Canadian Armed Forces Acknowledges Suicide Tied To Military Service

Hamilton corporal who died by suicide to receive military honours
Hamilton Spectator
By Teviah Moro
March 18, 2016

The military is honouring the legacy of an Argyll reservist who died by suicide in the Hamilton armouries nearly five years ago.

That's vindication for those who pressed Ottawa to recognize that Corp. Justin Stark's death in October 2011 was related to his service in Afghanistan.

"I'm overjoyed. This has been a long battle," Keven Ellis, who has advocated on behalf of Stark's family, said Thursday.

A Canadian Armed Forces spokesperson said Veterans Affairs has determined Stark's death was "related to military services."

The 22-year-old Hamilton man's name will be recorded in the Book of Remembrance, noted Major Holly-Anne Brown.

His family will receive the Memorial Cross while Stark earns the Sacrifice Medal posthumously. It has not yet been determined when Stark's parents will receive the honours.

The reservist with the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders killed himself in the James Street North barracks 10 months after completing his seven-month tour of duty in Afghanistan.

His family believes he suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) but a government board concluded his service wasn't behind his condition.
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