Manotick Messenger

Local RCMP officer’s boat capsizes on Stewart River 500km north of Whitehorse

By Jeffrey Morris and Genesee Keevil

Ed. Note – Our special thanks to senior reporter Genesee Keevil and editor Richard Mostyn of the Yukon News for sharing their information and files with us for this story that impacts two communities thousands of kilometres apart.

“We’re just in shock,” said Osgoode Ward Councillor Doug Thompson, upon hearing the news that one of the most respected young men to come out of the village of Osgoode, RCMP officer Michael Potvin, was missing after a boating accident on the Stewart River in Mayo, Yukon Territory Tues., July 13.

Potvin and another officer were in a 22-foot aluminum boat, working on preparing it for the year. The boat capsized, and Potvin attempted to swim to shore in the murky water. He was last seen 20-50 feet from shore. Potvin was not wearing a life jacket.

“I know his parents, Mark and Patti, quite well,” added Thompson. “I can’t imagine what they are going through right now.”

Michael Potvin has been described by friends and neighbours as the type of person that makes people proud to come from Osgoode. Potvin was a volunteer firefighter at Station 92 in Osgoode, where his father and younger brother, Sean, are still volunteer firefighters. Potvin’s wife, Allison, is expecting their first child.

“They are a very community-minded family,” said Thompson. “Mark and Patti are so proud of Michael and they always talk about how he is doing and where he is. It is a sad, sad day for his family, and a sad, sad day for Osgoode. Our thoughts and prayers are with them.”

Paul Hutt, Sector Chief for Ottawa Fire Services’ rural division in Manotick, said he visited Mark and Patti Potvin Wednesday. He has been in contact with them since they left for Whitehorse Thursday.

“It has affected all of us,” said Hutt. “We are a very close-knit group. It’s devastating.”