Trooper Mark Wilson
Trooper Mark Wilson
Mark Andrew Wilson was born and raised in London, Ontario. He was educated in the Catholic schoolboard, then left London to attend Sir Sandford Fleming College in Lindsay. There he studied Fish and Wildlife, and Law and Security.
Mark's passion for the outdoors eventually led him north to Killarney Ontario, where he met and married his wife Dawn. There they owned a Bed and Breakfast and operated an outfitting company, renting canoes, kayaks, tents and other camping gear to outdoor enthusiasts.
Mark's love for the outdoors was reflected in all aspects of his life. Whether portaging, rock climbing or leading tours in the hills of Killarney, rugged elements and rough conditions were a welcome rush. They drove his spirit to conquer more. Mark always had an optimistic attitude, and many say that his great smile was contagious to all. Between Killarney and London, Mark and his family built many memories with their families and friends.
Being the adventurer he was, Mark turned his thoughts to the Military. Canada's involvement in Afghanistan convinced him to join, and in early 2003 he began basic training at 35 years of age. Although he enlisted later in life, he set the bar high for the other younger recruits. Mark, referred to as “Old Man Wilson”, always scored top marks in all areas of his training. He said that if he didn't excel, he would take a verbal beating from his younger comrades. Mark embraced the Army, from its disciplines and skills, to its challenges and commitments. Training and exercises that for some were trials of endurance, for Mark were just the personification of his passions.
In early August of 2006, Mark was deployed to Kandahar Afghanistan with the Royal Canadian Dragoons, an armoured unit based out of Petawawa, Ontario. He was a qualified gunner and driver. Once outside the wire he was part of the ISTAR Squadron, a Reconnaissance Unit involved in all activities of the Afghan war. During the following weeks and months he and his Unit were fully involved in Operation Medusa, an operation marked by some of the fiercest and bloodiest battles since the Korean War. Mark was said to be fearless, and always volunteered for any duty.
On October 7th Mark was working with the RCR snipers, and on an early morning run to pick them up his vehicle was hit by an IED. While no one else was injured, Mark was killed instantly. Mark was 39 years old, weeks away from his 40th birthday. He was Canada's 40th Casualty.
Mark loved his job in the Military. He believed fully in Canada's Mission in Afghanistan and would willingly do it all over again, changing nothing. Had he not been deployed to Afghanistan, his goals would not have been achieved.
Mark is survived by his parents Carl and Carolyn, younger twin brothers Sean and Scott, his youngest sibling Andrea, his wife Dawn, and his sons Josh and Ben.
Mark's passion for the outdoors eventually led him north to Killarney Ontario, where he met and married his wife Dawn. There they owned a Bed and Breakfast and operated an outfitting company, renting canoes, kayaks, tents and other camping gear to outdoor enthusiasts.
Mark's love for the outdoors was reflected in all aspects of his life. Whether portaging, rock climbing or leading tours in the hills of Killarney, rugged elements and rough conditions were a welcome rush. They drove his spirit to conquer more. Mark always had an optimistic attitude, and many say that his great smile was contagious to all. Between Killarney and London, Mark and his family built many memories with their families and friends.
Being the adventurer he was, Mark turned his thoughts to the Military. Canada's involvement in Afghanistan convinced him to join, and in early 2003 he began basic training at 35 years of age. Although he enlisted later in life, he set the bar high for the other younger recruits. Mark, referred to as “Old Man Wilson”, always scored top marks in all areas of his training. He said that if he didn't excel, he would take a verbal beating from his younger comrades. Mark embraced the Army, from its disciplines and skills, to its challenges and commitments. Training and exercises that for some were trials of endurance, for Mark were just the personification of his passions.
In early August of 2006, Mark was deployed to Kandahar Afghanistan with the Royal Canadian Dragoons, an armoured unit based out of Petawawa, Ontario. He was a qualified gunner and driver. Once outside the wire he was part of the ISTAR Squadron, a Reconnaissance Unit involved in all activities of the Afghan war. During the following weeks and months he and his Unit were fully involved in Operation Medusa, an operation marked by some of the fiercest and bloodiest battles since the Korean War. Mark was said to be fearless, and always volunteered for any duty.
On October 7th Mark was working with the RCR snipers, and on an early morning run to pick them up his vehicle was hit by an IED. While no one else was injured, Mark was killed instantly. Mark was 39 years old, weeks away from his 40th birthday. He was Canada's 40th Casualty.
Mark loved his job in the Military. He believed fully in Canada's Mission in Afghanistan and would willingly do it all over again, changing nothing. Had he not been deployed to Afghanistan, his goals would not have been achieved.
Mark is survived by his parents Carl and Carolyn, younger twin brothers Sean and Scott, his youngest sibling Andrea, his wife Dawn, and his sons Josh and Ben.