Wayne Francis Martell

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, friend, and mentor, Wayne Francis Martell, 80, retired Assistant Commissioner of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), who passed away peacefully on July 17, 2025, at the Ottawa General Hospital, with his loving family by his side.

With an illustrious career spanning 33 years in the RCMP, Wayne dedicated his life to public service, national security, and international cooperation. Rising through the ranks to Assistant Commissioner, he led with unwavering integrity, strategic vision, and a commitment to excellence that earned him the respect of colleagues and partners across Canada and around the world.

Throughout his distinguished service, Wayne held numerous pivotal roles. He served as Director of International Liaison and Protective Operations, Head of Interpol for Canada, and was the Criminal Operations Officer for the National Capital Region. In 1988, in recognition of his expertise in VIP Protection, he was tasked with creating, and then leading the Prime Minister’s Protection Detail as its first Officer in Charge. His contributions extended to international training, peacekeeping missions in Haiti, Bosnia, and Guatemala, and Canadian airport security operations.

After beginning his career in contract policing in New Brunswick, Wayne held leadership positions in Ottawa, Quebec City, and Washington, D.C., where he served as Liaison Officer at the Canadian Embassy. Among his many achievements, Wayne played critical roles in combatting commercial crime and fraud, managing international investigations, protecting Canadian government executives during challenging times, and mentoring future leaders.

Following his retirement, Wayne continued to lend his expertise as a consultant on sensitive government investigations for the Department of National Defence, Privy Council Office, and Federal Court, and was sought out by Cogent Systems, Inc. for his reputation and professional networks, where he played a key role in introducing critical biometric technology to RCMP Ident Services.

A graduate of Carleton University, Wayne earned his Bachelor of Arts in Law and Economics and later attended the University of Ottawa in the Masters of Business Administration program. Known for his humility, sharp mind, dry wit, and calm, rational, and measured manner, Wayne was deeply loved by family and friends and respected by his many professional colleagues. An avid golfer, he was a long-time member of Camelot Golf & Country Club, where he built enduring friendships through a shared passion for the game, while also volunteering to lead the junior program. He was a founding member of the former Ottawa Athletic Club, where he worked out regularly with his wife, Linda, and gained many more great friends.

In his younger years, Wayne was a rugged athlete and natural leader, appointed captain of both his high school football and hockey teams. His physical play as a defenceman garnered attention from the farm team of the Boston Bruins, but, true to his practical, realistic nature and strong sense of duty, he opted instead to serve his country, joining the RCMP at the age of 19. His love for sports never wavered. He remained a keen follower of baseball, football, golf, tennis, and hockey, in particular the Ottawa Senators, regularly reviewing player stats and discussing weekly highlights with his son, granddaughters, sons-in-law, and friends.

While Wayne’s professional and academic accomplishments were significant, his greatest pride and joy was the family he built with his beloved wife, Linda, who stood by his side through every milestone and challenge. His hard-working example inspired both of his children to pursue careers in law enforcement - Sean with the RCMP, and Debbie with the Toronto Police Service (alongside her husband Colin). Nothing was more precious to Wayne than his two granddaughters, Kassidy and Kallie, though that profound love may be exceeded only by the adoration and affection they held for him.

Born in Halifax, Wayne was the son of the late Charles Clifford Martell and Mary Kathleen (MacDougall) Martell. Wayne will be profoundly missed by his devoted wife of 56 years, Linda (Dugas); his children, Sean (Shara) of Ottawa and Debbie (Colin Sutcliffe) of Toronto; his sister Donalda (Ed) Walsh and brother Paul (Donnah) Martell, both of Halifax; and his cherished granddaughters Kassidy and Kallie, both of Ottawa. He leaves behind many dear friends who were with him in good times and bad, including Len Doucette, Les Brull, Raf Souccar, and Pat McDonell, who went out of their way to keep Wayne’s spirits up as his health declined. Many nieces, nephews, and cousins will join in mourning the loss of our remarkable “Papa.”

Wayne was predeceased by his parents Charlie and Mary (MacDougall) Martell, and in-laws Arthur and Catherine (Comeau) Dugas,

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the Medical Daycare team at the Ottawa General Hospital for their compassionate care throughout the more than 18 months of blood and platelet transfusions that sustained Wayne during his courageous battle. A special thank you to friends, Dr. Catherine Coolens of Princess Margaret Hospital, and Adam Jalal, for their substantial efforts to Wayne’s care in striving to find effective treatment options.

Family and friends are invited to pay their respects on August 27, 2025, at 1 p.m. at Beechwood National Memorial Centre in Ottawa. A celebration of Wayne’s life will follow from 2 to 4 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honour Wayne’s memory may consider donating blood, platelets, or funds to Canadian Blood Services - a cause that became deeply meaningful to our family throughout his journey.

Wayne lived a full life grounded in service, family, and purpose. His memory will forever live in our hearts and we will be eternally grateful for the time we had with him.

“It is not death that a man should fear, but he should fear never beginning to live.”

            -Marcus Aurelius

Rest easy, Papa Wayne, knowing you served with honor and integrity. Your watch is over.