Bless Private Tyler William Todd ~ Sunday, April 11th, 2010

It is with sorrow today that we learn of the news of our fallen Canadian Soldier. We pray that the Todd family is embraced with love on this very tragic day. Sincerest condolences are sent to friends and family of Pte. Tyler William Todd in particular the comrades who served alongside Tyler in Canada and in Afghanistan. Canada shares your pain and our thoughts are with you through this difficult journey...Rest In Peace...Private, you will be missed.


Private Tyler William Todd ( Funeral Details listed below)
Private Tyler William Todd, a 26-year-old soldier, originally from Kitchener, based in Edmonton, has been killed by an improvised explosive device (IED) that detonated during a dismounted (foot patrol) security patrol in the Dand district at approximately 7:30 a.m. Kandahar time April 11th, 2010. The incident occurred in the vicinity of Belanday, Dand district, approximately eight-kilometres southwest of Kandahar City.
Private Todd from the 1st Battalion Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry, based in Edmonton, Alberta. He was serving as a member with Task Force 3-09 Battle Group.
At this sad time, our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of our fallen Canadian comrade. The commitment and sacrifice of our soldiers and their loved ones are helping to make a difference in the lives of the people of Kandahar Province.

Brig.-Gen. Dan Menard, the commander of Canadian troops in Afghanistan, says Todd was on a routine patrol to learn more about the people of the village and their needs when the bombing happened.

“His enthusiasm and strong will were inspirational to his platoon,” Menard said in a prepared statement. “He was doing what he loved to do — being a soldier operating alongside friends.”

One other soldier was wounded in the attack. The Canadian military no longer releases information on battlefield injuries. Our thoughts and prayers are with this soldier for quick recovery.
"Tyler really was an amazing individual," a family friend told QMI Agency Sunday night. "He had a smile that could light up a room and a personality that could make any day seem a little bit brighter. "I wish I had spent more time with him."

Todd - who has an older and younger sister - was raised on a dairy farm outside of Bright, a small town west of Kitchener. The friend said he went to high school in Woodstock, Ont. at Huron Park Secondary.

The friend recalled Todd's sense of humour and reliability. "He brought a lot of laughter to those around him and he was always the person you could depend on in a time of need," the friend said. "He was a rock for those around him." The family friend said he was proud of Todd and his service to Canada.

"I regret that his life has come to an end so soon," he said. "Words alone cannot describe what Tyler meant to his family and friends. "He was just a great person to be around."

Todd would have been only weeks away from completing a six month tour.

The explosion on Sunday happened in Dand district, Menard praised Todd as a person. “Tyler was a practical joker; he would often hide rocks and candies in the other soldier’s bed spaces,” he said. “He never allowed the small things to get to him and was often the rock that other soldiers could depend on.” Bless you Private. Thank you for your dilegence, bravery, courage and commitment to your country. You will never be forgotten. ~m.m.
He's Coming Home
Comrades say goodbye in Afghanistan

More than 1,500 Canadian and allied NATO soldiers gathered on the runway here at a ramp ceremony Monday morning to say goodbye to Pte. Tyler William Todd.
"He was my best friend, more like a brother to me," said Pte. Kristian Winter. "It was an honour to have known him. Todd was the type of guy who kept everybody happy at all times. He'd always cheer you up.
"It was a terrible loss for everybody in the Eleven Platoon and lots of people in his battle group."
Todd was on a foot patrol when he was hit by the explosion, which wounded another soldier, who watched Monday's ceremony from a wheelchair beside the plane that would fly Todd's body toward home.
"Tyler's dedication to the mission was only surpassed by his commitment to his family," said Maj. Wayne Niven, commander of Todd's Delta Company. "Extremely proud of his family, he constantly regaled his buddies about stories from home."
Todd had a blanket that his parents made, Winter said.
"No matter how much we bugged him about it, he brought it everywhere," Winter said, breaking down in tears.

Repatriation ~ Highway of Heroes

Repatriation Ceremonies will be held at CFB Trenton on Wednesday, April 14, 2010 at 2:00 p.m. Following, Pte Todd's family will accompany him on the Highway of Heroes.

Join hundreds of other Canadians on the overpasses of the Highway of Heroes (Hwy 401W between Trenton and Victoria Park Avenue Toronto) Hold a flag, wear red, honour our fallen hero and let his family know we are here to support them, standing beside them and show our gratitude for his courage.

Obituary - Saying Goodbye

TODD, Tyler William It is with great sadness the family announces the sudden passing of Tyler William Todd while serving with the 1st Battalion, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry in Afghanistan. Tyler Todd of RR#1, Bright, Ontario was in his 27th year. Loving son of Bryan and Bev (Doan) Todd of RR#1 Bright. Dear brother of Samantha and her husband Brett Witzel of Woodstock and Jenna Todd and her friend Dave Smith of RR#1 Bright. Tyler is survived by his grandmother Jackie Grimes and by his aunts, uncles and cousins. Predeceased by his grandparents Don Doan and John and Trudy Todd. Tyler graduated from Huron Park Secondary School, Conestoga College Fire Fighting Program and was a former member of the Bright Fire Department and had played hockey with the Bright Mulisha Hockey Club. Relatives and friends may call at the Glendinning Funeral Home , 40 William St., Plattsville on Saturday 7-9 p.m. and Sunday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Funeral Service will be conducted at the Plattsville Missionary Church on Monday, April 19, 2010 at 2:00 p.m. Private Family interment in Innerkip Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Wounded Warrior Fund or the Royal Canadian Legion Poppy Fund (cheques accepted) would be appreciated by the family. Online condolences can be sent at www.gffh.ca

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Condolences

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It was with great sadness that my husband, Jean-Daniel Lafond, and I learned of the death of another member of the Canadian Forces in Afghanistan, Private Tyler William Todd of the 1st Battalion, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry, based in Edmonton, Alberta.

He was killed when an improvised explosive device planted by terrorists went off while he was on patrol in the Dand district, approximately eight kilometres south-west of Kandahar.

This new tragedy occurred just days after a national commemorative ceremony to mark "The End of an Era", during which thousands of Canadians honoured the brave contribution veterans made during the First World War. At this ceremony, I emphasized the importance of perpetuating the heritage left by the men and women who fought for greater justice, freedom and humanity, because—today, as in the past—our soldiers in Afghanistan are fighting the same battle, in the name of the same values, with the same selflessness and extraordinary determination.

In the face of countless dangers, Private Tyler William Todd's brothers and sisters in arms are fully committed to completing their difficult mission with unwavering resolve.

Our thoughts are with the family, loved ones and colleagues of the courageous and generous Private Tyler William Todd, and we would like to offer them our most sincere condolences and deepest sympathy. His noble sacrifice will remain forever etched in our memory.

Michaëlle Jean
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"On behalf of the Defence family and our brave men and women in uniform, I extend my deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Private Tyler William Todd, who died today in Afghanistan. He was killed by an improvised explosive device while on foot patrol in the Dand district, approximately eight kilometres southwest of Kandahar City. My best wishes for a speedy recovery also go out to his comrade who was injured in the same incident.

Pte. Todd was a professional, dedicated Canadian soldier who served valiantly alongside his comrades to help build a better and brighter future for Afghans. With the help of Canada and our international partners, Afghans are re-establishing themselves and their communities after decades of hardship and turmoil.

Our Canadian Forces members participating in this United Nations-mandated, NATO-led mission face an enemy that will go to any length to try to undermine any progress made. The courage demonstrated by Pte. Todd speaks volumes to his dedication to our country and to this mission. Canada will remain steadfast, and Taliban attacks will not deter our efforts to help Afghanistan achieve peace and stability.

Let us never forget Pte. Todd, whose self-sacrifice served to make life better for others." Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence

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On behalf of me and my entire family and the Municipality of Clarington, we thank you Tyler for keeping us all safe!!

Our hearts are with you and your family.

We will be waiting to thank you personally as you pass through Newcastle On.

Thanks Again Tyler,

God Bless,

Jeremy Woodcock
Clarington Mayoral Candidate

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god bless Tyler and the Todd family.Tylers dedication,honour,and service to this country is greatly appreciated by all. Being from Bright myself I never expected this war to hit so close to home.Go out and get a Canadian flag and fly it proudly. Thank you once again Tyler, and rest in peace. ~Mcurrah

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From his friends:

"We miss you so much Tyler... rest in peace bud xo" ~Anonymous

~Rest in Peace Brother.

~RIP Tyler Todd..what a terrible loss. Thinking of u Jenna and family.

~R.I.P. Tyler... you'll be forever missed... Super proud of you

~RIP Tyler We Will All Miss You...Today We Lost A Good Soldier and Friend...Strong Willed Wanted 2 Help Those In Need And An All Around Good Guy Whether You Knew Him Well Or Not.

~To a hero and friend thank you. thoughts and prayers with you and your family now and always rest in peace Ty.

~tyler, buddy, platoon mate, friend you will be missed.

~RIP Tyler. You are a true hero. Thank you for keeping us safe. You will be missed.

~R.I.P Tyler! i will miss you buddy!

~RIP Tyler miss you like crazy already, beers on me when I meet you on the other side. Never forget you buddy!
~This is a sad day... one of my son's buddies was killed early today near Kandahar City. I have fond memories of Tyler's visits here at the house. I'm proud to have known him. My heart goes out to his family... and, of course, all his friends too... RIP Tyler....

~♥ Tyler..Always and Forever..Thoughts and Prayers.

~Sending my deepest sympathies to Bev and Brian Todd on the loss of their son Tyler today in Afghanistan. Tyler, you were a proud Canadian, a good son, brother & friend. We appreciate your sacrifice and you will not be forgotten. We are so proud of you... You are a true hero. May you rest in peace.

~R.I.P. Tyler Todd. Your family misses you dearly.

~♥ I know you're in a happy place Ty, miss you already!! Rest In Peace ♥.

~No Tears in Heaven... No Sorrows Given... All Will Be Glory In this Day!!!! RIP Tyler!!
RIP Todd. we'll never forget you man.

~Hope its not what i heard

~No Tears in Heaven... No Sorrows Given... All Will Be Glory In this Day!!!! RIP Tyler!!

~May some peace come to Ty's family simply by seeing how much he was loved...to Ty's parents... you raised a very special man... strong, courageous... and 100% genuinely, 1 of a kind Tyler... it was definitely my priviledge to have spent many summers, weekends, and years with Tyler as part of my life... it's a space tha...t is full... and will remain so with memories, laughter and great times that I was blessed to share with him. My heart goes out to everyone right now that is broken hearted with the loss of one Canada's greatest men... xoxo never far from our hearts Ty...

~Goodbye my friend, until we meet again.

~RIP Todd. We'll never forget you man.

~R.I.P. Tyler... you'll be forever missed... Super proud of you Cuz.

~RIP Todd...too close to home this time. you will be missed buddy....
to a hero and friend thank you. thoughts and prayers with you and your family now and always rest in peace Ty

~Rest peacefully Bro...

~Requests prayers for the family and friends of Tyler Todd, a great man and a greater friend!
Words cannot even begin to explain....Tyler you will be missed more then you ever know! RIP XOXO.

~♥ Tyler..Always and Forever..Thoughts and Prayers.

~Will be back in Ontario thursday to be with his family during this difficult time. I love you all so much, can't wait to see you.
.

~..still shaking my head, saying "what?"..

~We all will miss you Tyler you are a friend to those that know you and a true hero to the ones that needed you R.I.P old friend.

Funeral For Sgt. Miok

Sgt Miok's funeral is:

Saturday, Jan. 9, 2010 at 1:30 pm

13 Brower Dr. Sherwood Park, AB

Our Lady Of Perpetual Help Church


This is a public funeral. If you are able to attend, to show you respect, please do. And for those unable to attend, take a moment to think of our fallen Canadian Heroes.

Bless Private Colin William Wilmot- 1984 - July 5, 2008

Our Fallen Soldier

Private Colin William Wilmot

1984 - 2008

July 7, 2008 at 2:30 AM EDT At approximately 12:50 a.m., Kandahar time, on July 5, a Canadian soldier suffered critical injuries and later died when an explosive device detonated near a dismounted security patrol in Panjwayi District.The fallen soldier is Private Colin William Wilmot, a medic serving with the Health Services Support Unit in Afghanistan attached to 2nd Battalion, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry Battle Group. His home unit was 1 Field Ambulance, based in Edmonton, Alberta.

First-aid was administered to Private Wilmot immediately following the explosion. He was evacuated by helicopter to the Multi-National Medical Facility at Kandahar Airfield. Sadly, Private Wilmot was pronounced dead upon arrival.The thoughts and prayers of every member of the Canadian Task Force are with Private Wilmot's family and friends during this very difficult time.
Our Canadian medic killed by a bomb at an undisclosed location on Sunday had eagerly volunteered for a spot in the Afghan mission, his commander says.
Private Colin William Wilmot was serving with a field ambulance unit in Edmonton and was not originally scheduled to deploy to the battlefield, but he lobbied for the job and eventually got attached to the Canadian battle group.
“He quickly marched in to see his Regimental Sergeant Major to indicate he was eager to serve in Afghanistan,” said Brigadier-General Denis Thompson, the top Canadian commander in Kandahar. “He was selected to fill a vacancy soon after, because he was motivated, he was skilled, and because he was eager to make a difference in the lives of ordinary Afghan people.”
Gen. Thompson said he has discontinued the practice of giving the location of soldiers' deaths, saying only that Private Wilmot was killed somewhere in Panjwai district, a vast expanse of farmland and desert southwest of Kandahar city.

Private Colin William Wilmot, a medic, died during a foot patrol in Panjwai district on Sunday.
The commander also gave few details about what the medic was doing at the time of his death.
“It was a foot patrol at night,” Gen. Thompson said. “We're trying to dominate the area and to do that we have to do foot patrols.”
The blast happened around 1 a.m. local time on Sunday and did not immediately kill the medic. He suffered critical injuries and his comrades gave him emergency first-aid, lifting him onto a stretcher and moving him in an armoured vehicle to the nearest Canadian outpost.
A helicopter later took him a military hospital at Kandahar Airfield but he was pronounced dead on arrival.
“Throughout the evacuation process, our soldiers and medical personnel fought hard, just as Private Wilmot often did, to save the life of their patient. Sadly, his injuries were too extensive to save him,” Gen. Thompson said.
Private Wilmot leaves behind a fiancée, Laura. He had recently returned to Afghanistan after a short vacation.
“I am told he had a permanent smile on his face, and would brag to anyone within earshot that he was now engaged,” Gen. Thompson said.
“He personally gave medical assistance to many soldiers,” the commander said. “He was also quick to help Afghan soldiers, members of the police, and local civilians who required emergency treatment.
“Colin took great pride in his role and abilities when providing needed medical support.”
He continued: “The Canadian Task Force routinely counts on our medics during life-and-death situations, and Private Wilmot was always ready to answer the call.”

Statement from the Family: It was with great sadness that our family received the devastating news of the loss of Private Colin William Wilmot. Colin took extreme pride in his service to his country and his fellow soldiers as a medic. He was a mature outgoing young man who was full of life and always had a positive outlook. It was no surprise to any of us that he chose a profession that allowed him to help others. Colin also leaves behind his fiancée Laura who brought great joy to his life and will miss him with all her heart and soul. We are extremely proud of Colin and what he accomplished in his lifetime. Our family is heartbroken by his loss. He will never be forgotten and his spirit will live forever within the hearts of all who knew him.We wish to thank all Canadians for their outpouring of support during this difficult time and would like to express our gratitude to the Canadian Forces the tremendous support they have provided to our entire family.

Obituary of Pte Colin William Wilmot 1984 - 2008

The passing of Pte Colin William Wilmot of CFB Edmonton, AB, occurred on
Saturday, July 5, 2008 at Kandahar Province, Afghanistan.

Born on May 12, 1984 in Fredericton, NB, he was the son of Warrant Officer

Eric P. Craig of Petawawa, ON and the late Shirley Lorraine (Mann) Craig.

Pte Colin Wilmot was a medic with 1 Field Ambulance serving in Afghanistan.

He was a very athletic young man, who was proud to serve his country.

In addition to his step-father, Colin is survived by his birth father, Colin Bernard Wilmot of Fredericton, NB; sister, Kathleen Jones Kingston of Fredericton, NB

and fiancée, Laura English of Moncton, NB.

Besides his mother, he was predeceased by his brother-in-law, David Trevis Kingston.

Visitation will take place at York Funeral Home, 302 Brookside Dr. Fredericton North on Tuesday, July 15, 2008 from 2-4, 7-9. Royal Canadian Legion Branch #4, Fredericton will conduct a Tribute Service Tuesday evening at 6:45 pm at the funeral home. A Funeral Service will take place at St. Luke’s Protestant Chapel CFB Gagetown on Wednesday, July 16th at 10AM with Padre Darryl Levy and Padre Ian Easter officiating.

Reception to follow at the Carleton Barracks Officers Mess, CFB Gagetown.

Interment will take place at the Forest Hill Cemetery, Fredericton.

For those who wish, in lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the Autism Society.

Personal condolences may be offered through http://www.yorkfh.com/.

He's Coming Home - Ramp Ceremony - Kandahar, Afghanistan

While the lone piper plays behind, Pte. Colin William Wilmot's comrades load his flag-draped coffin into an aircraft after a solemn ramp ceremony at Kandahar Airfield in Afghanistan on Monday, July 7th, 2008.

Comrades Remember- The medic was remembered by comrades as the top student in his basic medical course and a young man with a perpetually sunny disposition. They said Wilmot, who had been with the military for three years, was not originally scheduled to join the current rotation in Afghanistan, but demanded to be sent.
"He quickly marched in to see his regiment sergeant major to indicate he was eager to serve," said Brig.-Gen. Denis Thompson, Canada's top soldier in Afghanistan.
"Colin wanted it known that should a spot become available on the mission, he wanted in.
His peers say the Canadian military medic who died Sunday, Pte. Colin William Wilmot, had a quick smile, sharp intellect, and generous heart. "He was selected to fill a vacancy soon after, because he was motivated, he was skilled, and because he was eager to make a difference in the lives of ordinary Afghans."
'We are a family,' commanding officer says
Back at Edmonton Garrison, where Wilmot was based before deploying for Afghanistan, his commanding officer, Lt. Col. Christopher Linford, said the incident underlined the risks faced by Canada's combat medics in Afghanistan.
"We are a family and this is like losing a family member," he said.
"I don't think there's any doubt that all medics that go over to do this job are extremely aware of the dangers they face," said Linford, commander of 1Field Ambulance in Edmonton. "Frankly, I'm extremely impressed by their level of courage and commitment to do that," said Linford, commander of 1Field Ambulance in Edmonton."
Along the Highway of Heroes and Repatriation Announcement:
Our fallen soldier, Private Colin William Wilmot, 24, of 1 Field Ambulance, based out of Edmonton, Alberta is scheduled to return home to Canada Wednesday.
Where: 8 Wing Trenton, Canadian Forces Base Trenton, Ontario.
When: Wednesday, July 9, 2008 at 2:00 p.m.

Present to pay their respects at the repatriation ceremony will be the Honourable Peter Gordon MacKay, Minister of National Defence and Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, and other dignitaries.
After the repatriation ceremonies, the cortege will travel from Trenton to Toronto along the 401 W - The Highway of Heroes. Join others along the overpasses and highway and salute our fallen soldier - honour him and his family. Wear red and wave a flag proudly. (wish I was able to be by your side today J. - my heart is there.)

On the Overpass - July 9th, 2008

Photo taken at the Victoria Park Overpass in Toronto

They stood on the bridge over the 401 at Victoria Park Road in Toronto as the strong winds blew, awaiting the cortège enroute from Trenton. Someone was in touch with the progress of the cortège and received updates as to what point the family had just passed. With heavy hearts 20 people stood braving the traffic and winds on the bridge. One couple brought a flag and fastened it to the handrail so that it over hung the edge of the bridge, occassionally blowing upwards with each gust while other people had flags waving in the stiff breeze. As the cars and trucks passed underneath, the drivers honked and they waved in return.

In a moment, the 8 or so vehicles to passed by after the motorcycle riders cleared the traffic in the inside lane. At that point there are 7 lanes of traffic past that spot - 3 collector lanes and 4 core lanes. The people in the cortège vehicles "waved in acknowledgement to us which made us feel as though we had connected with them. " said one military mother.

Included on the overpass was: a mother whose son is currently serving in Afghanistan. The reason for her attendance was in respect for the family of a soldier who served in the same unit as her son.
There were two young men who were from Afghanistan, a WWII vet, a current CER who is posted to Edmonton Aug 1 and his family, a man and his 2 children who will be going to Petawawa in a couple of weeks to see a relative off to Afghanistan, a woman with a very strong French accent who doesn't agree with the war but just had to pay her respect to someone who gave his life in service of our country, a Dad whose son goes on the next rotation, a Dad whose son is a reservist has done one rotation and has just finished his first year in law. The remainder were people who wanted to be there to honour a soldier whose life has ended so soon.

Homecoming affects driver:

I was getting on the 401 in Whitby today and as I pulled onto the onramp, five OPP cruisers were sitting on the embankment. In my rear view mirror I saw a caravan of OPP Cruisers, Durham Region Police Cruisers, a couple of Chevy Yukons and a Hearse I couldn't make it off the on ramp and had to come to a rolling stop to let them pass, as all the officers on the side of the road got out of their vehicles and off their motorcycles to salute the fallen soldier that was passing us.

As I neared the first bridge, tears came to my eyes! It was covered in Canadian Flags with many firetrucks, ambulances, cruisers all saluting the caravan. I have never seen this before. I didn't realize how it was affecting me!! We came to another bridge and the same again, including civilians like you and I...it continued all the way to Warden Avenue. We even saw Veterans on the bridge standing at salute awaiting the fallen soldier's passby.How incredible a feeling. As I write this I am overcome with emotions again. I am told that this is a regular occurance in the east end of the GTA, and filled with pride for the people who make it to salute the fallen soldier. It does sadden me that they have to do it, however.

Upon googling when I returned home, I found out that it was Pte. Colin William Wilmot who was killed in Afghanistan on Sunday. I live in the west end of the city, and have never witnessed this before. I am glad my children and I did tonite. We have never been affected by the war there, but today it certainly touched out hearts. My van now has a Canadian Flag on it, but unlike the German one last week, this one is truly displayed with pride for the country I have chosen to make home and not to support a sports team. - 3W

The Funeral- Saying Goodbye - July 16, 2008
Privat Colin Wilmot's loved ones stood beside the chapel at CFB Gagetown, anguish etched on their faces, their hearts as empty as the cloudless blue sky. They clasped hands and choked back tears as a piper interrupted the uneasy silence of a lazy summer morning, and the long goodbye began.

Heels clicking against the pavement, eight sombre soldiers slowly carried the casket bearing the 24-year-old private into a church where mourners were waiting. The mission grinds on, but for friends and family, time stood still on Wednesday.His funeral was the first at the New Brunswick base in more than a year, and his casket lay at the front of the chapel near a painting dedicated recently to other soldiers who have died during the Afghan war.
More than 300 people crowded inside the chapel at CFB Gagetown in New Brunswick on Wednesday to pay their final respects to a Canadian medic who was killed in Afghanistan.
In front of the small St. Luke Chapel, soldiers in dark-green dress uniforms stood at attention as the flag-draped coffin of Pte. Colin Wilmot was carried inside. The pallbearers and colour guard were members of Wilmot's 1st Field Ambulance - his own unit from Edmonton and and soldiers from Petawawa.
The Edmonton-based soldier was attached to the Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry, but Wilmot was raised in Fredericton and graduated from Fredericton High School in 2002 and remembered as a cheerful person from the convenience store
Maj. John Crook, the acting commander of 1st Field Ambulance, told the congregation Wilmot was a dedicated soldier.
"Colin served his unit with honour and dignity. He was a shining example of what Canada has to offer," Crook said.
Wilmot's family has a long history of military service.
Among the mourners was Wilmot's stepfather, Warrant Officer Eric Craig, who was recently transferred from CFB Gagetown to CFB Petawawa in eastern Ontario, and Oromocto Mayor Fay Tidd, and Frank Dunn, the mayor of New Maryland.
Kathy Jones Kingston, Wilmot's sister, gave the eulogy at the funeral. Wilmot was smart and mischievous as a child, she said, recalling how her brother would often steal the shoes of family and company as a child in an effort to keep them from leaving.
Wilmot also enjoyed playing with GI Joe figures as a boy, Jones Kingston said. "Colin cared about everyone, usually more than himself,'' his sister, Kathy Kingston, said in eulogizing him. "What we'll miss most is his smile and his laugh."We're going to miss you, Colin. Thanks for all the memories."
Other family members have said Wilmot was inspired to become a medic by the television show MASH, but he did his medical work in the field during combat operations, not in a hospital behind the front lines.
Wilmot, who had been with the military for three years, was not originally scheduled to join the current rotation in Afghanistan but demanded to be sent.
"Colin cared about everyone, usually more than himself," Jones Kingston said. "What we'll miss most about Colin is his smile and his laugh. We're going to miss you, Colin. Thanks for all the memories."
Family, friends and colleagues remember Wilmot as a top student in his basic medical course and a young man with a perpetual smile and positive attitude.

Pallbears from the 1st Field Ambulance of the 2nd Battalion of Princess Patricia's Candian Light Infantry Battle Group, carry Private Colin Wilmot's coffin during his funeral at St. Luke's Chapel at CFB Gagetown

A silver-and-black hearse carried Wilmot's body in a deliberate procession that was greeted by an honour guard. Freshly-scrubbed members of his light infantry unit, none looking any older than him, served as the pallbearers, carefully carrying his casket, draped in a flag, up, then down the chapel's stairs. A step behind them, holding Wilmot's head dress, walked the grim-faced Cpl. Alicia Garbe, a member of the Edmonton-based Princess Patricias who escorted his remains back from Afghanistan.
Mourners spilled quietly from the church following the ceremony, some with their eyes red from crying, many with yellow ribbons pinned to their lapels. His loved ones waited, silent and heartbroken, for his casket to be lifted back into a limousine and taken to a cemetery in Fredericton.Soldiers saluted as the hearse left Gagetown, and mourners headed for their cars, clutching programs with his picture, smiling and handsome, on the front. On the back was a poem that was read during the service."A Canadian soldier goes home today, his duty all but done,'' it reads at the start. "His friends gather to see him off, and salute him one by one."
A private burial at Fredericton's Forest Hill Cemetery took place later in the day.
A Canadian Soldier Goes Home Today
A Canadian soldier goes home today
His duty all but done
His friends gather round to see him off
And salute him one by one

To keep the peace he's done his best
And kept the foe at bay
And gave the children in a foreign land
A chance to run and play

They may never know this soldier's name
Nor the sacrifice he made
To leave his own fond loved ones
At home they wish he stayed

But the work of keeping a fragile peace
Is a long and arduous one
Most times accomplished with an open hand
But sometimes with a gun

He is not the first to go this way
But we pray he is the last
With a few shed tears we say goodbye
And then from sight he's passed

Yes, a Canadian soldier goes home today
Draped in our National Flag
His duty for his country is done
Rest well my fallen comrade
BY: Roland MacKinnon Stationed in Kandahar, Afghanistan

Our prayers are with your family and friends both here and in Afghanistan as you travel your new journey. Bless you Private Wilmot. Thank you for serving our country. You will always be remembered.

Lord, hold our troops in your loving hands. Protect them as they protect others.

Bless them and their families for the selfless acts they preform for those in need.

Master Corporal Colin Bason Laid to Rest

Photo by: JOHN GORDON

A Second World War Bren gun carrier transported Master Cpl. Colin Bason’s casket Tuesday, escorted by a sombre guard of honour for his funeral in Aldergrove. Below: Hundreds of mourners attended Bason’s funeral, where he was remembered for his bravery in serving his country

Tuesday, July 17 - 01:25:00 PM

ALDERGROVE, BC - It was a very solemn and sad occasion. It’s always a tragedy when a young person dies, and when that person is killed far away from home while trying to help people in a strife-torn country, while on duty with the Canadian military, that death is even more tragic.
Yet at the same time, there is something noble about the sacrifice made by so many members of the Canadian military, who are in Afghanistan because they sincerely believe in making that country safe for its citizens.
They are there because Canada is fulfilling its NATO commitments, because Canada wants to eradicate the terrorism that emanates from that region and because Canada wants to help ordinary citizens in one of the world’s poorest countries look forward to a better life.
These are all worthy causes. Soldiers take up these causes for a wide variety of reasons, but fundamentally most of them want to see the world become a better place, and feel that serving in the military is a way they can help make that happen.
By every account, Colin Bason loved being a soldier. By every account, he was very good at it. As a reservist, being selected to go to join the permanent members of the Canadian Forces on a battle front that has been the most difficult for our troops since the Korean War was a mark of the skill he brought to his craft.
While some over the centuries have called the death of a soldier in war “glorious,” that’s not a word that comes to mind. There is nothing glorious about dying, even in a worthy cause.
However, the spirit of service and sacrifice that all soldiers bring with them when they enter a war zone is something to be admired — because it is something that, deep down, very few of us are easily able to do.
Colin Bason died in Afghanistan while helping others, and while fighting to preserve a way of life that we find precious. That’s a sacrifice that we all should take note of, and be thankful for.

He was remembered as a kind, compassionate and dedicated soldier, who truly believed in the mission he was serving for Canada. Hundreds gathered at Sts. Joachim and Anne Roman Catholic Church in Aldergrove for the funeral service for Master Corporal Colin Bason, one of six Canadians killed earlier this month in Afghanistan.
It was standing room only at the church, where family, friends, classmates, and fellow servicemen from Canada and the U.S paid their final respects. There were also representatives from the RCMP and the fire department. One of his friends speaking at the service said Bason showed an interest in the military as a child, re-enacting battles from World Wars. While in Afghanistan, Bason asked his family to send candy, which he handed out to children in the war-torn country.
Master Corporal Colin Bason was born in Abbotsford and leaves behind a fiancee and 5 month old daughter. The 28 year old reservist with the Royal Westminster Regiment left for Afghanistan when his daughter was just 4 days old.
During the service, the priest supported the Canadian mission in Afghanistan, saying he believes in the military action just as Colin Bason did. Bason's fiancee says Colin thought he was doing his best for Canada and other citizens of the world.

To view or sign the guestbook for the family
of Master Corporal Colin Bason, click on the book:

Mother Says: Troops Need a Boost (while speaking at son's funeral)

God Bless Pte. Lane Watkins

Wanda Watkins, mother of
Pte. Lane Watkins rests her head
on her son Lee Watkins during
Pte. Watkins' funeral in
Clearwater, Man. Photo: Marcel Cretain

DESERVE RESPECT

The mother of a soldier killed in Afghanistan beseeched Canadians on the day of her son's funeral to support the troops in Afghanistan.

"They deserve your respect. In supporting them, you'll make our loss much easier to bear."

Shortly before an honour guard piped the flag-draped coffin of Pte. Lane Watkins to an open-air service in a field near his Manitoba hometown of Clearwater yesterday, his mother Wanda read a family statement:

The mother of a fallen Manitoba soldier pleaded yesterday for Canadians to support the country's military mission in Afghanistan so her son's death won't "be for nothing."

"We are very proud of the work he did there and we would like the Canadian people to listen to the soldiers who are actually doing the work. Please support them. They deserve your respect. And in supporting them, you will make our loss much easier to bear," she told reporters with her family at her side.

Watkins said her family was much like many others before her son joined the army two years ago -- they had had little contact with the military.

"But you become a whole lot more attentive when your child is being deployed. We've come to know many of Lane's instructors and military friends and they are the finest young men that you will ever meet," she said.

WELL-TRAINED

"Every Canadian should be extremely proud of our soldiers. They're well-trained and we can trust them."

She said her son was appalled by the poverty and plight of the children in Kandahar.

He used to share the goodies he was sent from home with local children, padre Capt. Darren Persaud told hundreds of mourners that were sitting in lawn chairs or huddled under a tent for the fallen soldier's funeral.

Watkins, who wanted to become a paratrooper, was a member of the 3rd Battalion Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry based in Edmonton.

He died July 4 along with five comrades when a powerful roadside bomb exploded as they were returning from a mission near Kandahar.

Funeral
The body of 20-year-old Pte. Lane Watkins was carried by soldier pallbearers Monday past the ball diamonds where he played throughout his life, while a crowd 10 times the size of the village's population stood in silence.

Walking behind his casket were his grieving parents, Wanda and Charles, his twin brother Leigh and his other brother Andrew.

Also present was Watkins' brother-in-arms, Pte. Dustin Zonnenburg, who accompanied his friend's remains from the base in Kandahar to the graveside just outside town.

The Watkins family had planned to hold a private funeral, but changed their minds after thousands of people gathered in southern Ontario last week to pay tribute to the bodies of six fallen soldiers as they arrived in Canada.

Reading from a statement, Wanda Watkins implored Canadians to support the Afghanistan mission, and not to let her son Lane's sacrifice be in vain.

She said Canadians need to listen to the stories of soldiers doing good work in the country.

"There is optimism and hope there," she said. "But if Canada and NATO abandon the Afghan people, the sacrifices Lane has made will be for nothing.

"Please support them."

The graveside service was private, as was the reception for mourners in the community hall.

But the wind carried faint whispers of the funeral service. Family friend Joyce McLeod eulogized Lane Watkins as "quite an adventurer," recalling the time he got to the top of the tallest tree on his family's property, not having considered how he would get down.

"Lane and his brothers, Leigh and Andrew, were like the legs in a tripod," always together, but each unique, she said.

Family friend Dave Guilford told reporters the entire community 200 kilometres southwest of Winnipeg practically shut down for the day on Monday. All 85 residents came to the funeral, along with hundreds more from nearby towns.

To view or sign the guest book for the family of Pte. Watkins, click here:

______________________________

Mother of Fallen Soldier Asks for Support

Monday, July 16, 2007 - The mother of a Canadian soldier killed in southern Afghanistan is asking Canadians to "please" support soldiers serving in Kandahar. Wanda Watkins read a short statement to the media before her son's funeral in Clearwater, Manitoba on Monday. Private Lane Watkins and five other Canadian soldiers were killed July 4 in a roadside bomb explosion. Watkins said "we don't want any family to experience the terrible pain of losing their son or daughter, but if Canada and NATO abandon the Afghan people, the sacrifices of Lane, our family and others have made will be for nothing." Watkins added "they deserve your respect. In supporting them, you'll make our loss much easier to bear."

God Bless Cpl. Cole Daniel Bartsch

Dennis and Juanita Bartsch comfort each
other as they follow the casket of their son,
Cpl. Cole Bartsch, at his funeral yesterday in
Whitecourt, 177 km northwest of Edmonton

In Whitecourt, more than 500 friends, family and military packed a church for the funeral of Cpl. Bartsch, 23.

The Pentecostal church was overflowing with mourners and dozens of people watched the funeral on closed-circuit TV in tents set up on the church grounds.

Cpl. Bartsch's parents issued a statement urging Canadians to support the mission to Afghanistan so that "our men and women don't die for no reason."

Dennis and Juanita Bartsch said their son told them that he understood the threat that Canada faces and the need for Canadian soldiers to be deployed in Afghanistan.

The statement said that one day Cpl. Cole Bartsch told his mom: "It's like this, where do you want us to fight them — over there or over here?"

Cpl. Cole Bartsch
BARTSCH, Corporal Cole Daniel On Wednesday, July 4, 2007, Corporal Cole Daniel Bartsch of Whitecourt, Alberta was killed in action while serving Canada in Kandahar, Afghanistan at the age of 23 years. Cole will be deeply mourned and always loved by his mom and dad, Juanita and Dennis; sisters, Tara Archambult and Joleen; brother, Eric, all of Whitecourt; niece, Cami and nephew, Xander; maternal grandparents, Richard and Cathy Stepp of Creston, BC and paternal grandfather, Jake Bartsch of Whitecourt; uncles, aunts, cousins, PPCLI comrades and friends. Predeceased by his paternal grandmother, Dorothy Bartsch. A Funeral Service with Full Military Honours to Celebrate Cole's Life will be held on Saturday, July 14 at 1:00 p.m. at the Whitecourt Family Worship Centre, Whitecourt. Padre Tracy Moore of the Canadian Armed Forces and Pastor Tara Fawcett of the Whitecourt Family Worship Centre officiating with interment in Whitecourt Cemetery. In lieu of other tributes, donations may be made to the Stollery Children's Hospital Foundation, 4th Floor Aberhart Centre One, 11402 - University Avenue, Edmonton, AB T6G 2J3. To send condolences, visit www.parkmemorial.com Park Memorial Whitecourt 780-779-2533 Family Owned Funeral Home and Crematorium To view or sign the guestbook for the family, simply click on the book.

Captain Matthew Dawe 1980 - 2007

Captain Matthew Dawe was remembered Saturday as a generous friend, a passionate family man and a dedicated soldier who died doing what he believed in.

Capt. Dawe was killed July 4, along with five other Canadian soldiers and an Afghan interpreter, when their armoured vehicle struck a roadside bomb near Kandahar City.

Funerals were also held Saturday for two of those soldiers — Corporal Jordan Anderson in Ottawa and Corporal Cole Bartsch in Whitecourt, Alta.

At CFB Kingston, Capt. Dawe's extended family, military supporters and members of the public gathered at a sports complex to honour the 27-year-old.

Photo Credit: Paul Chiasson

Tara Dawe holds her son Lucas during funeral services for her husband, Capt. Matthew Dawe Saturday, in Kingston, Ont. Dawe is one of six Canadian soldiers killed in Afghanistan on July 4 by a roadside bomb.

Family of Capt. Matt Dawe, one of six Canadian soldiers killed in Afghanistan last week, speaks with reporters

Prior to the service, a funeral procession wound its way toward the complex. Soldiers and cadets marched in time to the music of bagpipers and drummers, who were followed by the hearse carrying Capt. Dawe's casket and, finally, his wife Tara, his two-year-old son Lucas, and the rest of his immediate family. As the family passed, Capt. Dawe's father stooped to pick up Lucas, who was struggling to keep up, and lifted him onto his shoulders.

As the procession entered the complex, the crowd of more 2,000 fell silent as they watched the pallbearers carry Capt. Dawe's flag-draped casket to the altar.

Dawe's best friend Lieutenant Reggie McMichael, his three brothers, his parents and his wife were all invited to speak during the service.

Capt. Dawe's three older brothers — Philip, Peter and James, all members of the Canadian Armed Forces — remembered him as a man who shone in the face of adversity. But they admitted that even they were surprised at the outpouring of support they have received from the public since their brother's death.

"My brothers and I have one regret as far as our relationship with Matt is concerned," said Philip.

"It is the testimonials that we have read and heard over the past 10 days, and the fact that they've provided us with a glimpse of the man who our kid brother had become. We wish so badly that we could have spent more time with this terrific guy."

They added that the three of them will do whatever is needed to support Capt. Dawe's wife and son.

"We love our brother very much and we promised Tara that she'll never have to worry about tying a pair of skates or teaching Lucas how to throw a spiral," said Peter. "Lucas will always be a Dawe boy, just like his daddy would have liked it."

Capt. Dawe's father Peter, a retired lieutenant-colonel, remembered his son as a man who would "laugh as conditions got harder." He spoke about how Capt. Dawe was a severe asthmatic as a child, but he fought and was eventually able to overcome his condition, going on to become a celebrated volleyball player, hockey player and rower in school.

"He is often cited as being very approachable to all, very fit, an excellent student displaying the strongest military skills, and perfectly bilingual," said Capt. Dawe's father.

"Matt was the real deal."

Capt. Dawe's mother Reine said her son believed strongly in Canada's involvement in Afghanistan, and she pleaded with the troops present not to give up on their mission.

Her voice broke as she said goodbye to her youngest son.

"There was a recurrent, friendly competition among the boys to determine who Mom loved the most," she said. "Well, today, my darling Matt, but only for today, I will allow you to be the favourite son. Je t'aime, Matt."

Capt. Dawe's wife was the last to speak. Her message was short but emotional.

"I can stand here today and tell you I'm the luckiest person in the room," she said. "For some reason this incredible man chose me to share a life with him of love, passion and intimacy. All I want is to be able to thank him."

"At times the pain is so intense I have to be reminded to breathe. When Matt left he took a piece of me with him that I'll never get back. However, I have the greatest gift in the world," she added, motioning towards her son in the front row.

"This beautiful boy is mine and he is the key to my survival."

As if on cue, Lucas began to cry and had to be handed to his mother so she could comfort him.

The service closed with a single trumpeter playing Last Post as Capt. Dawe's casket was carried out of the building to begin its final procession to the cemetery.

Capt. Dawe was a member of the 3rd Battalion, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry, based out of CFB Edmonton.

If you'd like to view or sign a guestbook for the family of Cpt Matthew Dawe, click here:

The following statement was released on behalf of the family of Captain Matthew Dawe:

Matt was a superb soldier. He was very fit and prided himself on leading from the front. He loved his soldiers very much and we know that this feeling was reciprocal.Despite a ruptured Achilles tendon in the months leading up to his deployment, Matt succeeded in his recovery quicker than expected “because he didn’t want his boys to go without him.”
He was an excellent family man, who dearly loved his wife Tara and two-year son Lucas. He was very close to his parents and brothers along with a large extended family. It is important to remember that Matt was one of six soldiers who lost their lives. Our hearts go out to the other families who may not have understood the dangers of this mission to the extent that we did.
The pain is incredible and the feeling of loss overwhelming but we will get through this for Tara, Lucas and our family.We are most grateful for the many kind words and the support offered by family, friends, and the military family, in particular the PPCLI Regiment.
We will miss Matt very much.

Captain Jefferson Clifford Francis 1970-2007

Capt. Jefferson Francis touched the lives of everyone around him, whether he was in or out of his soldier’s uniform, his family said Friday.

In a written statement, family members said the loss of Capt. Francis will be felt by many.

"We have lost a son, a brother, a nephew, a partner and a father today," they wrote. "Everyone who knew Jeff as a family member, a friend or a comrade will miss him dearly."

A forward observation officer and artillery co-ordinator with 1 Royal Canadian Horse Artillery, Capt. Francis, 36, died Wednesday with five other Canadian soldiers and a civilian Afghan interpreter when the RG-31 Nyala patrol vehicle they were travelling in struck a bomb on a gravel road southwest of Kandahar.

Born in Oromocto, N.B, Capt. Francis lived in the Halifax area from 1979 to 1982, when his father was posted to CFB Shearwater, and attended Hampton Grey Memorial School in Shearwater. He again made the city his home for a year in 1999 while working on his PhD, and his parents live in Eastern Passage.

Flags were lowered to half-mast at Province House on Friday out of respect for Capt. Francis and his family.

Lt.-Col. Peter Williams, commanding officer for the artillery regiment, which is based at CFB Shilo in Manitoba, offered condolences to Capt. Francis’s parents and younger sister, as well as his partner Sylvie and young son Ry, in a statement issued Friday morning.

He noted that Capt. Francis was born on Remembrance Day 1970 and described the soldier as "calm, confident and always in charge."

"He was indeed a quiet professional, the very hallmark of Canadian soldiers," Lt.-Col. Williams said. "He also had a dry sense of humour, which went a long way to making his team so effective."

Lt.-Col. Williams added that Capt. Francis was the top candidate on his artillery officer training course and was promoted to captain in 2005.

Lt. Andrew Farrow, also an artillery officer with 1 Royal Canadian Horse Artillery, said he lived in the room next to Capt. Francis in the base’s barracks and they were close during their six years of friendship. Before he moved into the barracks, Lt. Farrow said Capt. Francis was a frequent and welcome guest at his home.

"Jeff had spent quite a bit of time at my house and spent his birthday at my house," he said. "We were pretty tight.

"He was an amazing friend and like a brother to me."

Lt. Farrow also said his friend was an avid baseball fan and they logged many hours watching games on television.

Capt. Francis had nothing but the deepest love for his little boy, his friend said. "He was ecstatic about having his son."

Kristopher Lee, a former gunner with the artillery unit, said Capt. Francis was also into martial arts and Ultimate Fighting.

"Jeff was in love with mixed martial arts," Mr. Lee said, adding that Capt. Francis even helped him find a sparring partner when he was military tasking at CFB Gagetown in New Brunswick.

"He always did his best to make everyone happy, under any circumstances."

Aside from his sporting interests and physical regimen, Capt. Francis also had brains, Lt. Farrow said. He had completed his master’s degree in social sciences at Ottawa’s Carleton University and was planning to finish his PhD in the same field.

"He was very intelligent — very intelligent but (he also) had street smarts at the same time," he said. "Not just a brainiac."

Capt. Francis enlisted in the Canadian military at age 30 in September 2001. He shipped out to Afghanistan in February 2007.

Obituary of a Hero:
FRANCIS, Captain Jefferson Clifford On 04 July 2007, Captain Jefferson Clifford Francis, 36, died while serving with the Canadian Forces in Afghanistan when his armored vehicle was destroyed by a large land mine. He will be greatly missed by his wife Sylvie Secours, son Ry Logan Secours-Francis (8 months); mother Marion Murray, father Russ Francis, sister Mica Francis and brother-in-law Aaron MacDonald; aunts Marilyn Murray and husband Mike Williams of Cambridge Narrows NB; Melanie Murray and sons Damian and Gabriel of Kelowna, BC; great-aunts Pearl Charman and Florence Waugh of Wallace and Malagash NS; grandfather Herbert Francis, aunt Peggy Francis, uncles Butch, Rocky and David Francis of Chilliwack, BC and many cousins; mother and father-in-law Diane and Gaetan Secours and brother-in-law Marc and nephew Dakota of Ottawa. Jeff obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication, a Masters of Arts in Canadian Studies, and was pursuing a PhD at Carleton University when he was drawn to the Army in 2001. He was a serious student of world and military history, pop culture, philosophy and art history. Jeff loved participating in sports and physical challenges, especially the Army Mountain Man Competition and martial arts, Jujitsu and Grappling. Jeff loved his wife, son and family preferring to spend vacations with them in the Maritimes. Jeff had many military and civilian friends across Canada who will also miss him. His deep humanitarian beliefs inspired his commitment to provide the security needed to improve the lives of the people of Afghanistan.
A trust fund in the name of Ry Logan Secours-Francis is being established with Scotiabank and contributions can be made at any Scotiabank Branch.
Jeff was an Airborne Artillery Officer with 1RCHA based at CFB Shilo.
A private funeral with family and close friends is planned.

Going home, going home,
I'm just going home.
Quiet-like, slip away-
I'll be going home.
It's not far, just close by;
Jesus is the Door;
Work all done, laid aside,
Fear and grief no more.
Friends are there, waiting now.
He is waiting, too.
See His smile! See His hand!
He will lead me through.

Rest with dignity and honour Captain Francis. God Bless you.

To view or sign the guestbook for Captain Jefferson Francis, click here:

Funeral for Corporal Jordan Anderson

Corporal Jordan Anderson, who was killed in Afghanistan on July 4, 2007, will be honoured by his family, friends and colleagues at a military funeral service in Ottawa, Ontario.

Where:         Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, 400 St. Laurent Blvd,
           Ottawa

When    :      Saturday, July 14, 1:30 p.m.

Officiating:   Father Frank Brewer
           Padre Stephane Sarazin
           Padre Yvonne Mills

Visitation:    Not open to the public or media.

Interment:     Saturday, July 14, 3:00 p.m.
           National Military Cemetery (Beechwood), Ottawa

The family has requested that that they not be solicited for interviews during or following the funeral and interment.

During the funeral service, no media coverage will be allowed inside the church. An exterior media location will be set up to facilitate media coverage without intruding on the solemn ceremony. As parking may be limited, media representatives are advised to arrive early and use the parking lot across the street from the church.

The family has specifically requested that all military members and media representatives leave the National Military Cemetery following the interment, allowing the family a last moment of privacy.

Photo Credit: Jonathan Hayward
Pallbears carry the casket of
Cpl. Jordan Anderson
during a repatriation ceremony at
CFB Trenton, Ont. Sunday

Minister of National Defence - Funeral Reimbersments

May 29, 2007

Statement by the Minister of National Defence

OTTAWA, ONTARIO-- The Honourable Gordon O'Connor, Minister of National Defence, issued the following statement:"Canada's New Government has been unwavering in our commitment to supporting all members of the Canadian Forces and their families. It is therefore with considerable distress that I note recent media reports regarding families of deceased Canadian Forces members who may not have received full reimbursement for normal funeral and burial expenses. If confirmed, this would indicate that my direction was not followed and I can assure that this will be dealt with accordingly and corrected as soon as possible.I cannot imagine the pain a family feels after losing a loved one who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.I want to reiterate that any family eligible for support for funeral expenses shall receive the appropriate reimbursement.I have directed Defence officials to contact military families who lost a loved one, to ensure that these families received all of the support to which they are entitled. It is unfortunate this is required.Our Government stands behind our service members and their families. We will give them what they need and deserve. The guidelines regarding funeral and burial benefits for CF members put in place in 1999 are being corrected and updated to reflect current realities."

We Shall Remember Cpl. Megeney

Soldier remembered for his bravery and commitment
Updated Fri. Mar. 16 2007 2:42 PM ET
CTV.ca News Staff

Family weeps outside Lady of Lourdes Roman Catholic Church, Stellarton, NS

Cpl. Kevin Megeney, killed in Afghanistan earlier this month, was remembered today as a "great soldier and a great friend" at his funeral in Stellarton, N.S.
His flag-draped casket was carried into the Our Lady of Lourdes Roman Catholic Church by military pallbearers as a bell rang overhead.

Inside, about 100 family members, and hundreds of soldiers, reflected on Megeney's life during the full military funeral. Dressed in his desert fatigues, Cpl. Brent Bowden, who served with Megeney, delivered one of the eulogies in honour of his friend "Kev." ""I am proud to be his partner, proud to know Kev. Kev was my best friend," Bowden said. Bowden described Megeney as a soldier who was prepared for the dangers of Afghanistan but believed in the mission. "Every time he put on the uniform, wearing the Canadian flag on his shoulders, Kev was proud." "He believed in the mission -- that was his reason for serving -- that was his reason for going. He wanted to help," Bowden said. Through tears, Bowden said his friend should be remembered as someone who "paid the supreme sacrifice for his country." "He was a great soldier a great friend to be relied on for anything no matter what it was," said Bowden. The 25-year-old, a member of the First Battalion Nova Scotia Highlanders, was killed in his tent at the Canadian base in Kandahar on March 6 by a gunshot wound to the chest. He died 20 minutes later from the wound. Military officials have confirmed that Megeney was shot in the chest but have yet to verify if he was shot by another member of his platoon. Megeney was a 'fine man' Robert Morrison, whose son and Megeney were childhood friends, described the soldier as a fine man. "Everything good - just full of life, a gentleman, 100 per cent," said Morrison. "Everyone could talk to him. He's just a nice guy." As more than 200 filed into the church, Morrison said Megeney's home town, which is on the North West coast of Nova Scotia, was stunned by the news of his death. ""It's a shock, everybody's in shock," Morrison said. "But the support has been great. The town has all come together. You can tell everywhere you go. Everyone you talk to, it's all about Kevin." Megeney's uncle George Megeney said the death of the infantryman not only affects his family, but the family of the soldier who fired the shot. He called his nephew's death, a "very, very unfortunate accident." Speaking to Canada AM on Friday, Megeney's cousin, Brian MacLeod, said the family is focusing on Kevin's accomplishments. "The funeral today will be about celebrating Kevin's life not just as a soldier but as a friend and family member," said MacLeod. He said the family was coping well. "There's been a lot of grieving but also a lot of reflection and thinking about those happy times with Kevin." MacLeod described his cousin as someone with "a great sense of humour" who was "not a leader of the pack but very influential in any group he was ever a part of." Local residents are also honouring Megeney with a yellow ribbon campaign. "We're not a large community... but if you go up the main street of Stellarton you'd see ribbons on every street post, door, window -- the community has certainly banded together and given us a lot of support." Megeney, who volunteered to go to Afghanistan in December, is the 45th Canadian soldier to be killed there since 2002. He is the eighth Nova Scotian to die during the mission. "It takes a lot to travel to a warn-torn country to do his job," Bowden said. "We all know the risks. We all know what might happen. But above all, we all know what we're there to do. Kev did his part with pride and honour." The son of Karen and Dexter Megeney, Kevin was born in New Glasgow, N.S., and joined the reserves in 1999. He had two older siblings. Since 2002, six Canadian soldiers have been killed in accidental or friendly fire incidents. With files from The Canadian Press

Dear Megeney Family, friends and commrades: We grief alongside you, praying for you through your difficult journey. May you take comfort in knowing that many Military moms, dads, sisters, brothers, husbands, wives and friends feel your sorrow and our hearts and prayers are with you as we always remember Kevin~ Canada's hero. God bless.