Mark S. Ouellette, IAFF Eastern Trustee, has sadly lost his battle with cancer. Ouellette served as a labor leader for more than 45 years, holding positions at the local, state and international level.
He is survived by his wife Donna, his daughter Jenna and his extended family. He was predeceased by his son Shane.
International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF), General President Edward Kelly spoke of the news: “Mark led by example and showed generations of fire fighters the importance of a union.
“His dedication to the IAFF and commitment to our values were unwavering.”
General Secretary-Treasurer Frank Líma shared his memories of Ouellette: “Brother Ouellette’s commitment to the IAFF was lifelong.
“As a Trustee, he worked closely with our auditors and the Office of the General Secretary-Treasurer to ensure that our members’ investment in the IAFF was safeguarded and properly managed.
“May perpetual light always shine upon Trustee Ouellette, his family and all of us who had the pleasure to work with him and be his friend.”
Ouellette joined the fire service in Hampton, New Hampshire, in 1975. Just three years later, he worked with his fellow fire fighters to organize Local 2664 and would later serve as the Local’s treasurer and president.
Jed Carpentier, Local 2664 President and Professional Fire Fighters of New Hampshire 2nd District Vice President spoke on the IAFF’S loss: “He brought sound values that were beyond reproach to every position he held.
“Mark fought right up to the end with a level of class, dignity and loyalty that was admirable. It is without question that fire fighters and our society are better off because of men like Mark.”
Ouellette was elected IAFF Eastern Trustee in 2000, representing the Eastern United States, Puerto Rico and the Caribbean Islands. In this role, he worked with the other trustees to ensure all money and funds related to IAFF operations were properly appropriated and managed.
Western Trustee, Tony Mejia highlighted Ouellette’s commitment: “Ouellette never missed a meeting, even after the cancer. If he was going through chemo, he would join virtually.”
“Toward the end, he told us that he wanted to make it through one more audit. He didn’t want to leave anything undone. And he didn’t. We finished this year’s audit Feb. 5.”
Ouellette grew up in Massachusetts and later moved to New Hampshire, before retiring to Florida. Even when he was in the Sunshine State, Ouellette was quick to remind others about his New England roots.
District Vice President, Jay Colbert commemorated a man he called his friend: “The IAFF and the 3rd District have lost a long-time champion and advocate.
“Mark was a close friend and mentor for almost 30 years. He led the PFFNH through many difficult fights before taking on the trustee position.
“Mark will be sorely missed by many across the IAFF, no more so than the six New England states.”
The IAFF has honored Mark S. Ouellette, Eastern Trustee for his more than 45 years of experience as a labor leader.
District Vice President, Jay Colbert spoke on the news saying that the IAFF has lost a long-time champion and advocate.
