Mark Salesse funeral service today in Comox, B.C.
A private military funeral will be held in Comox, B.C., today for Sgt. Mark Salesse, who was killed by an avalanche during a military training exercise in Alberta three weeks ago.
Salesse, 44, a Royal Canadian Air Force search and rescue technician, died on Feb. 5, while taking part in a military training exercise with three other members of the 435 Transport and Rescue Squadron in an ice climbing area in Banff National Park known as the Polar Circus.
Salesse was on a descent with his partner when a small avalanche swept him 60 metres over a cliff. The rest of the squad were not injured.
Rescue efforts were hampered by unfavourable weather, heavy snowfall and a high avalanche risk. It would be nearly a week before Salesse's body was found buried beneath 2.7 metres of snow.
A Guard of Honour and a military fly-past of a SAR aircraft will be included in the 2 p.m. private service, to be held at 442 Transport and Rescue Squadron.
According to a news release from 19 Wing Comox, the funeral ceremony is exclusive to friends and family. However, members of the public who wish to pay their respects are invited to line the route of the funeral procession from the Comox Valley Funeral Home to 19 Wing Comox from 1:00 to 1:30 p.m. PT Saturday prior to the service.
