Treble Victor co-founder, and CAF Veteran loses battle with cancer

After a courageous battle with cancer, Treble Victor co-founder, and Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) veteran, Mark Walden passed away on Friday, Aug. 12.

Walden was diagnosed with acute Leukemia in January of this year.

“He was someone that was always concerned about his comrades and his friends, and that was instilled in him by his family, but of course, also within the military. That was a responsibility he took very seriously, commanding troops after he graduated. It was something he took to his post-military life. He was about keeping that connection with his friends and comrades and working together for shared goals. Teamwork, camaraderie, it was a really a fundamental element of Mark’s life, and I think that’s what drew a lot of people to him,” said Member of Parliament for Durham and former Minister of Veterans Affairs Erin O’Toole, who first met Walden in the early 1990s when they two were just cadets at the Royal Military College in Kingston.

Walden served as an Infantry Officer with the Royal Canadian Regiment and later 32 Brigade in the Greater Toronto Area. During his time in the military Walden deployed to the Former Republic of Yugoslavia on Operation UNPROFOR in 1992-1993 and Operation SFOR in 1997.

O’Toole and Walden reconnected later in life when Walden co-founded Treble Victor, an organization that helps former military members transition to meaningful careers.

“I’ve seen first hand how it has helped veterans and their families with transition, with securing job opportunities,” added O’Toole.

O’Toole added that Walden stepped in to support organizations as well, including True Patriot Love.

“It’s a real loss for the community, but the legacy he’s built by forming Treble Victor and helping others will be a fitting legacy for him,” stated O’Toole.

The 2017 Invictus Games organizing committee also extended their condolences as Walden was known to be an early supporter of the Invictus Games coming to Toronto next year.

“Having been raised in a military family, he knew what the Games would mean to other military families and those wounded as a result of their service,” stated the team.

Walden leaves behind his wife, Samieth Walden, along with his family and friends.

Featured image: Deputy Minister General (Ret’d) Walt Natynczyk, Mark Walden and Member of Parliament for Durham Erin O’Toole