A man dedicated to serving peace was remembered at a funeral service Wednesday for his commendable work in Haiti, where he died in a massive earthquake two weeks ago.

Chief-Supt. Douglas Coates was commanding an international police force in Haiti.

"Doug was a good man, doing important work in a dangerous place. Risking his life to improve the lives of others," said RCMP Commissioner William Elliot.

Coates’ deep connection to the United Nations mission was evident in life, and in death: his coffin draped in both the Canadian flag, as well as a blue flag symbolizing the UN.

Remembering a father

He leaves behind his wife Lise and their three children, Julie, Mathieu and Luc, who took a moment to express their gratitude to a man who showed them what it truly means to be a father.

"If ever I have the opportunity to have children of my own, I will strive to be a father just as he was to me. Dad, just letting you know, that you sure set the bar really high,” said Luc.

"Dad, I will miss you. I will always love you and I thank you for all that I am, for this wonderful life that I know,” added Mathieu.

Solemn tribute

Hundreds of Mounties took part in a solemn march to honour Coates as a hearse carried his body through the streets of downtown Ottawa from Cartier Square Drill Hall to the Notre Dame Basilica on Sussex Drive.

Small groups of people lined the route to pay their respects, both to the fallen officer and to everyone else who lost their lives in Haiti.

"Canadians obviously are very keen on showing support to the people in Haiti and I think, as well, to the people who've lost family members in particular when they're there serving trying to help,” Brenda Walker told CTV Ottawa.

Coates’ body was found in the rubble of the United Nations headquarters in Port-au-Prince on Jan. 16.

He joined the RCMP in 1978, and was first stationed in Haiti in 1993. He returned to the country several times, winning service medals for his work before being named the United Nations acting commissioner in 2009.

In lieu of flowers, Coates’ family has requested donations be made to the following organizations:

Members of the public wishing to sign a condolence book for the fallen Mountie are also invited to attend the following locations:

  • the lobby of the Nicholson Building (1200 Vanier Parkway),
  • the lobby of the Leomont Building (155 McArthur Avenue),
  • the public location at the Musical Ride Visitors’ Centre on the grounds of the Canadian Police College, which is open Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

With a report from CTV Ottawa’s Norman Fetterley