The memorial for RCMP Const. Michael Potvin, who died a year ago in a tragic drowning mishap, was held Wednesday afternoon in Mayo.

A memorial stone was unveiled in Binet Park. It includes a photo of Potvin and an inscription.

"The park was packed. The weather was awful, but there were still so many people,” Rev. Beverly Brazier, who performed a dedication for Potvin, said this morning.

Rain pelted the mourners for the duration of the ceremony.

"In Shakespeare, you'd call that pathetic fallacy, where the weather reflects the mood of the event,” Brazier said. "I think it shows how important this was to the community.”

The event was attended by the RCMP commissioner, as well as both Potvin's and his wife Allison's family.

Potvin's infant son, Jack, who was born shortly after Potvin died, was also at the event.

During her dedication, Brazier expressed hope for Jack that "his father's spirit may dwell in him in a way that leads him to a joyful, fulfilling life.”

Brazier also thanked the RCMP for their service.

"With thanks for the work of the RCMP in our community, territory and country. For their call to serve, for the vision they hold of communities that are healthy and whole, and for their willingness to put themselves on the line to that end. That we may work with them for the sake of a world where all are safe and everyone belongs. In a spirit of respect, we dedicate this monument,” she said.

The 26-year-old Mountie drowned on July 13, 2010, when his boat capsized on the Stewart River. He was only several feet from the shore, according to witnesses, but was caught in the current.

Potvin was wearing soft body armour and a duty belt which included a firearm, baton and handcuffs.

Neither Potvin nor the other officer operating the boat were wearing life jackets, in contravention of RCMP policy.

Originally from Ontario, Potvin had only been on the force for a year, and had yet to complete boat safety training.

The officers were on a routine patrol when the boat capsized. They were burning off old fuel and doing maintenance checks when the craft began to take on water and capsized.

Potvin's body was not recovered from the river for a few weeks.

"The RCMP, some in red serge and others working in the background, had put so much into the preparation of this service as well as getting the monument ready so it could be dedicated on this particular day,” said Brazier.

"So many people worked together to mark the anniversary of Constable Potvin's death and to honour his life.”