Maj Yannick Pépin, MSM, CD

    • Maj Yannick Pépin, MSM CD
    • Maj Pepin Park Plaque
    • Maj Yannick Pépin, MSM CD

    We regret to advise of the death of Major Yannick Francois Stephane Pépin, MSM*, CD who was killed in action on 6 September 2009 in the Dand District, southwest of Kandahar City, Afghanistan at the age of 36.  Yannik was a Military Engineer serving with 5e Regiment du génie de combat in Canadian Forces Base Valcartier, QC. 

    Yannick was born in Arthabaska, QC.  He studied civil engineering in Trois-Rivières and worked for an engineering firm there and in Louisville. He joined the Reserves in 1991 as an Artilleryman with 62e Régiment d'artillerie de campagne, ARC in Shawinigan.  Yannik transferred to  the Regular Force in 1999  and received his commission after completing his training at the Canadian Forces School of Military Engineering in Gagetown NB. He then joined 5e Regiment du génie de combat.

    Yannik deployed to Afghanistan on Operation ATHENA for his first time in January 2004 with the headquarters of the International Brigade in Kabul. His second mission to Afghanistan was with the 2nd Battalion, Royal 22e Régiment Battle Group and started in April 2009. At the time of his death, Yannik was commanding 51e Escadron du génie de combat in support of the battle group when he was killed by an improvised explosive device (IED).  

    A repatriation ceremony was held in CFB Trenton on 9 September.  Visitation will take place on 15 September from 7:00 to 10:00 PM and on 16 September from 9:00 to 11:00 AM at the Complexe Funéraires Sylvio Marceau, 1460 rue Notre-Dame, Ancienne-Lorette, QC.  Funeral will be on 16 September at 11:30 at the Ste-Jeanne D'Arc Chapel on CFB Valcartier.  He will be buried in the Parc Commemoratif de la Souvenance in Quebec City.  {gd/rtJan2017dc}  [zsd]

     

    Notes: 

               *  Major Pépin was posthumously awarded the Meritorious Service Medal on 2 February 2011. The citation reads:

    "Major Pépin deployed to Afghanistan in April 2009 as commander of a squadron of combat engineers supporting the Royal 22e Régiment Battle Group. His leadership and technical expertise enabled those under his command to successfully clear roadways that were vital to the movement of Canadian, Afghan and coalition soldiers. Tragically, he was killed in action by an improvised explosive device while commanding a mounted patrol on 6 September 2009. Major Pépin’s unwavering dedication to Canada’s mission in Afghanistan saved lives and brought great credit to Canada."

     

    Major Pépin's home town of Warwick QC dedicated a park in his honour on 12 November 2011.