This memorial was dedicated at the helicopter crash site where Lieutenant Donald Wellman was killed. On October 10, 1991, a 408 "Goose" Tactical Helicopter Squadron, CH-135 Twin Huey (tail number 115) from Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Namao (Edmonton), crashed 10 miles west of Burk's Falls. Although there were two survivors, both of whom were thrown clear of the crash, Lieutenant Wellman did not survive.
The Ground Search and Rescue (GSAR) Team from CFB North Bay was immediately deployed to secure the scene and help with the clean up. The cross was made from the tree the helicopter crashed into and erected in 1991 by the former 22 Wing Ground Search and Rescue Team. Mr. Bill Baker, who owned the land at the time, permitted the GSAR Team to erect the memorial.
A plaque was added to the memorial by the GSAR Team in 2005. At an unknown later date, the wooden cross was brought to Canadian Forces Base North Bay for refurbishment, but was too far deteriorated so the plaque was mounted on granite. The Canadian Forces Museum of Aerospace Defence received this piece in 2015 and it is currently in storage.
Until 1997, members of the GSAR Team did ground maintenance of the crash site. Since the GSAR Team's disbandment in 1997, volunteers (former GSAR members) and Mr. Bill Baker have kept the crash site clean. On Remembrance Day, General (Ret'd) Paul Argue, former C.O. of 408 "Goose" Tactical helicopter squadron, former GSAR members and 22 Wing personnel have been paying their respects to Lieutenant Wellman.
A memorial commemorating Lieutenant Wellman was erected at the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 405.
