Banner by Gerry Locklin
A Look At Our Fallen In Afghanistan
Since 2002, 97 Canadian soldiers have died on their country’s mission to Afghanistan. Here are brief sketches of each:
___
Sgt. Prescott (Scott) Shipway, 36, 2nd Battalion, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry (Shilo, Man.)
Killed: Sept. 7, 2008, by a roadside bomb in the Panjwaii district.
Hometown: Esterhazy, Sask. Born in Britain.
Joined military in 1990. Saved another soldier’s life in a bomb attack two years ago. Known as “Papa Shipway” among soldiers who remembered him for looking after his platoon much the same way he cared for his son Hayden, 6, and daughter Rowan, 4. Served in Kosovo, Bosnia and Cyprus. Saskatchewan Roughriders fan.
___
Cpl. Andrew Grenon, 23, 2nd Battalion, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry (Shilo, Man.)
Killed: Sept. 3, 2008, in an attack on an armoured vehicle in Zhari district.
Hometown: Windsor, Ont.
A poem penned by Grenon in Afghanistan in 2006: “I fight, so my children won’t have to.”
___
Cpl. Mike Seggie, 21, 2nd Battalion, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry (Shilo, Man.)
Killed: Sept. 3, 2008, in an attack on an armoured vehicle in Zhari district.
Hometown: Winnipeg.
Loved baseball. Remembered for his sunny disposition, positive outlook. “Every new day was a good one for Cpl. Seggie,” said Pte. Cameron Skrypnyk.
___
Pte. Chad Horn, 21, 2nd Battalion, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry (Shilo, Man.)
Killed: Sept. 3, 2008, in an attack on an armoured vehicle in Zhari district.
Hometown: Calgary.
Joined the military in 2005, praised as a gunner on light armoured vehicles. His favourite quote on combat: “Everybody dies, but not everybody actually lives … Live your life now, while you can.”
___
Sgt. Shawn Eades, 33, 1 Combat Engineer Regiment (Edmonton), attached to 2nd Battalion, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry.
Killed: Aug. 20, 2008, by an improvised explosive device while on patrol in the Zhari district.
Hometown: Hamilton, Ont.
Hard-working, martial arts expert known for hand-to-hand combat training. Seen as a friend and mentor by fellow soldiers. Joined military at age 18. Survived by his Lisa and daughters Breanna and Niya.
___
Sapper Stephan John Stock, 25, 1 Combat Engineer Regiment (Edmonton), attached to 2nd Battalion, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry.
Killed: Aug. 20, 2008, by an improvised explosive device while on patrol in the Zhari district.
Hometown: Campbell River, B.C.
“He was the kind of guy that I could look to for reassurance or confirmation. He was proud to go and he knew what he was doing,” said Sapper Johnathan Allison.
___
Cpl. Dustin Roy Robert Joseph Wasden, 25, 1 Combat Engineer Regiment (Edmonton), attached to 2nd Battalion Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry.
Killed: Aug. 20, 2008, by an improvised explosive device while on patrol in the Zhari district.
Hometown: Spiritwood, Sask.
“A farm boy from Saskatchewan, a solid guy,” said Cpl. Sean MacCready. Loved music and storytelling, and wanted to make Afghanistan better for its children. Loved distributing shoes and gifts. Survived by his wife Shannon and daughter Michaela.
___
Master Cpl. Erin Doyle, 32, 2nd Battalion, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry (Edmonton).
Killed: Aug. 11, 2008, when insurgents attacked a combat outpost in Panjwaii district.
Hometown: Kamloops, B.C.; funeral in village of Legal, north of Edmonton.
Known for his experience and sense of humour, Doyle “could raise morale with a look, a gesture, or a practical joke,” said chaplain Capt. Darren Persaud. Friends described the 200-pound soldier as a “friendly giant.” Survived by his wife Nicole and daughter Zarine.
___
Master Cpl. Josh Roberts, 2nd Battalion, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry Battle Group (Shilo, Man.)
Killed: Aug. 9, 2008, in a battle with insurgents in Zhari district.
Hometown: Funeral in Saskatoon.
A fun-loving “soldier’s soldier” and a good listener. A reservist with the North Saskatchewan Regiment for 10 years, transferred to the regular forces in August 2006, promoted just two weeks before his death. Engaged to be married, fiancee Lise Malenfant was expecting their child when he died.
___
Cpl. James Hayward Arnal, 25, 2nd Battalion, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry, based at CFB Shilo, Man.
Killed: July 18, 2008, in roadside explosion during a foot patrol in Panjwaii district.
Hometown: Kelvington, Sask.; raised in Winnipeg.
Left career in information technology to join the military four years ago. “He was an ambassador for life. He embraced it with every breath … Jim’s choices in life _ to be a soldier, travel the world, tirelessly grow his family and friends, and to love unconditionally,” said his mother, Wendy Hayward-Miskiewicz.
___
Pte. Colin William Wilmot, 24, 1 Field Ambulance (Edmonton).
Killed: July 6, 2008, in an explosion while on foot patrol in Panjwaii district.
Hometown: Haneytown, N.B., grew up in Fredericton.
Joke he shared with friends was that he became a medic to emulate the doctors on the 1972-1983 television program M.A.S.H. “He was eager, he was driven, he was outgoing … He was the kind of person who would want to go and help people,” said Andrew Foreman, a Fredericton high school friend.
___
Cpl. Brendan Anthony Downey, 37, Military Police Detachment (Dundurn, Sask.)
Found dead July 4, 2008, in sleeping quarters in a support base in the Arabian desert. A non-combat casualty.
Hometown: Born in Montreal, raised in Toronto.
Joined the military in response to the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks in New York. In last conversation with his wife, he was overjoyed to hear of her recent pregnancy, adding to their family which included a young son.
___
Capt. Jonathan Sutherland Snyder, 26, 1st Battalion, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry (Edmonton).
Killed: June 7, 2008, after falling into a well during a night-time patrol in Zhari district.
Hometown: Penticton, B.C.
Attached to a unit serving as mentors to the Afghan National Army soldiers. As the next rotation of troops arrived, he appealed to them to keep an open mind, telling them ordinary Afghans were a lot like Canadians in their hopes and desires.
___
Capt. Richard (Steve) Leary, 32, 2nd Battalion, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry (Shilo, Man.).
Killed: June 3, 2008, in a gun battle with insurgents who ambushed the patrol he was leading in Panjwaii district.
Hometown: Brantford, Ont.
Remembered as a good leader who died trying to guide his soldiers to safety. No other soldiers were hurt in the gunfire. His wife Rachel said, “He was my very best friend, and a wonderful husband.”
___
Cpl. Michael Starker, 36, 15 Field Ambulance Regiment (Edmonton).
Killed: May 6, 2008, in a gun battle with Taliban militants during a patrol in Zhari district.
Hometown: Calgary.
As a civilian, Starker worked as a paramedic. Friends described him as a man with a heart of a gold. “We can only imagine how many people’s lives Michael has touched … Each day he shared the gift of life.” _ homily by Rev. Robert Rocheleau at service.
___
Pte. Terry John Street, 24, 2nd Battalion, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry (Shilo, Man.)
Killed: April 4, 2008, when his vehicle hit an improvised explosive device in Panjwaii district.
Hometown: Hull, Que.; grew up in Surrey, B.C.
Comrades say he had a sharp sense of humour and used it to lighten the mood among colleagues and superiors. Lt.-Col. Dave Courbould said: “Pte. Street was one of those soldiers who always had a smile on his face. He was that guy full of life.”
___
Sgt. Jason Boyes, 32, 2nd Battalion, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry (Shilo, Man.)
Killed: March 16, 2008, by an explosive device while on foot patrol in Panjwaii district.
Hometown: Napanee, Ont.
“Boyes epitomized the warrior spirit; he was a natural leader who had proven himself time and time again in combat,” said Maj. Michael Wright. Boyes is survived by his wife Alison and their daughter Mackenzie.
___
Bombardier Jeremie Ouellet, 22, 1st Regiment Royal Canadian Horse Artillery (Shilo, Man.)
Killed: March 11, 2008, found dead in accommodation room at Kandahar Airfield. Military says death not related to combat.
Hometown: Matane, Que.
Known for his sense of humour. “He was a very proud francophone and his enthusiasm in sharing his language with his peers was well known. He was also a gifted artist and several of his close friends have drawings that were rendered by him and will be treasured forever.” _ Lt.-Col. Tim Bishop.
___
Trooper Michael Yuki Hayakaze, 25, Lord Strathcona’s Horse (Edmonton)
Killed: March 2, 2008, by roadside bomb in Mushan, west of Kandahar city.
Hometown: Edmonton
Active on swimming and water polo teams in high school. Mother said he didn’t find his purpose until he joined the army. “Everyone who has met Michael in person will never forget his bravery along with his encouraging attitude, and the cheerful smile that he always had on his face,” his family wrote in an obituary.
___
Sapper Etienne Gonthier, 21, 5ieme Regiment du Genie de Combat (Valcartier, Que.)
Killed: Jan. 23, 2008, in a mine-clearing operation when his vehicle was hit by roadside bomb in Panjwaii district.
Hometown: St-Georges, Que.
Remembered for ready smile even in Afghanistan despite the hardships. In a Facebook memorial his girlfriend wrote, “I am writing you a last goodbye. I could never forget you are my first love and fate put an end to it … I will never forget you.”
___
Trooper Richard Renaud, 26, 12e Regiment blinde du Canada.
Killed: Jan. 15, 2008, when vehicle hit a roadside bomb while on patrol in Arghandab district north of Kandahar city.
Hometown: Alma, Que.
“He always talked about his mission abroad with passion … For him, it was a way to make a difference in our world,” said statement from his family. Survived by his pregnant wife, his four-year-old stepson, his parents and sister.
___
Warrant Officer Hani Massouh, 41, 2nd Battalion, Royal 22nd Regiment (Valcartier, Que.)
Killed: Jan. 6, 2008, when vehicle rolled over in wet, rugged terrain southwest of Kandahar city.
Hometown: Born in Alexandria, Egypt, lived in Quebec since 1968.
A veteran of 17 years with Canadian Forces. Before Afghanistan, he served in Haiti, Croatia, Somalia and twice more in the former Yugoslavia. He was just a few weeks away from completing his final mission abroad. His wife Nathalie Chapados and a five-year-old daughter, Laila Massouh-Fortin, were awaiting his return.
___
Cpl. Eric Labbe, 31, 2nd Battalion, Royal 22nd Regiment (Valcartier, Que.)
Killed: Jan. 6, 2008, when vehicle rolled over in wet, rugged terrain southwest of Kandahar city.
Hometown: Rimouski, Que
Spent six years with military, served in the former Yugoslavia in 2002. His family said he wanted to pursue a military career. “Eric was the pillar of our section,” Master Cpl. David Martel said, adding it was with Labbe that the troops were able to defeat the Taliban in 11 battles.
___
Gunner Jonathan Dion, 27, 5th Regiment d’Artillerie legere du Canada.
Killed: Dec. 30, 2007, when vehicle struck a roadside bomb.
Hometown: Gatineau, Que.
Childhood friend Kevin Graham said Dion was a quiet guy who excelled in sports, particularly basketball. Parents describe him as a young man who loved being a soldier and serving his country, passionately believed in the mission in Afghanistan and told them he wanted to return for a second tour.
___
Cpl. Nicolas Raymond Beauchamp, 28, of the 5th Field Ambulance (Valcartier, Que.)
Killed: Nov. 17, 2007, when vehicle hit a roadside bomb near Bazar-e Panjwaii.
Hometown: Montreal.
Beauchamp’s father said he always dreamed of being a paramedic and was a pacifist who believed in helping others. Beauchamp’s wife is a medical technician with the Forces in Kandahar.
___
Pte. Michel Levesque, 25, Royal 22nd Regiment (Valcartier, Que.)
Killed: Nov. 17, 2007, when vehicle hit a roadside bomb near Bazar-e Panjwaii.
Hometown: Riviere-Rouge, Que.
Returned from leave a week earlier after getting engaged to 18-year-old girlfriend, who was expecting their child.
___
Cpl. Nathan Hornburg, 24, King’s Own Calgary regiment.
Killed: Sept. 24, 2007, by a mortar shell while trying to repair a Leopard tank.
Hometown: Calgary.
Friends say all he wanted to do while growing up was to join the army. Even as a small child he would play with little green army men across living room floor.
___
Maj. Raymond Ruckpaul, 42, armoured officer based at the NATO Allied Land Component Command Headquarters in Heidelberg, Germany.
Killed: Aug. 29, 2007, by a gunshot in his room at the headquarters of NATO’s International Security Assistance Force in Kabul.
Hometown: Hamilton, Ont.
From a very young age, Ruckpaul said he wanted to be a soldier and serve Canada. He joined the Canadian Forces before attending McMaster University, where he studied geology.
___
Master Warrant Officer Mario Mercier, 43, Royal 22nd Regiment (Valcartier, Que.)
Killed: Aug 22, 2007, when vehicle struck by an explosion after a battle for a strategic hill west of Kandahar city.
Hometown: Weedon, Que.
Spent more than 20 years in the military, served in the former Yugoslavia twice, and in Haiti. Colleagues remember him as a man who was always there when needed.
___
Master Cpl. Christian Duchesne, 34, 5th Field Ambulance unit (Valcartier, Que.)
Killed: Aug 22, 2007, when vehicle struck by an explosion after a battle for a strategic hill west of Kandahar city.
Hometown: Montreal.
Father of three, a medical technician with 14 years military service. Comrades remember him as being devoted to offering health services and proud to be part of the mission in Afghanistan.
___
Pte. Simon Longtin, 23, Royal 22nd Regiment (Valcartier, Que.)
Killed: Aug. 19, 2007, when his armoured vehicle was hit by an explosion west of Kandahar city.
Hometown: Longueuil, Que., on Montreal’s south shore.
Longtin has been described by family members as a joker and proud member of the Canadian Forces. Col. Christian Juneau, deputy commander of the Canadian joint task force said: “It’s like losing almost a brother, brother in arms.”
___
Cpl. Cole Bartsch, 23, 3rd Battalion, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry (Edmonton)
Killed: July 4, 2007, killed by a roadside bomb west of Kandahar city.
Hometown: Whitecourt, Alta. Lived in Saskatchewan.
Bartsch once told his mom: “It’s like this: Where do you want us to fight them _ over there or over here?”
___
22596 Matthew Dawe
Capt. Matthew Johnathan Dawe, 27, 3rd Battalion Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry (Edmonton)
Killed: July 4, 2007, killed by a roadside bomb west of Kandahar city.
Hometown: Kingston, Ont.
Dawe came from a military family and graduated at the top of his class at the Royal Military College. He was six weeks away from finishing his tour of duty and returning to his wife Tara and their son.
___
Pte. Lane Watkins, 20, 3rd Battalion, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry (Edmonton)
Killed: July 4, 2007, killed by a roadside bomb west of Kandahar city.
Hometown: Winnipeg.
He loved baseball so much he tucked his ball glove into his rucksack when packing for Afghanistan.
___
Cpl. Jordan Anderson, 25, of 3rd Battalion, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry (Edmonton)
Killed: July 4, 2007, by a roadside bomb west of Kandahar city.
Hometown: Born in Iqaluit, and grew up in Pelly Bay, Tuktoyaktuk and Invuik, N.W.T.
His six-month tour was weeks from ending. He was expected home in time for his birthday and second wedding anniversary. He wanted to pursue a master’s degree in strategic studies upon his return.
___
Master Cpl. Colin Bason, 28, a reservist from The Royal Westminster Regiment (New Westminster, B.C.)
Killed: July 4, 2007, by a roadside bomb west of Kandahar city.
Hometown: Burnaby, B.C.
A history buff who had a great sense of humour and loved to travel and read army books, said his father Gary Bason.
___
Capt. Jefferson Francis, 37, 1st Royal Canadian Horse Artillery (Shilo, Man.)
Killed: July 4, 2007, by a roadside bomb west of Kandahar city.
Hometown: Born in Oromocto, N.B., and raised in the Halifax area.
Born on Remembrance Day 1970, Francis was described by his comrades as having the hallmarks of a great Canadian soldier: calm, confident and always in charge.
___
Sgt. Christos Karigiannis, 31, 3rd Battalion, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry (Edmonton).
Killed: June 20, 2007, when vehicle hit a roadside bomb in Panjwaii district.
Hometown: Montreal.
Trained cadets at a Montreal-area school in his early career. Remembered by colleagues as a quiet man with a daring side. Had planned to go parachuting in New Zealand on his next vacation.
___
Cpl. Stephen Frederick Bouzane, 26, 3rd Battalion, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry (Edmonton)
Killed: June 20, 2007, when vehicle hit a roadside bomb in Panjwaii district.
Hometown: Born in Newfoundland, grew up in Scarborough, Ont.
Bouzane’s sister said he was a quiet and reserved young man, who insisted the entire family say their goodbyes at Christmas in case he didn’t return home.
___
Pte. Joel Vincent Wiebe, 22, 3rd Battalion, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry.
Killed: June 20, 2007, when vehicle hit a roadside bomb in Panjwaii district.
Comrades described him as an “amazing soldier” who could always be counted on to boost morale and get everyone laughing.
___
Trooper Darryl Caswell, 25, Royal Canadian Dragoons (Petawawa, Ont.)
Killed: June 11, 2007, when vehicle hit an improvised explosive device north of Kandahar city.
Hometown: Bowmanville, Ont.
Caswell’s mother said her son had a fondness for tattoos, and planned to have a pair of angel wings tattooed on his back.
___
Master Cpl. Darrell Jason Priede, 30, Army News Team (Gagetown, N.B.)
Killed: May 30, 2007, when a U.S. helicopter in which he was travelling was reportedly shot down by the Taliban in Helmand province.
Hometown: born in Burlington, Ont., grew up around Grand Forks, B.C.
A combat photographer, Priede was documenting coalition forces trying to wrest control of a strategic valley from insurgents to pave the way for reconstruction. Lt. (Navy) Desmond James worked closely with Priede and remembered how he always captured a unique view of soldiers on the ground.
___
Cpl. Matthew McCully, 25, 2 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group Headquarters and Signals Squadron (Petawawa, Ont.)
Killed: May 25, 2007, by an improvised explosive device in Zhari district.
Hometown: Orangeville, Ont.
A signals operator, fellow soldiers respected him immensely. Maj. James Lambert said: “He was a leader, athletic, a very nice man and the unit is really feeling his loss.”
___
Master Cpl. Anthony Klumpenhouwer, 25, with the elite Special Operations Forces Command.
Killed: April 18, 2007, after falling from a communications tower while conducting surveillance in Kandahar City.
Hometown: Listowel, Ont.
Col. Mike Day said Klumpenhouer was a “rock star” of a soldier who set the standard for others in his unit. Friends and family remember Klumpenhouer’s “face-splitting grin,” late-night pranks on his sisters and his philosophy of “jumping in with both feet.”
___
Master Cpl. Allan Stewart, 31, Royal Canadian Dragoons (Petawawa, Ont.)
Killed: April 11, 2007, when vehicle struck an improvised explosive device.
Hometown: Newcastle, N.B.
Described by colleagues as a “likable, good-natured” family man, he was on his second tour in Afghanistan. He had also served in Bosnia. He is survived by his wife Christa and two daughters.
___
Trooper Patrick James Pentland, 23, Royal Canadian Dragoons (Petawawa, Ont.)
Killed: April 11, 2007, when vehicle struck an improvised explosive device.
Hometown: Born in Lahr, Germany and grew up in Geary, N.B.
Friends say Pentland wanted to follow in the footsteps of his father and grandfather, both of whom served in the Canadian military. He joined the Canadian Forces in 2004 before continuing the family tradition in the Dragoons in July 2005. It was his first deployment to Afghanistan.
___
Pte. Kevin V. Kennedy, 20, 2nd Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment (Gagetown, N.B.)
Killed: April 8, 2007, when vehicle hit a roadside bomb in the Maywand district.
Hometown: St. John’s, N.L.
His father, Myles, remembers his son as a top athlete. He also remembers Kevin saying: “If you see evil and evil is causing mayhem and you don’t confront it, somewhere down the line you are going to be forced to confront it.”
___
Sgt. Donald Lucas, 31, 2nd Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment (Gagetown, N.B.)
Killed: April 8, 2007, when vehicle hit a roadside bomb in the Maywand district.
Hometown: Burton, N.B.
Lucas was considered a leader by his fellow soldiers, but also something of a prankster. He spoke often of his love for his wife and children.
___
Cpl. Aaron E. Williams, 23, 2nd Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment (Gagetown, N.B.)
Killed: April 8, 2007, when vehicle hit a roadside bomb in the Maywand district.
Hometown: Perth-Andover, N.B.
Williams, a sniper, was considered a quiet and competent soldier. Dr. Larry Kennedy, a physician who knew Williams all his life, said: “He will be remembered as a dedicated young man who had a direction in life. He achieved that direction.”
___
Pte. David R. Greenslade, 20, 2nd Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment (Gagetown, N.B.)
Killed: April 8, 2007, when vehicle hit a roadside bomb in the Maywand district.
Hometown: Saint John, N.B.
Remembered by his mother as a sweet-tempered young man who loved his family, hockey and life. As an only child, he considered his fellow soldiers his brothers.
___
Cpl. Brent Poland, 37, 2nd Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment (Gagetown, N.B.)
Killed: April 8, 2007, when vehicle hit a roadside bomb in the Maywand district.
Hometown: Sarnia, Ont.
Younger brother Mark said Brent could easily have avoided combat, had he wanted to. He could have transferred out of the infantry, retained his rank and accepted a less demanding job in the Canadian Forces after a training injury.
___
Cpl. Christopher Stannix, 24, Princess Louise Fusiliers (Halifax).
Killed: April 8, 2007, when vehicle hit a roadside bomb in the Maywand district.
Hometown: Dartmouth, N.S.
Stannix’s family said he volunteered for the mission because he loved Canada and the Canadian Forces, but he also believed in risking his life to improve living conditions for ordinary Afghans.
___
Cpl. Kevin Megeney, 25, 1st Battalion, Nova Scotia Highlanders (Truro, N.S.)
Killed: March 6, 2007, in accidental shooting at NATO base in Kandahar.
Hometown: New Glasgow, N.S.
His uncle George Megeney said the soldier told him that serving in Afghanistan meant a lot. He saw the conditions under which some of those people are living and felt Canada and the soldiers were making a difference, they were making headway.
___
Chief Warrant Officer Bobby Girouard, 46, 1st Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment (Petawawa, Ont.)Killed: Nov 27, 2006, when suicide car bomber attacked vehicle on outskirts of Kandahar city.
Hometown: Bouctouche, N.B.
The regimental sergeant major, Girouard had been stationed in Germany, Kosovo and Bosnia as well as serving with NATO in various European countries, but he had never seen living conditions like those in Afghanistan, said his father Vincent.
___
Cpl. Albert Storm, 36, 1st Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment (Petawawa, Ont.)
Killed: Nov 27, 2006, when suicide car bomber attacked vehicle on outskirts of Kandahar city.
Hometown: Niagara Falls, Ont.
Storm had planned out his retirement three years away. The father of two planned to move to Kenora and spend his days fishing, his brother George said.
___
Sgt. Darcy Tedford, 32, 1st Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment (Petawawa, Ont.).
Killed: Oct. 14, 2006, in an ambush west of Kandahar city.
Hometown: Calgary.
Quietly confident, and trusted for wise advice; earned respect among peers over his several tours of duty. Survived by wife Charmaine, two young daughters, parents.
___
Pte. Blake Williamson, 23, 1st Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment (Petawawa, Ont.)
Killed: Oct. 14, 2006, in an ambush west of Kandahar city.
Hometown: Ottawa.
A funny guy who made others laugh with an instant recall of Chuck Norris jokes. Survived by his father, mother, stepfather, and siblings.
___
Trooper Mark Wilson, 39, Royal Canadian Dragoons (Petawawa, Ont.)
Killed: Oct. 7, 2006, when his armoured vehicle was hit by a roadside explosion in Panjwaii district.
Hometown: London, Ont.
Mourning for Wilson was marked by a campaign to deck the southwestern Ontario city with yellow ribbons. Survived by wife Dawn, sons Josh and Benjamin and parents Carl and Carolyn.
___
Sgt. Craig Gillam, 40, Royal Canadian Dragoons (Petawawa, Ont.)
Killed: Oct. 3, 2006, in mortar, rocket attacks west of Kandahar city.
Hometown: South Branch, N.L.
A man who led his troops by example and whose bravery the day he died saved many lives. Participated in sports such as hockey and taekwondo with his children. Survived by wife Maureen, two teenage children and parents.
___
Cpl. Robert Mitchell, 32, Royal Canadian Dragoons (Petawawa, Ont.)
Killed: Oct. 3, 2006, in a series of mortar, rocket attacks west of Kandahar city.
Hometown: Owen Sound, Ont.
Known to his friends as Jim, Mitchell strived to be the best. Survived by wife Leanne, three sons and parents.
___
Pte. Josh Klukie, 23, 1st Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment (Petawawa, Ont.)
Killed: Sept. 29, 2006, by explosion in Panjwaii while on foot patrol.
Hometown: Shuniah, Ont.
Charming and charismatic with a passion for sports; an enthusiastic member of his high school basketball team. Survived by mother and brother.
___
Cpl. Glen Arnold, 32, Field Ambulance (Petawawa, Ont.)
Killed: Sept. 18, 2006, in suicide bicycle bomb attack on foot patrol in Panjwaii.
Hometown: McKerrow, Ont.
A medic who felt his work was essential to preserving freedom around the world, Arnold was an avid hockey player and devoted family man. Survived by his wife, four children, parents, and a brother.
___
Pte. David Byers, 22, 2nd Battalion, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry (Shilo, Man.)
Killed: Sept. 18, 2006, in suicide bicycle bomb attack while on foot patrol in Panjwaii.
Hometown: Espanola, Ont.
A friendly man and video game enthusiast in his high school days, Byers was killed before his fiancee Chantelle Roy was to give birth to their child. Survived by Roy, parents and brother.
___
Cpl. Shane Keating, 30, 2nd Battalion, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry (Shilo, Man.)
Killed: Sept. 18, 2006, in suicide bicycle bomb attack on foot patrol in Panjwaii.
Hometown: Dalmeny, Sask.
Described as good-humoured and hard-working; wrote letters shortly before his death expressing how he did not want to die. Survived by mother, Judith Budd.
___
Cpl. Keith Morley, 30, 2nd Battalion, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry (Shilo, Man.)
Killed: Sept. 18, 2006, in suicide bicycle bomb attack on foot patrol in Panjwaii.
Hometown: Winnipeg, Man.
An animal lover; served two tours of duty in Bosnia before being deployed to Afghanistan. Survived by sister Shannon and dog Lokie.
___
Pte. Mark Anthony Graham, 33, 1st Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment (Petawawa, Ont.)
Killed: Sept. 4, 2006, in a friendly-fire incident.
Hometown: Hamilton, Ont.
Graham was a member of Canada’s Olympic 4×400 metre relay team in 1992. Colleagues and friends described him as a natural leader with the ability to comfort and motivate those around him.
___
Pte. William Cushley, 21, 1st Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment (Petawawa, Ont.)
Killed: Sept. 3, 2006, in fighting in Panjwaii district during Operation Medusa.
Hometown: Port Lambton, Ont.
Cushley was a man who exhibited strong leadership qualities and a fierce love of family. Survived by parents and three sisters.
___
Warrant Officer Frank Mellish, 38, 1st Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment (Petawawa, Ont.)
Killed: Sept. 3, 2006, in fighting in Panjwaii district during Operation Medusa.
Hometown: Truro, N.S.
A long-time auto racing fan, Mellish is survived by his parents, wife Kendra _ serving in the Canadian air force _ and two young boys.
___
Warrant Officer Richard Nolan, 39, 1st Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment (Petawawa, Ont.)
Killed: Sept. 3, 2006, in fighting in Panjwaii district during Operation Medusa.
Hometown: Mount Pearl, N.L.
A believer in strong family values, Nolan _ an adventurous soul who enjoyed riding bulls _ loved playing with his children and stepchildren. Friends said he was the sort of person who would help anyone in need. Survived by partner Kelly, three sons, a stepdaughter and mother.
___
Sgt. Shane Stachnik, 30, 2nd Combat Engineer Regiment (Petawawa, Ont.)
Killed: Sept. 3, 2006, in fighting in Panjwaii district during Operation Medusa.
Hometown: Waskatenau, Alta.
Former high-school buddy Randy Trenchuk remembered playing hockey with Stachnik and the frustrations with Shakespeare that they shared in English class. Stachnik, described as having a strong sense of humour, was to be married next summer. Survived by parents Hank and Avril.
___
Cpl. David Braun, 27, 2nd Battalion, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry (Shilo, Man.)
Killed: Aug. 22, 2006, in a suicide bomb attack in Kandahar city.
Hometown: Raymore, Sask.
Braun dreamed of a military career from the age of 12, and was honoured as a brave and supportive soldier. He is survived by mother Patty and three siblings.
___
Cpl. Andrew Eykelenboom, 23, 1st Field Ambulance (Edmonton, Alta.)
Killed: Aug. 11, 2006, in suicide bomb attack.
Hometown: Comox, B.C.
A medic, affectionately known as Boomer and described by colleagues as brave and goofy; survived by father Hans, mother Maureen and brothers.
___
Master Cpl. Jeffrey Walsh, 33, 2nd Battalion, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry (Shilo, Man.)
Killed: Aug. 9, 2006, by an accidental discharge of a rifle six days after arriving in Afghanistan.
Hometown: Regina, Sask.
Walsh believed strongly in Canada’s mission in Afghanistan and felt he could have a positive impact. Survived by wife and three children, and parents Ben and Margie.
___
Master Cpl. Raymond Arndt, 31, The Loyal Edmonton Regiment (Edmonton, Alta.)
Killed: Aug. 5, 2006, when large truck collided head-on with his patrol vehicle.
Hometown: Edson, Alta.
Arndt found a sense of purpose in the military; survived by wife of nine months, Darcia.
___
Pte. Kevin Dallaire, 22, 1st Battalion, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry (Edmonton)
Killed: Aug 3, 2006, in rocket-propelled grenade attack west of Kandahar.
Hometown: Calgary, Alta.
Parents began network for those who have lost children in Afghanistan; survived by mother Diane and father Gaetan.
___
Sgt. Vaughan Ingram, 35, 1st Battalion, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry (Edmonton)
Killed: Aug. 3, 2006, in rocket-propelled grenade attack west of Kandahar.
Hometown: Burgeo, N.L.
A fearless soldier who was completely dedicated to his mission. Survived by wife, two young daughters, and mother.
___
Cpl. Bryce Keller, 27, 1st Battalion, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry (Edmonton)
Killed: August 3, 2006 in rocket-propelled grenade attack west of Kandahar.
Hometown: Regina, Sask.
Known to friends as Smithers, Keller devoted the last nine years of his life to the military. An avid animal lover who dedicated time to the humane society. Survived by his parents, two brothers and his wife, Sarah.
___
Cpl. Christopher Reid, 34, 1st Battalion, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry (Edmonton)
Killed: Aug. 3, 2006, by a roadside bomb.
Hometown: Truro, N.S.
Dedicated to work, Reid was described as a man with an adventurous spirit who loved camping with friends or driving fast in his four-by-four truck. He is survived by parents Tom and Angela.
___
Cpl. Francisco Gomez, 44, 1st Battalion, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry (Edmonton)
Killed: July 22, 2006, when a car packed with explosives rammed his armoured vehicle.
Born: Trinidad and Tobago. Hometown: Edmonton.
Gomez was a career officer who served in the Canadian army for 23 years to “stand up to the bullies of the world.” Survived by parents Joan and George and brother Richard.
___
Cpl. Jason Warren, 29, The Black Watch, Royal Highland Regiment of Canada (Montreal, Que.)
Killed: July 22, 2006, when car packed with explosives rammed his armoured vehicle.
Hometown: Quebec City.
Army service was a long-time tradition in Warren’s family; his sister is a corporal and his grandfather is a retired brigadier-general. Warren, who also served in Bosnia, was described as a natural leader keen to make a difference in the lives of those hurt by the Taliban.
___
Cpl. Anthony Boneca, 21, Lake Superior Scottish Regiment (Thunder Bay, Ont.)
Killed: July 9, 2006, in firefight with Taliban insurgents west of Kandahar.
Hometown: Thunder Bay, Ont.
A man of courage, the fun-loving Boneca played football in his high school days. He is survived by his parents.
___
22458 Nichola Goddard
Capt. Nichola Goddard, 26, 1st Royal Canadian Horse Artillery (Shilo, Man.)
Killed: May 17, 2006, in Taliban ambush during battle in Panjwaii district.
Born: Papua New Guinea. Hometown: Calgary.
The first Canadian woman to die in a combat role, Goddard was a dog lover and active volunteer for the Calgary girl guides. She loved being in the thick of the action. She is survived by her husband, parents and sisters.
___
Cpl. Matthew Dinning, 23, 2nd Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group (Petawawa, Ont.)
Killed: April 22, 2006, when armoured vehicle struck by a roadside bomb.
Hometown: Richmond Hill, Ont.
Dinning was a tough and resilient hockey player who is survived by his parents and brother. His death became a lightning rod for criticism of Ottawa when his father complained about federal policy concerning media coverage of repatriation ceremonies.
___
Bombardier Myles Mansell, 25, 5th Field Artillery Regiment (Victoria, B.C)
Killed: April 22, 2006, when armoured vehicle struck by a roadside bomb.
Hometown: Victoria, B.C.
Mansell loved being a soldier; he sent flowers and a teddy bear to fiancee Lindsay Sullivan three weeks before his death. He is survived by Sullivan and his parents.
___
Cpl. Randy Payne, 32, CFB/ASU Wainwright Military Police Platoon (Wainwright, Alta.)
Killed: April 22, 2006, when armoured vehicle struck by a roadside bomb.
Hometown: Born in Lahr, Germany. Grew up at military bases in Ontario
and Germany; family settled in Gananoque, Ont., when he was a teenager.
“He was also a very dedicated husband,” said Rev. Larry Keddie. “He also loved his children. He loved them deeply and cared about them.” He is survived by his wife, two young children, parents and a brother in the armed forces.
___
Lieut. William Turner, 45, Land Force Western Area Headquarters (Edmonton)
Killed: April 22, 2006, when armoured vehicle struck by a roadside bomb.
Hometown: Toronto.
Left a bottle of whisky with a friend to be opened upon his safe return. A competitive cyclist celebrated for his prowess and team spirit, Turner was described as a courageous and hard- working soldier.
___
Pte. Robert Costall, 22, 1st Battalion, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry (Edmonton)
Killed: March 29, 2006, in firefight with Taliban insurgents.
Hometown: Thunder Bay, Ont.
A machine-gunner who took pride in his job and in being Canadian; survived by wife Chrissy, baby son Colin and parents.
___
Master Cpl. Timothy Wilson, 30, 2nd Battalion, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry (Shilo, Man.)
Killed: March 4, 2006, when armoured vehicle ran off the road in Kandahar area.
Hometown: Grand Prairie, Alta.
Selfless, highly respected man; died in a U.S. military hospital in Germany with wife Daphne and mother Jane at his side.
___
Cpl. Paul Davis, 28, 2nd Battalion, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry (Shilo, Man.)
Killed: March 2, 2006, when armoured vehicle ran off the road in Kandahar area.
Hometown: Bridgewater, N.S.
Dedicated soldier remembered for his bravery and camaraderie with fellow soldiers; survived by wife, Melanie, young daughters, father, and stepmother.
___
Pte. Braun Woodfield, 24, 2nd Battalion, Royal Canadian Regiment (Oromocto, N.B)
Killed: Nov. 24, 2005, when armoured vehicle rolled over near Kandahar.
Hometown: Eastern Passage, N.S.
Carried on a family tradition when he joined the military; served as a peacekeeper in Haiti; survived by sister Lyndi and parents Daniel and Beverley.
___
Cpl. Jamie Murphy, 26, 1st Battalion, Royal Canadian Regiment (Petawawa, Ont.)
Killed: Jan, 27. 2004, five days before ending tour, in suicide bombing attack while on patrol near Kabul.
Hometown: Conception Harbour, N.L.
A practical joker whose smile and winning nature kept him out of trouble, Murphy had planned to propose to his girlfriend upon return. He is survived by parents and three siblings.
___
Cpl. Robbie Beerenfenger, 29, 3rd Battalion, Royal Canadian Regiment (Petawawa, Ont.)
Killed: Oct. 2, 2003, in landmine explosion southwest of Kabul.
Hometown: Ottawa.
Described as always ready to take charge and give his all in battle, Beerenfenger is survived by wife Tina, baby daughter Madison and mother.
___
Sgt. Robert Short, 42, 3rd Battalion, Royal Canadian Regiment (Petawawa, Ont.)
Killed: Oct. 2, 2003, in landmine explosion southwest of Kabul.
Hometown: Fredericton, N.B.
An ardent Toronto Maple Leafs fan who believed Stanley Cup glory was just around the corner. Described as a practical, optimistic man who through devotion and determination accomplished extraordinary things on a regular basis. Survived by wife Susan.
___
Cpl. Ainsworth Dyer, 24, 3rd Battalion, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry (Edmonton)
Killed: April 18, 2002, when U.S. F-16 fighter plane mistakenly bombed
Canadians on pre-dawn training exercises. (Note: it was still April 17 in Canada due to the time difference)
Hometown: Montreal, Que.
Paratrooper with astonishing endurance; once finished military triathlon with a broken foot; survived by father Paul, sister Carolyn and fiancee Jocelyn Van Sloten.
___
Pte. Richard Green, 21, 3rd Battalion, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry (Edmonton)
Killed: April 18, 2002, when U.S. F-16 fighter plane mistakenly bombed Canadians on pre-dawn training exercises.
Hometown: Mill Cove, N.S.
Paratrooper known for intense work ethic that earned him parachute jump wings before heading to Afghanistan. Known as Ricky, kept quiet about accomplishments but never shied away from hard work. After death, a friend retrieved an engagement ring from his belongings and gave it to his high school sweetheart Miranda Boutilier.
___
Sgt. Marc Leger, 29, 3rd Battalion, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry (Edmonton)
Killed: April 18, 2002, when U.S. F-16 fighter plane mistakenly bombed Canadians on pre-dawn training exercises.
Hometown: Lancaster, Ont.
A humanitarian who served in Bosnia and dedicated himself to rebuilding a shattered village in the Livno Valley; survived by wife and parents.
___
Pte. Nathan Smith, 26, 3rd Battalion, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry (Edmonton, Alta.)
Killed: April 18, 2002, when U.S. F-16 fighter plane mistakenly bombed Canadians on pre-dawn training exercises.
Hometown: Tatamagouche, N.S.
Optimistic and good natured, friends say Smith faced all situations with a lovable, goofy smile.
________________________________________
In This Issue 41:
To find an article: copy title into the search bar on the top of the website and press the ‘enter’ key.
To search for an individual: type their name into the search bar and press the ‘enter’ key.
CDS Message;
Polar Bears Sighted Off RMC;
Ex Cadets In The News;
Where Are They Now?
Catching Up With The News;
Commandant Series;
Career Opportunities;
Who Am I?
Mon Oncle André;
Remembrance;
1914-18 Vigil;
Last Call For Calgary Pub Night;
Deaths; and
We Get e-Mails.