Manitoba Loses Our of Our Own

The following is submitted by MPHG secretary, Kevin Martin.


On May 8, 2008, North-East EMS lost one of their colleagues in a tragic workplace accident at the Atomic Energy of Canada facility in Pinawa, Manitoba.

Mike Motycka, husband, father, biologist, paramedic and firefighter was killed while doing what he loved, working as a biologist. Shortly after the tragedy, the Manitoba Paramedic Honour Guard was requested to participate in the funeral ceremony by leading a parade of responders and dignitaries to pay homage to Mike and his family. After much planning, all the while ensuring the wishes of the family were paramount, it was decided the parade would occur through Lac du Bonnet from the ambulance station to the Civic Centre.

The morning of May 13, I arrived in Lac Du Bonnet, to be briefed on the parade route and events of the day. It had been decided that the RCMP would lead the procession followed by an ambulance and then by a fire engine. Immediately following was the Paramedic Honour Guard, proudly displaying the flags of our nation and province. Following close behind where the RCMP in their Red Serge, EMS and Fire from the community and the region. Closing up the rear were dignitaries from the community, provincial EMS and fire.

The parade proceeded as planned with many community members stopping to show their respects to Mike and his family. On our arrival at the civic centre, members of the parade formed up to allow Mike’s wife, Brenda, and his children to enter the centre while receiving a general salute from the parade. It was a very moving experience for everyone involved. Mourners then quickly took their seats so the service could proceed. The service was well attended and allowed family, friends and colleagues to say their goodbyes, yet reflect on their relationship with Mike.

This is the first time that the Honour Guard has been called on in our home province to lead such an event, and we hope that our efforts brought comfort to the family.

In closing, thanks to all who assisted in the planning of the service and parade and those who came and joined us to pay their respects to Mike’s family