Marc Searle had a passion for ensuring those deserving of honour were duly recognized, and during his career with the Surrey RCMP, went above and beyond the call of duty to that end time and again.
It was a point that resonated Monday, during a Celebration of Life for the 47-year-old sergeant and father of three.
"It's ironic we are here honouring Marc today," RCMP Assistant Cmsr. Bill Fordy – Surrey's officer-in-charge – told the hundreds of attendees who turned out to Peace Portal Alliance Church to pay tribute.
"I cannot think of a single man who has committed more time to honouring others."
Searle, a South Surrey resident, died unexpectedly while off-duty on May 17.
An officer in Surrey since 2000, Searle pushed for the detachment's Wall of Honour, which pays tribute to officers who die in the line of duty; and he championed the marking of 36 veterans' graves at Sunnyside Lawn cemetery. More recently, he wanted to ensure that two Mounties who drowned while on patrol in Alaska in December 1901 were properly memorialized – recognition that took place just last year.
Friends and colleagues who spoke Monday described Searle as a man of integrity, who had a great sense of humour and a great love for his family. He was dedicated to his community; preferred to resolve problems with reasoned persuasion over physical altercation; and was generous in sharing all that was good in his life, they said.
Fordy – directing the majority of his comments to Searle's wife, Lisa, and the couple's children – noted that Searle was cited many times over the years for his efforts as an officer, including the Police Officer of the Year award, the Surrey Heritage Award, BC Community Achievement Award, the Queen's Diamond Jubilee and "numerous" commendations from B.C.'s commanding officer.
Last July, Searle became the most junior member of the RCMP to be appointed to the Order of Merit of the Police Forces, and "one of only a handful of sergeants in the RCMP to receive this honour," Fordy said.
He had "a significant impact on our hearts, our city and our detachment."