of Montreal, Qc; Anne Quinn of Moncton, N.B.; Hélène (late Don) Manuel of Bathurst, N.B.; John Quinn (died 17 days later on February 22, 2015) of Lakeville, N.B.; Arthur & Hilda Quinn of Charlottetown, PEI.; Bob & Laura Quinn of Salisbury, N.B.; by his soul-brother-in-arms Denis & Claire Byrne of Victoria, B.C.; and his cousins: Erik Quinn of Montreal; Keith (Jenn) Manuel of Bedford, N.S.; Craig (Serenia) Manuel of Vancouver, B.C.; Natalie (Kirby) Manuel-Doucette of Truro, N.S; Adam (Dianna) Quinn of Moncton, N.B.; Kendel Quinn
(Marc Landry) of Shediac Bridge, N.B.; Jérémie (Jenny-Lyne) Quinn of Moncton, N.B.; Rebecca Quinn of Charlottetown, PEI: Christopher Quinn of Kativik-Kuujjuaq, Northern Quebec; Megan-Archambault-Quinn of Montreal, Qc; Thomas Quinn of Montreal, Qc; and Bentley Quinn of Moncton, N.B.
He will also be missed by his SALESSE aunts and uncles: Francine (late Paul) Imbeault of Chamberlain Settlement, N.B.; Lisa & Eugene Guignard of Bathurst, N.B.; Leah & Gilbert Doucet of Chamberlain Settlement, N.B.; Robert & Paulette Salesse of Bishops, Qc; Darlean & John Labonville of Bathurst, N.B.; and his cousins: Ann Margaret (Mel) Namoca of Hawaii; Shawn Guignard of Bathurst; Corey Guignard of Bathurst; Louise (Rejean) Kenny of South Tetagouche; Kevin (Lori) Doucet of North Tetagouche, N.B.; Pierre (Françoise) Salesse of Quebec; Melissa (Kevin) McGivery of Hampton, N.B.
Missing him also will be his half-sister Triscia Raven (Bill) from Oro-Medonte, Ontario. Triscia is the daughter of Maurice Salesse (Bathurst, N.B.) & Patricia Gowing-Rowbottom (Mount Forrest, Ontario). It was in the autumn of 2011, while he was recuperating from an accident which had occurred earlier at Ouray, Colorado, that Mark surprisingly discovered that he had an older sister, Triscia, living near Orillia, Ontario. They met at an agreed location in South-Eastern Ontario and exchanged contact information; luckily Triscia and Mark had 3 years to visit a few times and learn about each other. Triscia also visited our Brockville home with Mark and with husband Bill a couple of times before we moved to Moncton.
As a young child growing up in Chamberlain Settlement, he enjoyed his time with the Boy Scouts and later Air Cadets. In January 1982, Mark and I moved to a downtown apartment; times were tough as a single parent so Mark took on a delivery route for the Northern Light along Murray Avenue and tributaries to make some spending money.
In the summer of 1984, while I was recuperating from cervical cancer surgery, Mark returned to reside with his father and be closer to his childhood friends; he remained with his dad till the late fall of 1985 when he moved in with his beloved grandfather Leo Quinn. He finished his year at Bathurst High School, and then in late June 1986, Mark moved to Ottawa with me. In his drafting course at Merivale High School he achieved the highest award for his architectural drawing; although he never pursued a career in this, he was quite capable of designing free-hand any project he needed to construct. – While at school, Mark worked part-time job at a pharmacy filling shelves and at a bike repair shop, and later was employed with a courier service in downtown Ottawa where he became known as the fastest and dependable runner/biker on staff. – Mark was always a gentle caring boy growing up however life wasn't always roses for a single parent and a teenage boy in a big city. Between the ages of 15-17, Mark was a regular teenage boy with growing pains and challenges; tough love played a role. I was happy that with professional guidance and my continued support he chose the right path in life. I met my husband Robert in January of 1987; he was a positive and loving influence in Mark's life.
In the fall of 1989, after years of wanting to become a Footguard but too young to enroll, Mark was accepted in the Governor General's Footguards, a Reserve Infantry Unit; he served on Parliament Hill and at the Governor General's manor in Ottawa in the summer of 1990. Robert and I, and my brothers George and Johnny and sister Anna, were at Mark's graduation; it was such a proud moment for all of us! We were, and are, so very delighted of his focus and his achievements.
At my wedding in September 1990 he was best-man to my husband Robert Brady; they had become great friends and would enjoy each other tremendously over the next 25 years. Mark looked to Robert as a mentor and sought his wisdom on many of his life's journeys.
In October 1990, Mark moved to Vancouver and enrolled in the British Columbia Regiment (Duke of Connaught's Own), a Reserve Force armoured reconnaissance unit, and served until 1998. It is during this time that he met his lifelong friends, Denis & Claire Byrne. – Mark, as Master Corporal, served as Peacekeeper with the NATO mission in Bosnia-Herzegovina as part of Operation Palladium on two separate tours, one for which he was awarded with the NATO Medal for Former Yugoslavia, the Canadian Peacekeeping Service Medal, and the Non-Article 5 NATO Medal for Operations in the Balkans. Upon his return to Canada, Mark transferred to the Regular Force with the 2nd Battalion Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry (2PPCLI) based at Winnipeg where he served with honour and distinction.
He received a Land Force Western Area Commander's Commendation on Operation Prudence for his deployment in the Central African Republic from October 1998 to January 1999; Mark was noted as a role model and a team builder.
In late June 2002, Mark was with special security forces during the G8 Summit which was held at Kananaskis, Alberta. The summits are unofficial forums which bring together the heads of the richest industrialized countries. They are also a venue for widespread debates, protests and demonstrations; some of which can become quite volatile.
It was in the summer of 2004 when Mark fulfilled his ultimate career aspirations when, after a strenuous selection process, he was selected to undergo intensive training to become a SARTECH (Search and Rescue Technician). With his previous experience in the Army, Mark was more than prepared for the various aspects of his SAR paramedic training including winter and mountain operations. However it was his ability to motivate and inspire others to accomplish tasks as a team when faced with challenging circumstances that really stood out in the minds of his SAR instructors.
Mark graduated from CFSSAR in June 2005. Mark's postings included 442 Squadron at CFB Comox on Vancouver Island, British Columbia.; 444 Combat Support Squadron at CFB Goose Bay, Labrador; and finally at 435 Transport and Rescue Squadron at CFB Winnipeg, Manitoba.
The love for outdoor sports and physical challenge is what really drew Mark to a life on the West Coast. With the Rocky Mountains and the Pacific Ocean at his doorstep, Mark pursued his interests for volunteering in various ground SAR and ski patrol (Comox-Courtenay Ground Search and Rescue & Mt Washington Ski Patrol), in mountaineering, rock climbing, ice-climbing, and in scuba diving; he was certified for decompressed diving. Mark was a well-respected certified hang-glider pilot and instructor; owning and operating his hanggliding company for several years. He also enjoyed the Ultimate Frisbee sport at Winnipeg. His many endeavours were completed with passion. He was a Big Brother at Winnipeg in 1998-2003.
Mark had many mountain climbing feats around the globe including: Mt Matterhorn (4,478 m) in the Alps; Mt Logan (5,959 m) in Yukon; Mt McKinley (6,168 m) in Alaska; Mt Baker (3,286 m) and Mt Rainier (4,392 m) in Washington State, USA; Mt Cook (3,724 m) in New Zealand; and Mt Kilimanjaro (5,895 m) in Africa. Mark was scheduled to climb world-renown Ama Dablam (6,812 m) in the Himalaya range of eastern Nepal this November; he invited my husband Robert and I to join him nearby in Nepal as he climbed Ama Dablam which means "Mother's Necklace" because of the long ridges on each side like the arms of a mother protecting her child.
My husband Robert & I spent much time with Mark coast to coast. We were present at his graduations including Governor General's Footguards (Ottawa) and SAR (Comox). - We were fortunate to enjoy many activities with Mark over the years, including camping, fishing, hiking, canoeing (the Churchill River in Labrador & the Assiniboine River in Winnipeg), RV'ing, touring, attending music concerts, or simply going for long walks or discussing history and genealogy over a pot of tea. Mark enjoyed cooking; we prepared and enjoyed many meals together. During one of my visits he requested I teach him how to make pie dough and tea biscuits; imagine Mark at 6′5″ and me at 5′1″ at his kitchen counter making pie dough together…teaching him not to overwork the dough with his strong hands and long fingers! These memorable moments are absolutely priceless!
I was grateful that, after years of living his hang-gliding feats through his many awesome photos, we (mom & son) jumped off the mountaintop at 2,000 feet and were up in the sky together; he was on his hang glider & I was on a paraglider over the Fraser Valley near Chilliwack, B.C. – Precious memories captured on video! – Many of his friends and comrades gathered at our home over the years sharing stories and laughter around our backyard campfire. Cherished photos! We also enjoyed many indoor & outdoor building projects together at our home or at his. Last November, Mark visited after we moved into our new Moncton home and helped Robert build shelving units and a work bench in our storage shed. We see his ‘chi' everywhere.
The body rested in the tender care of Comox Valley Funeral Home at Courtenay-Comox, Vancouver Island, B.C. ~ Over 500 attended the full Military Funeral, officiated by Padre Mathew Lucas, held on February 28th, 2015 at CFB Comox.– The Military made arrangements to have his body flown across the country to the care of Elhatton's Funeral Home at Bathurst where a wake was held for family and friends. A mass, held at Holy Family Church on March 3rd was officiated by Father David Ferguson and Father Wesley Wade; ironically, Father Wade who presided at Mark's funeral mass had also officiated at his baptism in 1970 as a recently ordained priest.
Military memorials for Mark were also held at CFB Winnipeg (Manitoba) on March 6th and at CFB Goose Bay (Labrador) on March 10th. – Flags were lowered at several cities including overseas at Belgium and at Afghanistan where many of his former comrades are deployed. - The Sherpa guides held vigils at mountainsides in the Alps in memory of their beloved climber. – His many friends and neighbours gathered to celebrate ‘Mark left his Mark on Me' with their own special memorials in Vancouver, in Winnipeg and in Comox.
Mark was a gentle giant among men; one who saved people and troubled souls. He had a zest for life and touched the hearts of those whom he met. His positive attitude was an inspiration to many. Mark was dearly loved and will be sorely missed by family, friends, his SAR family, and past & present comrades.
My husband and I have received overwhelming support; we would like to extend our deepest appreciation to family, friends, colleagues, Comox Valley Funeral Home, officiating Padre Lucas at Comox, officiating Fathers Ferguson & Wade at Bathurst, Elhatton Funeral Home at Bathurst, to the Canadian Armed Forces and its members, and the brotherhood of SAR (Canadian Search and Rescue) for their unending support and assistance. We acknowledge all of Mark's friends, neighbours, and comrades ‘coast to coast' and around the world for standing alongside us in thoughts or in presence.. We are grateful. Thank you! RESCUE!
His remains were cremated following the Bathurst service. – Mark's ashes will be escorted by a military guard and honourably buried at Beechwood Military Cemetery at Ottawa on July 11, 2015. Section 103, Lot 1423 B. --- A symbolic portion of Mark's ashes will be buried on July 03, 2015 in his hometown at the St Mary's Cemetery in East-Bathurst, N.B., (see Find a Grave Memorial #149309704) alongside his uncle John Quinn, and a bit of his ashes will be respectfully scattered by his mother in his beloved Rockies.
I was 17 years old when I gave birth to Mark. My aspirations for him were that he does goodwill towards others and sees the world beyond Bathurst; he did this and much more. I celebrate the person he was; I was proud to call him son. Mark was, and is and always will be, a part of me. I loved him dearly and will miss him terribly; I will long for his visits, his phone calls, his postcards, his long ‘SitRep' emails, and his dozen roses each Mother's Day.
Once a mother, always a mother; although I will no longer see him, Mark will remain forever in my heart alongside my daughter Micheline.. ~ Elizabeth Quinn (mom)
RCAF holds Search and Rescue Technician Military Funeral
19 WING COMOX— In what best can be described as awe-inspiring, the military funeral of Sergeant Mark Salesse drew crowds in the hundreds today 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 six 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, Denise 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.'
The body will rest at Elhatton's Funeral Home, Bathurst, Tuesday, March 3rd, 2015 after 9:30 am until time of funeral, which will be at 1 pm at Holy Family Church, 430 St Peters Avenue, Bathurst, NB.
Part of his ashes are also buried in his home town in Saint Mary's Cemetery.
His sister is Micheline Yvonne SALESSE, Find a Grave, Memorial # 149413231.
Other Burial here∼Sgt Mark Salesse Search and Rescue Technician
Died February 11th 2015
Beechwood Cemetery
Section 103
Ottawa Ontario
"That Others May Live" SALESSE, Sgt Mark Anthony December 11, 1970 - February 11, 2015 It is with great sadness that our family announces the death of our beloved son Mark, at the age of 44. Mark was originally from Chamberlain Settlement (suburb of Bathurst), New Brunswick. Mark died in an avalanche during a Canadian Armed Forces training mission in The Canadian Rockies in Banff National Park on a very challenging and sought-after ice climb named "Polar Circus". Mark was the son of Maurice Salesse (Melita) of Bathurst, N.B., and Elizabeth 'Liz' Quinn (Robert Brady), of Moncton, N.B. - He will be greatly missed by his half-sister Triscia Raven (Bill) from Ore-Medonte, Ontario. He was predeceased by an infant sister, Micheline Yvonne. He was dearly loved, and will be greatly missed, by his aunts and uncles: George & Josie Quinn of Montreal, Qc; Anne Quinn of Moncton, N.B.; Helene (the late Don) Manuel of Bathurst, N.B.; John Quinn of Lakeville, N.B.; Arthur & Hilda Quinn of Quebec; Bob & Laura Quinn of Salisbury, N.B.; and his cousins: Erik Quinn, Keith (Jenn) Manuel, Craig (Serenia) Manuel, Natalie (Kirby) Manuel-Doucette, Adam (Diana) Quinn, Kendel Quinn (Marc Landry), Megan Archambault-Quinn, Thomas Quinn and Bentley Quinn. Mark served in the Canadian Armed Forces with honour and distinction. He enrolled in the Governor General's Foot Guards, a Reserve Infantry Unit in 1989 and served on Parliament Hill, and at the Governor General's Manor at Ottawa, in the summer of 1990. In October 1990, Mark moved to Vancouver and enrolled in the British Columbia Regiment (Duke Of Connaught's Own) and served until 1998. He was deployed, as a Peacekeeper, to Croatia on OP Harmony and achieved the rank of Master Corporal; he later received the Governor General's Medal of Bravery for his mission there. Mark transferred to the Regular Forces and joined the 2nd Battalion Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry based in Winnipeg, Manitoba, where he served with distinction. He completed deployments in the Central African Republic and in Bosnia-Herzegovina. In 2004 he fulfilled a lifelong dream of becoming a SARTECH (Search and Rescue Technician) and underwent rigorous selection. Mark graduated from CFSSAR in June 2005. Mark's posting included 442 Squadron in Comox, BC, 444 Combat Support Squadron in Goose Bay, Labrador and finally 435 Squadron Transport and Rescue Squadron in Winnipeg, Manitoba. He received a Land Force Western Area Commanders Commendation for his deployment in the Central African Republic. A Military Funeral was held at Comox, British Columbia at 2.00pm on Saturday February 28, 2015 at CFB Comox. Preceding the commencement of the Funeral, there was a vehicle procession for designated participants from the Comox Valley Funeral Home at 1101 Ryan Road, Courtenay, BC. Viewing was held from 3.00pm until 6.00pm on February 27, 2015. On March 3rd, Mark's service will take place in Bathurst, New Brunswick. The body rested at Elhatton's Funeral Home (www.elhatton.com), Bathurst, N.B. on Tuesday March 3, 2015 from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm. The funeral mass was held at 1 pm at Holy Family Church, 430 St. Peter's Avenue, Bathurst, NB. In Lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada, The War Amps of Canada, or The Memory Project.
Sgt Mark Anthony Salesse
December 11, 1970 – February 11, 2015
"THAT OTHERS MAY LIVE"
"Many live till they die. Some die without living. Mark lived.
My consolation as a mother is that Mark died doing what he loved most, in the majestic mountains that so beckoned him.
He chose his final resting place."
~ elizabeth quinn
On Thursday, February 5, 2015, my son, Sgt. Mark Salesse, aged 44, a Search and Rescue Technician (SAR tech) from 435 Transport and Rescue Squadron based at CAF 17 Wing Winnipeg, Manitoba, died during an annual Canadian Armed Forces winter training exercise in the Canadian Rockies in the area of Banff National Park. He died on a very challenging and sought-after ice climb named ‘Polar Circus' located on the west flank of Cirrus Mountain (10,720') on the east side of the Columbia Icefield Parkway. Mark and his climbing partner had ascended the summit of Polar Circus and were on the descent. Mark was the leader and was walking across a large snow-covered granite ledge (20m x 100m); his weight unhinged a large section of unstable snow which slid off and he fell down with it, approximately 80-90 metres below. The reverberation triggered an avalanche below the ledge area, which swept Mark's body a further 100 metres. His climbing partner luckily was unhurt. Although Mark was an experienced climber, it was humanly impossible to survive this fall. After searching for a few hours, the partner could not locate Mark. It was snowing lightly at the time; however rescue operations altered due to impending bad weather and to the threat of further avalanches; the area had to be secured before rescue could be continued. – The facts, however, made it obvious that the rescue mission was to become a recovery mission. With the help of probes, K9 units, metal detectors, and sonar wave, Mark's body was recovered under 2.7 metres of snow by Parks Canada Search and Rescue crew on the morning of February 11, 2015. Mark was the son of Elizabeth ‘Liz' Quinn (Robert Brady) of Moncton, N.B., and of Maurice Salesse (Melita Roy-Gionet) of Chamberlain Settlement, N.B. – He was predeceased by an infant sister, Micheline Yvonne (1975).
He was dearly loved and will be greatly missed by his QUINN aunts and uncles: George & Josie Quinn of Montreal, Qc; Anne Quinn of Moncton, N.B.; Hélène (late Don) Manuel of Bathurst, N.B.; John Quinn (died 17 days later on February 22, 2015) of Lakeville, N.B.; Arthur & Hilda Quinn of Charlottetown, PEI.; Bob & Laura Quinn of Salisbury, N.B.; by his soul-brother-in-arms Denis & Claire Byrne of Victoria, B.C.; and his cousins: Erik Quinn of Montreal; Keith (Jenn) Manuel of Bedford, N.S.; Craig (Serenia) Manuel of Vancouver, B.C.; Natalie (Kirby) Manuel-Doucette of Truro, N.S; Adam (Dianna) Quinn of Moncton, N.B.; Kendel Quinn
(Marc Landry) of Shediac Bridge, N.B.; Jérémie (Jenny-Lyne) Quinn of Moncton, N.B.; Rebecca Quinn of Charlottetown, PEI: Christopher Quinn of Kativik-Kuujjuaq, Northern Quebec; Megan-Archambault-Quinn of Montreal, Qc; Thomas Quinn of Montreal, Qc; and Bentley Quinn of Moncton, N.B.
He will also be missed by his SALESSE aunts and uncles: Francine (late Paul) Imbeault of Chamberlain Settlement, N.B.; Lisa & Eugene Guignard of Bathurst, N.B.; Leah & Gilbert Doucet of Chamberlain Settlement, N.B.; Robert & Paulette Salesse of Bishops, Qc; Darlean & John Labonville of Bathurst, N.B.; and his cousins: Ann Margaret (Mel) Namoca of Hawaii; Shawn Guignard of Bathurst; Corey Guignard of Bathurst; Louise (Rejean) Kenny of South Tetagouche; Kevin (Lori) Doucet of North Tetagouche, N.B.; Pierre (Françoise) Salesse of Quebec; Melissa (Kevin) McGivery of Hampton, N.B.
Missing him also will be his half-sister Triscia Raven (Bill) from Oro-Medonte, Ontario. Triscia is the daughter of Maurice Salesse (Bathurst, N.B.) & Patricia Gowing-Rowbottom (Mount Forrest, Ontario). It was in the autumn of 2011, while he was recuperating from an accident which had occurred earlier at Ouray, Colorado, that Mark surprisingly discovered that he had an older sister, Triscia, living near Orillia, Ontario. They met at an agreed location in South-Eastern Ontario and exchanged contact information; luckily Triscia and Mark had 3 years to visit a few times and learn about each other. Triscia also visited our Brockville home with Mark and with husband Bill a couple of times before we moved to Moncton.
As a young child growing up in Chamberlain Settlement, he enjoyed his time with the Boy Scouts and later Air Cadets. In January 1982, Mark and I moved to a downtown apartment; times were tough as a single parent so Mark took on a delivery route for the Northern Light along Murray Avenue and tributaries to make some spending money.
In the summer of 1984, while I was recuperating from cervical cancer surgery, Mark returned to reside with his father and be closer to his childhood friends; he remained with his dad till the late fall of 1985 when he moved in with his beloved grandfather Leo Quinn. He finished his year at Bathurst High School, and then in late June 1986, Mark moved to Ottawa with me. In his drafting course at Merivale High School he achieved the highest award for his architectural drawing; although he never pursued a career in this, he was quite capable of designing free-hand any project he needed to construct. – While at school, Mark worked part-time job at a pharmacy filling shelves and at a bike repair shop, and later was employed with a courier service in downtown Ottawa where he became known as the fastest and dependable runner/biker on staff. – Mark was always a gentle caring boy growing up however life wasn't always roses for a single parent and a teenage boy in a big city. Between the ages of 15-17, Mark was a regular teenage boy with growing pains and challenges; tough love played a role. I was happy that with professional guidance and my continued support he chose the right path in life. I met my husband Robert in January of 1987; he was a positive and loving influence in Mark's life.
In the fall of 1989, after years of wanting to become a Footguard but too young to enroll, Mark was accepted in the Governor General's Footguards, a Reserve Infantry Unit; he served on Parliament Hill and at the Governor General's manor in Ottawa in the summer of 1990. Robert and I, and my brothers George and Johnny and sister Anna, were at Mark's graduation; it was such a proud moment for all of us! We were, and are, so very delighted of his focus and his achievements.
At my wedding in September 1990 he was best-man to my husband Robert Brady; they had become great friends and would enjoy each other tremendously over the next 25 years. Mark looked to Robert as a mentor and sought his wisdom on many of his life's journeys.
In October 1990, Mark moved to Vancouver and enrolled in the British Columbia Regiment (Duke of Connaught's Own), a Reserve Force armoured reconnaissance unit, and served until 1998. It is during this time that he met his lifelong friends, Denis & Claire Byrne. – Mark, as Master Corporal, served as Peacekeeper with the NATO mission in Bosnia-Herzegovina as part of Operation Palladium on two separate tours, one for which he was awarded with the NATO Medal for Former Yugoslavia, the Canadian Peacekeeping Service Medal, and the Non-Article 5 NATO Medal for Operations in the Balkans. Upon his return to Canada, Mark transferred to the Regular Force with the 2nd Battalion Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry (2PPCLI) based at Winnipeg where he served with honour and distinction.
He received a Land Force Western Area Commander's Commendation on Operation Prudence for his deployment in the Central African Republic from October 1998 to January 1999; Mark was noted as a role model and a team builder.
In late June 2002, Mark was with special security forces during the G8 Summit which was held at Kananaskis, Alberta. The summits are unofficial forums which bring together the heads of the richest industrialized countries. They are also a venue for widespread debates, protests and demonstrations; some of which can become quite volatile.
It was in the summer of 2004 when Mark fulfilled his ultimate career aspirations when, after a strenuous selection process, he was selected to undergo intensive training to become a SARTECH (Search and Rescue Technician). With his previous experience in the Army, Mark was more than prepared for the various aspects of his SAR paramedic training including winter and mountain operations. However it was his ability to motivate and inspire others to accomplish tasks as a team when faced with challenging circumstances that really stood out in the minds of his SAR instructors.
Mark graduated from CFSSAR in June 2005. Mark's postings included 442 Squadron at CFB Comox on Vancouver Island, British Columbia.; 444 Combat Support Squadron at CFB Goose Bay, Labrador; and finally at 435 Transport and Rescue Squadron at CFB Winnipeg, Manitoba.
The love for outdoor sports and physical challenge is what really drew Mark to a life on the West Coast. With the Rocky Mountains and the Pacific Ocean at his doorstep, Mark pursued his interests for volunteering in various ground SAR and ski patrol (Comox-Courtenay Ground Search and Rescue & Mt Washington Ski Patrol), in mountaineering, rock climbing, ice-climbing, and in scuba diving; he was certified for decompressed diving. Mark was a well-respected certified hang-glider pilot and instructor; owning and operating his hanggliding company for several years. He also enjoyed the Ultimate Frisbee sport at Winnipeg. His many endeavours were completed with passion. He was a Big Brother at Winnipeg in 1998-2003.
Mark had many mountain climbing feats around the globe including: Mt Matterhorn (4,478 m) in the Alps; Mt Logan (5,959 m) in Yukon; Mt McKinley (6,168 m) in Alaska; Mt Baker (3,286 m) and Mt Rainier (4,392 m) in Washington State, USA; Mt Cook (3,724 m) in New Zealand; and Mt Kilimanjaro (5,895 m) in Africa. Mark was scheduled to climb world-renown Ama Dablam (6,812 m) in the Himalaya range of eastern Nepal this November; he invited my husband Robert and I to join him nearby in Nepal as he climbed Ama Dablam which means "Mother's Necklace" because of the long ridges on each side like the arms of a mother protecting her child.
My husband Robert & I spent much time with Mark coast to coast. We were present at his graduations including Governor General's Footguards (Ottawa) and SAR (Comox). - We were fortunate to enjoy many activities with Mark over the years, including camping, fishing, hiking, canoeing (the Churchill River in Labrador & the Assiniboine River in Winnipeg), RV'ing, touring, attending music concerts, or simply going for long walks or discussing history and genealogy over a pot of tea. Mark enjoyed cooking; we prepared and enjoyed many meals together. During one of my visits he requested I teach him how to make pie dough and tea biscuits; imagine Mark at 6′5″ and me at 5′1″ at his kitchen counter making pie dough together…teaching him not to overwork the dough with his strong hands and long fingers! These memorable moments are absolutely priceless!
I was grateful that, after years of living his hang-gliding feats through his many awesome photos, we (mom & son) jumped off the mountaintop at 2,000 feet and were up in the sky together; he was on his hang glider & I was on a paraglider over the Fraser Valley near Chilliwack, B.C. – Precious memories captured on video! – Many of his friends and comrades gathered at our home over the years sharing stories and laughter around our backyard campfire. Cherished photos! We also enjoyed many indoor & outdoor building projects together at our home or at his. Last November, Mark visited after we moved into our new Moncton home and helped Robert build shelving units and a work bench in our storage shed. We see his ‘chi' everywhere.
The body rested in the tender care of Comox Valley Funeral Home at Courtenay-Comox, Vancouver Island, B.C. ~ Over 500 attended the full Military Funeral, officiated by Padre Mathew Lucas, held on February 28th, 2015 at CFB Comox.– The Military made arrangements to have his body flown across the country to the care of Elhatton's Funeral Home at Bathurst where a wake was held for family and friends. A mass, held at Holy Family Church on March 3rd was officiated by Father David Ferguson and Father Wesley Wade; ironically, Father Wade who presided at Mark's funeral mass had also officiated at his baptism in 1970 as a recently ordained priest.
Military memorials for Mark were also held at CFB Winnipeg (Manitoba) on March 6th and at CFB Goose Bay (Labrador) on March 10th. – Flags were lowered at several cities including overseas at Belgium and at Afghanistan where many of his former comrades are deployed. - The Sherpa guides held vigils at mountainsides in the Alps in memory of their beloved climber. – His many friends and neighbours gathered to celebrate ‘Mark left his Mark on Me' with their own special memorials in Vancouver, in Winnipeg and in Comox.
Mark was a gentle giant among men; one who saved people and troubled souls. He had a zest for life and touched the hearts of those whom he met. His positive attitude was an inspiration to many. Mark was dearly loved and will be sorely missed by family, friends, his SAR family, and past & present comrades.
My husband and I have received overwhelming support; we would like to extend our deepest appreciation to family, friends, colleagues, Comox Valley Funeral Home, officiating Padre Lucas at Comox, officiating Fathers Ferguson & Wade at Bathurst, Elhatton Funeral Home at Bathurst, to the Canadian Armed Forces and its members, and the brotherhood of SAR (Canadian Search and Rescue) for their unending support and assistance. We acknowledge all of Mark's friends, neighbours, and comrades ‘coast to coast' and around the world for standing alongside us in thoughts or in presence.. We are grateful. Thank you! RESCUE!
His remains were cremated following the Bathurst service. – Mark's ashes will be escorted by a military guard and honourably buried at Beechwood Military Cemetery at Ottawa on July 11, 2015. Section 103, Lot 1423 B. --- A symbolic portion of Mark's ashes will be buried on July 03, 2015 in his hometown at the St Mary's Cemetery in East-Bathurst, N.B., (see Find a Grave Memorial #149309704) alongside his uncle John Quinn, and a bit of his ashes will be respectfully scattered by his mother in his beloved Rockies.
I was 17 years old when I gave birth to Mark. My aspirations for him were that he does goodwill towards others and sees the world beyond Bathurst; he did this and much more. I celebrate the person he was; I was proud to call him son. Mark was, and is and always will be, a part of me. I loved him dearly and will miss him terribly; I will long for his visits, his phone calls, his postcards, his long ‘SitRep' emails, and his dozen roses each Mother's Day.
Once a mother, always a mother; although I will no longer see him, Mark will remain forever in my heart alongside my daughter Micheline.. ~ Elizabeth Quinn (mom)
RCAF holds Search and Rescue Technician Military Funeral
19 WING COMOX— In what best can be described as awe-inspiring, the military funeral of Sergeant Mark Salesse drew crowds in the hundreds today 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 six 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, Denise 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.'
The body will rest at Elhatton's Funeral Home, Bathurst, Tuesday, March 3rd, 2015 after 9:30 am until time of funeral, which will be at 1 pm at Holy Family Church, 430 St Peters Avenue, Bathurst, NB.
Part of his ashes are also buried in his home town in Saint Mary's Cemetery.
His sister is Micheline Yvonne SALESSE, Find a Grave, Memorial # 149413231.
Other Burial here∼Sgt Mark Salesse Search and Rescue Technician
Died February 11th 2015
Beechwood Cemetery
Section 103
Ottawa Ontario
"That Others May Live" SALESSE, Sgt Mark Anthony December 11, 1970 - February 11, 2015 It is with great sadness that our family announces the death of our beloved son Mark, at the age of 44. Mark was originally from Chamberlain Settlement (suburb of Bathurst), New Brunswick. Mark died in an avalanche during a Canadian Armed Forces training mission in The Canadian Rockies in Banff National Park on a very challenging and sought-after ice climb named "Polar Circus". Mark was the son of Maurice Salesse (Melita) of Bathurst, N.B., and Elizabeth 'Liz' Quinn (Robert Brady), of Moncton, N.B. - He will be greatly missed by his half-sister Triscia Raven (Bill) from Ore-Medonte, Ontario. He was predeceased by an infant sister, Micheline Yvonne. He was dearly loved, and will be greatly missed, by his aunts and uncles: George & Josie Quinn of Montreal, Qc; Anne Quinn of Moncton, N.B.; Helene (the late Don) Manuel of Bathurst, N.B.; John Quinn of Lakeville, N.B.; Arthur & Hilda Quinn of Quebec; Bob & Laura Quinn of Salisbury, N.B.; and his cousins: Erik Quinn, Keith (Jenn) Manuel, Craig (Serenia) Manuel, Natalie (Kirby) Manuel-Doucette, Adam (Diana) Quinn, Kendel Quinn (Marc Landry), Megan Archambault-Quinn, Thomas Quinn and Bentley Quinn. Mark served in the Canadian Armed Forces with honour and distinction. He enrolled in the Governor General's Foot Guards, a Reserve Infantry Unit in 1989 and served on Parliament Hill, and at the Governor General's Manor at Ottawa, in the summer of 1990. In October 1990, Mark moved to Vancouver and enrolled in the British Columbia Regiment (Duke Of Connaught's Own) and served until 1998. He was deployed, as a Peacekeeper, to Croatia on OP Harmony and achieved the rank of Master Corporal; he later received the Governor General's Medal of Bravery for his mission there. Mark transferred to the Regular Forces and joined the 2nd Battalion Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry based in Winnipeg, Manitoba, where he served with distinction. He completed deployments in the Central African Republic and in Bosnia-Herzegovina. In 2004 he fulfilled a lifelong dream of becoming a SARTECH (Search and Rescue Technician) and underwent rigorous selection. Mark graduated from CFSSAR in June 2005. Mark's posting included 442 Squadron in Comox, BC, 444 Combat Support Squadron in Goose Bay, Labrador and finally 435 Squadron Transport and Rescue Squadron in Winnipeg, Manitoba. He received a Land Force Western Area Commanders Commendation for his deployment in the Central African Republic. A Military Funeral was held at Comox, British Columbia at 2.00pm on Saturday February 28, 2015 at CFB Comox. Preceding the commencement of the Funeral, there was a vehicle procession for designated participants from the Comox Valley Funeral Home at 1101 Ryan Road, Courtenay, BC. Viewing was held from 3.00pm until 6.00pm on February 27, 2015. On March 3rd, Mark's service will take place in Bathurst, New Brunswick. The body rested at Elhatton's Funeral Home (www.elhatton.com), Bathurst, N.B. on Tuesday March 3, 2015 from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm. The funeral mass was held at 1 pm at Holy Family Church, 430 St. Peter's Avenue, Bathurst, NB. In Lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada, The War Amps of Canada, or The Memory Project.
Inscription
Ashes also buried in BC see 149401423
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