On Thursday, Ontario Provincial Police Constable Marc Hovingh responded to a call for an “unwanted man” on a property located in Gore Bay; one of several towns on Canada’s Manitoulin Island. When the officer arrived on scene, he was involved in a gun battle with the suspect. Both Marc and the gunman were fatally wounded during the incident.

Police Constable Hovingh was a beloved 28-year veteran of the Ontario Provincial Police. He leaves behind a wife and four children who he loved dearly. Marc was remembered as a joyful, gentle giant. Anyone that has ever met him knew the constable had a big physical presence, but never used his size to be intimidating. Marc was always calm, peaceful and full of laughter. He was 52-years old.