Const. David Wynn honoured by thousands at funeral

The casket of Const. David Wynn, draped in a Canadian flag and topped with a Mountie's campaign hat, satat the front of an Alberta hockey arena Monday afternoon.

Wynn's life was being celebrated by two families first by his wife and three sons, but also by the thousands of RCMP officers and emergencyworkers who packed the rink.

"We're all here because we lost something precious to us today Const. David Wynn," his sister, Mona Wynn, told the crowd.

May you find comfort in the family and friends that surround you and a nation that mourns with you.TiffinyManetta

A column of Mountie red dominated the centre of the arena, joined by other police forces from across Canada and the U.S.

Many took part in the procession that wound through the streets of St. Albert and carried Wynn, 42, to Servus Credit Union Place for the regimental funeral.

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Mona Wynn described herbrother as a prankster and anoutdoorsmanwho loved teaching his sons how to fly-fish.

But most of all, she described her brother as a man who dedicated his life to others. While living in Nova Scotia, Wynn was almost killed in a car crash. She said that experience turned him towarda life of serving others, first as a paramedic and later as an RCMP officer.

"David would want us to follow our hearts, because that's what he did," she said.

"David would want us to make a contribution in the world."

Wynn's commitment to the job was echoed by his uncle,retired RCMP sergeant Duncan MacInnis, who served asthe master of ceremonies at the service.

"We are here today to mourn the terrible loss of my nephew, David Wynn of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, and to recognize the ultimate sacrifice he has made in the line of duty to keep our community safe," MacInnis said, his voice shaking as he spoke.

"We are also here to celebrate his life of service. He has contributed to the fabric of this community, this province and our great country of Canada.

"The sudden and violent death of David has left everyone in the policing community and general public suffering a profound loss. As a family, as a police force, and as a community we mourn and grieve our fallen hero.

"Thank you all for joining us. Your prayers and acts of kindness have touched us and demonstrated the support and respect you have for all our officers and families. From all our families, we thank you."

The service, which was attended by Prime Minister Stephen Harper and Alberta Premier Jim Prentice, was broadcast to other areas of the city to accommodate the number of mourners.

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'They have lost their hero'

RCMP chaplain CyrilGowlerthen took the podium to offer a prayer for Wynn, his wife and three sons.

"I pray especially for the Wynn family and all their loved ones. They have lost their hero. Shelly is bereaved of her dear husband. Matthew and Nathan and Alex have lost their champion," he said.

"Lord God, they need the tender care only you can bring to this tragedy."

Wynn never regained consciousness after being shot in the head while confronting a man over a suspicious vehicleearly on Jan.17at a casino in St. Albert,just northwest of Edmonton.He died four days later in hospital.

Wynn and another RCMP officer, Aux.Const. Derek Bond, were shot after a routine licence plate check ledto the confrontation. Bond was released from the hospital and is recovering athome.

ShawnRehn, the man believed to be responsible for the shooting, was found dead several hours later in a rural home.

Family speaks of love, pride in RCMP

Family who spoke described Wynn as a father and husband who loved his family, fly fishing and tea.

Another recurring sentiment shared by all speakers was Wynn's pride in his role with the RCMP, a job that friends called his "lifelong"dream.

Wynn's wife, Shelly, nodded as her cousin TiffinyManettasaid, "As many of you know, it was easy to be proud of Dave."

"Shelly, Nate, Alex, Kay and the Wynn family none of us can imagine what you're going through. May you find comfort in the family and friends that surround you and a nation that mourns with you," secondedGowler.

Every one of us here today whether we knew Dave or not will ironically and sadly live a richer life because of Daves sacrificial love for you and me.

"Dave, you will never be forgotten. Your laughter, service to your community and country will live on forever. Until we meet again, may you rest in peace."

The funeral included musical performances by Maritime group the Rankin Family, as well as by Wynns former colleagues, paramedics Kevin Davison and Andrew Frelick, who performed When Those Sirens are Gonea tribute to first responders. Country singer Paul Brandt also performed an acoustic version of Amazing Grace.

RCMP 'family from coast to coast'

Const. DarrelLaboucan was among those marching through the streets. The 25-year-old RCMP officer from Slave Lake, Alta., didnt know Wynn personally, butwantedto be a part of the procession to honour the Mountie.

"You have that uniform on, you wear that red serge, youre just part of a big family from coast to coast," he said.

"I can tell you a fact that if I was in Const,Wynns situation now, he would be there for me. Just as any RCMP member would be there for each other."

Laboucan said RCMP officers are often the bearer of bad news and become targetsof negative reaction. He said Wynns shooting provides a harsh reminder of the dangers of the job.

"These days, there are no more routine calls. Theres a lot of unpredictability," Laboucan said.

Wynn, who had three sons, volunteered atschools in St. Albert. He was popular among students at Keenooshayo Elementary School, where he was involved with the schools D.A.R.E drug prevention program.

Laboucan, who is also training to teach D.A.R.E programs, said he feels a close connection with the slain officer and his work in St. Albert.

"Everything Ive heard about Const,Wynn has been nothing short of magnificent," he said. "As much as it is unfortunate that [he] has passed, were going to carry his memory on."