He is the first Canadian to be killed since Canada ended its combat mission in Kandahar province at the end of July. Just four days before Master Cpl. Byron Greff was killed by a suicide bomber in Afghanistan, the new father locked eyes with his 10-day old daughter, her tiny right leg dangling between his fingers.

An avid fisherman and runner as well as having a passion for old cars.

Manning, a native of Chicoutimi, Que., was an artillery soldier and radar operator, who spent the better part of a nearly completed tour at a remote base amid the desolate hard scrub villages of western Panjwaii.

Corporal Scherrer was an extraordinary Canadian whose commitment and sacrifice for his country will always be remembered

An adventurous and courageous hero.

He was down to earth and he treated everybody the way people deserve to be treated. He loved what he did.

"Absolutely selfless, "a true warrior" and "a true hero" who "put his friends and section mates first".

She was a mentor and an inspiration for her fellow medical technicians. Kristal loved life to the fullest. She was a wonderful friend, always opening her heart to everyone in need. Kristal prided herself on her health and fitness, although she always felt the solution to any problem could be found in a box of chocolates.

Andrew was very confident in both his soldier and clinical skills. He wanted nothing more than to be part of the Health Services Unit for ROTO 9, in Afghanistan, so that he could put his skills to the test.

MacNeil was planning a new chapter in his life and had just become engaged to Laura, a teacher living in Glace Bay as well, hoping to eventually buy a house and become stationed in Sydney, N.S.

Martin was easygoing. He never argued, he was funny and he always had so much energy. He was a joker who liked to kid around and he never sweated the small stuff. When it came to his job, his men always came first. His priority was looking after his troops.

He was funny and he loved life, very outgoing. He'd do anything for you. He took care of his friends.

Parker was born and raised in Oakville, Ont. A 1990 graduate of the University of Western Ontario, Parker was married with two young children.

His platoon brothers and friends will remember Kevin, better known as Mickey to his buddies, as a dependable and generous man with a quick wit and great sense of humour, which was exemplified by his awesome moustache," His platoon brothers and friends will remember Kevin, better known as Mickey to his buddies, as a dependable and generous man with a quick wit and great sense of humour, which was exemplified by his awesome moustache.

He had a great smile and a genuine laugh and his friends considered themselves very lucky to have known him. Blake, who coached pee-wee hockey and competed in triathlons, leaves behind his wife and two sons.

He never allowed the small things to get to him and was often the rock upon which his comrades depended, his enthusiasm and strong will was an inspiration to his platoon.

Darren, or Fitz, as his army buddies called him, was a former high-school football centre. He was a big, strong, kind-hearted young man who loved the outdoors and was a consummate team player

While he was frustrated that progress was slow, Josh was hoping to make a difference in Afghanistan. He valued the experience working with Afghans gave him.

He was a leader who led from the front. His troops have lost an extraordinary friend who died leading and protecting them.

Chidley, from Cambridge, Ont., could always beat his friends and fellow soldiers at video games. He was a great driver, the one you wanted for difficult tasks. Chidley loved to talk about his family, especially time spent with his father, Cam.

He was a very caring individual who always lent a helping hand to others. He always had a way of raising morale by making the rest of the section laugh.

A dedicated officer who was well-liked by his troops. The welfare of his soldiers came first, and they knew they could turn to him for advice and guidance.

Known as "Sgt. Morale" because of his sense of humour and calm demeanour. He enjoyed a challenge, and though he didn't seek the spotlight, he would take the difficult jobs without complaint.

Andrew was an officer, a soldier and a friend to all. He always had a smile on his face, he came to Afghanistan because he honestly believed that he could make a difference to the people of Afghanistan and he demonstrated that every time he went on patrol.

Steven will be remembered as the life of his section. He had an incredible sense of humour and a contagious grin that never left his face even in the most difficult of times. He would embrace every situation and always found and shared that silver lining with his mates

Justin was a dedicated family man and spent every possible moment with his wife and son, growing up in Saskatchewan, he was an easy going prairie boy who preferred sitting around the backyard with his good friends, his family and a cold drink.

He knew how to bring humour to the most difficult of times. And in moments of down time, he never missed an occasion to talk to us about his passions: hockey, his Mustang, and the love of his life, Andréanne.

Lormand came to do right by Afghanistan, to serve Canada's objective to help bring peace, a chance for lasting security and a better environment to live and raise a family.

His devotion and desire were unsurpassed, he was a very generous man with a heart as big as the three barbells he liked to lift at the gym.

Yannick possessed human values and remarkable compassion. Pepin is survived by his partner, Annie, and their two children, Alexandra and Charles

He was a great father and he loved his wife and his children. He was very compassionate. He will be remembered as a brave role model and loving father.

Proud to be a member of the gang and gave his all to his work, which was always well done.

Regarded as "the guys' technical reference", he was "kind of the clown of his section, a really happy guy. He made disagreeable situations agreeable.

His tragic passing illustrates some of the risks that the selfless men and women of the Canadian Forces face every day in carrying out their duties.

Audet was on his first deployment to Afghanistan. He is survived by a wife, Katherine, and his parents.

Joanette was on his third deployment. He leaves behind a wife, Marie-Eve.

Very close to his men, he looked after their well-being constantly.

He was doing great. He loved it. He really loved it, and thought that's where he should be.

"His work has saved the lives of his peers, of Afghan National Security Forces and Afghan civilians."

"Pélo, as named by his friends, was a strong man, remarkably fit and very courageous,"

Mendes was among 11 soldiers who returned to Canada for treatment in September 2006, after being injured in Afghanistan.

Blais had only been in the "theatre of operations" for two weeks and was ready to begin her tour of duty and conduct security patrols in the area.

"He was happy to be a soldier"

"He was coming back in three weeks," "We were going to plan his wedding. I was going to be the best man."

"Was a proud and dedicated soldier who always put his friends and family before himself."

"Always knew the danger, but he also knew what it meant to the people he was helping." "His main reason (to be in Afghanistan) was to help them achieve freedom and democracy. He was loved and respected by all his friends."

He was supposed to propose to his girlfriend as soon as he got back. We were going to help him get an apartment, help him start his life.

Someone who always had an infectious smile on his face, no matter what the challenge. Brown is survived by a wife and four children.

Was a fan of the Montreal Canadiens and known to his comrades as Dany-O.

A proud, dedicated soldier, who had a bright future ahead of him. He could accomplish anything in his life and everyone had the same faith in him.

"He was a singer and he enjoyed playing guitar. He was also well-liked by his team members for his sense of humour and he will be sorely missed,"

"Brian was a caring, outgoing and a dedicated family man. Brian died doing what he wanted to do and what he truly believed in,"

He cared about his soldiers above just about everything else and the only thing he cared second to his soldiers was absolute success in everything he (did) as a soldier," Sgt. Kruse’s wife, Jill, remembered him as a loving husband and father of three young daughters, Kari and twins Victoria and Megan.

Guy Roberge said his son was a lifelong soldier who loved his work in the military. He was stationed in Germany for seven years and served in Bosnia. Gaetan Roberge is survived by his wife, Joanne, and two children, a 17-year-old daughter and a 13-year-old son. "He was quick to laugh, quick to love, and always did the best that he could."

This was Private Freeman's first tour in Afghanistan. He had tremendous enthusiasm and was dedicated to the mission and to his fellow section mates. Michael was an avid golfer and would wear a huge smile on his face when he had a chance to play.

Private Curwin was remembered as a strong family man, dedicated to his three children and wife Laura Mae. "John's buddies say that he was the most mature among them, a voice of reason when they got rambunctious and planned to get into mischief,"

Corporal Thomas Hamilton, or "Hammy," as an avid outdoorsman, who loved to fish, hunt and barbeque, and who was devoted to his daughter Annabella. The bearded corporal was a veteran of Haiti currently serving his third tour in Afghanistan.

Private Jones, or "Jonesy," was described as "a friendly Newfoundlander who loved to play the guitar and drive his pick-up truck ... the sort of fellow that would give you the shirt off his back."

Pte. Diplaros, known to friends and comrades as "Dip" because of their inability to pronounce his last name, was on his first tour in Afghanistan. "He was very happy. He understood all the circumstance. He knew he was there to serve his county," said the father. "He told me it was a crazy situation there."

Mark returned to duty after being injured while serving in the country two years ago and was a month away from coming home for a visit, his grieving father said. "They were there to do something. He believed in it."

Wilson was a career soldier and no stranger to Afghanistan, said his aunt Debbie Sedore, when reached at her home in Keswick last night. "He had gone over there lots and lots of times." Wilson was born and raised in Keswick until he joined the military at 18. He had a daughter, Emily, and son, Owen, both under the age of 10.

Shipway of Saskatchewan was a veteran of deployments in Kosovo, Bosnia and Cyprus. "He loved his (2) kids. They were his No. 1 priority. He was coming home to see them Wednesday," Shipway's father, Charles, said in an emotional interview. Shipway leaves a wife, a six-year-old son and a four-year-old daughter.

On his second tour in Afghanistan he had been wounded in a previous battle. Brig. Gen. Denis Thompson said he "brought confidence to those around him." On Aug. 24, Grenon was the recipient of a Canadian Expeditionary Forces Commander's Commendation for an incident that occurred earlier. "Andrew's actions prevented the outbreak of a riot and saved the lives of two soldiers," reads the bravery award's inscription.

Horn 21, was a professional, hard-working soldier. Brig. Gen. Denis Thompson said he had "unlimited potential and was admired by his peers. His ability to act under fire saved many lives during the tour."

Seggie came from a family of Patricias, as both his father and uncle served with the regiment. Brig. Gen. Denis Thompson said Seggie was "cool under fire. He often made himself the brunt of jokes just to get a laugh out of his section. He was a great communicator and had learned several Pashtun phrases in order to work better with the local population."

Shawn leaves behind a wife and two young daughters.

Cpl. Wasden leaves behind a wife and young daughter.

MCpl. Doyle grew up in Kamloops, B.C., where he played high-school football and enjoyed working on cars and trucks. MCpl. Doyle leaves behind his wife, Nicole, and a daughter, Zarine.

Roberts is from Saskatoon and was serving as a crew commander with the 9th Platoon, Charlie Company. He had served with the Canadian Forces for more than a decade, having started in the reserves as an infantry soldier with the Calgary Highlanders. Master Cpl. Roberts was engaged to be married and his fiancée was expecting a child within the next month.

Arnal had given up a fairly lucrative career in the private sector to join the military four years ago. It was Arnal's second tour in Afghanistan. He had already served with distinction in Kandahar province from August 2006 to February 2007. During that tour he was involved in a massive firefight with the Taliban and participated in September 2006's Operation Medusa. As soon as he returned to Canada he was looking for ways to go back, and this past February he got his wish.

Private Wilmot was 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.

Downey, an airman and military police officer based in Dundurn, Sask., was serving at Camp Mirage, a major supply post and staging base for Canadian warships and aircraft. It offers logistical support to Canada's mission in Afghanistan.

Members of Captain Snyder’s patrol tried to extract him from the well, but were unsuccessful. Medical, engineering and search and rescue assets were rushed to the scene, and Capt Snyder was lifted out of the well. He was evacuated by helicopter to the Multi-National Medical Unit at Kandahar Airfield, but sadly was pronounced dead upon arrival.

Captain Leary was born in Brantford, Ontario on 11 September 1975. He attended McMasters University, graduating with a BA in History. This was his first overseas mission. Captain Leary leaves behind his wife Rachel, his parents Rick and Gail and his sister Brandy. Captain Leary and his wife Rachel had no children.

Michael was born and raised in Calgary, where he worked as a paramedic for three years. Starker was married but had no children.

Street, 24, was born in Gatineau (formerly Hull), Que., but grew up in British Columbia, He had been in Afghanistan for a little over a month of what was to have been a six-month deployment. He was killed while his unit was redeploying for the evening after a day operating "outside the wire," or off the base.

His family noted in a statement issued by the military, "Jason loved his job, he loved the military, and his fellow soldiers loved him back. His world was his daughter, Mackenzie, his wife, Alison, his dogs and his family. This was his third tour in Afghanistan. We have always, and still do, support this mission.”

Had been on base for only two weeks.

Michael was nearing the end of his tour in Afghanistan. Based out of Edmonton, Michael was deployed to Afghanistan later than the rest of the regiment, just before Christmas, to replace a driver who had been injured. Michael has family in Edmonton and Vancouver.

Etienne, a combat engineer, was born in Quebec City, and was based in Valcartier.

Richard had been a member of the 12e Régiment blindé du Canada — an armoured regiment — since October 2004. It was his first regimental assignment. Richard is survived by his pregnant wife and 4-year old-stepson.

Labbe served alongside Massouh during a 2002 rotation in the former Yugoslavia. It was the Rimouski native's only other overseas posting during a six-year career with the military.

Massouh was born in Alexandria, Egypt. Massouh was a career soldier, serving in the Forces for more than 17 years. He was also a veteran of several overseas missions. Prior to joining the Afghan mission earlier this summer, Massouh had previously been deployed to Haiti, Croatia, Somalia and twice more to the former Yugoslavia. He leaves behind a five year old daughter.

"Jonathan lived the major part of his life in the city of Gatineau. He loved his city, his small part of the country, and his neighbourhood. He wanted more than anything else to make a difference in the world around him. He died doing what he loved best, to be a soldier and serve his country."

Cpl. Beauchamp is survived by his wife Cpl. Dolorès Crampton, an ambulance technician in the Canadian Forces, who is also serving in Afghanistan. They lived in Pont-Rouge, QC for three years prior to deployment. Also left behind are his children Alexander and Josiann, parents Nicole and Robert Beauchamp, older brother David (Nancy) and other family members.

Lévesque leaves an 18-year-old pregnant fiancée in Rivière-Rouge, a small village north of the Laurentians. Just last week, the young couple became engaged while Levesque was on a two-week leave.

Hornburg he had been working to repair a broken tread on a Leopard tank.

Major Ruckpaul was found significantly injured within the confines of the ISAF HQ in Kabul and later died of his injuries.

Pte Simon Longtin was killed after the vehicle he was traveling in, a LAV III, struck an Improvised Explosive Device (IED). The incident occurred roughly 1:41 am Kandahar time, approximately 20 km West of Kandahar City.

Colin leaves behind his partner Katrina Blain, and their newborn daughter.

Mathew leaves behind his wife and son.

Jefferson leaves behing one son.

Joel leaves behind his fiancée Anne Thede.

The group was part of a re-supplying mission to Canadian troops in a forward operating base in Kharghiz district, as part of Operation Adalat, when the roadside bomb detonated.

Master Cpl. Darrell Jason Priede was a military imagery technician.

Corporal McCully was a member of the Joint Task Force Afghanistan, Operational Mentor and Liaison Team.

One of 13 siblings, Klumpenhower was remembered by his aunt as having bright blue eyes and a "beautiful smile." She also described her nephew as a born soldier who was cut out for his chosen profession. She said he originally enlisted with plans to stay short term, but found the military to be such a good fit that he decided to stay on.

Pentland had joined the military three years ago and was working as a driver on his first deployment. He was born on the Canadian military base at Lahr, Germany, and grew up near CFB Gagetown, N.B. Patrick had spent some of his recent leave time with his mother, Gabriele, in Germany.

Stewart was a husband to Christa, and a father of two girls, ages 9 and 12. He had been in the military for nine years. He was on his second tour in Afghanistan and on his third overseas mission, after having been deployed to Bosnia in 2001.

Sergeant Lucas leaves behind his wife and two children.

Aaron leaves behind one daughter.

Megeney, the youngest of three siblings, had been in Afghanistan since Dec. 8 with the Nova Scotia Highlanders. Generations of the Megeney family have enlisted with that regiment.

A career soldier, CWO Girouard was a father of three. Two of his children are in the Canadian military.

Only three years away from retirement, Cpl. Storm was a decorated soldier who had been deployed to many parts of the world.

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.

A funny guy who made others laugh with an instant recall of Chuck Norris jokes. Survived by his father, mother, stepfather, and siblings.

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.

A man who led his troops by example and whose bravery saved many lives on the day he died. Participated in sports such as hockey and taekwondo with his children. Survived by wife Maureen, two teenage children and parents.

Known to his friends as Jim, Mitchell strived to be the best. Survived by wife Leanne, two sons and a daughter, and his parents.

Charming and charismatic with a passion for sports; an enthusiastic member of his high school basketball team. Survived by mother and brother.

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 both his wife, four children, parents, three brothers and a sister.

A friendly man and video game enthusiast in his high school days, Byers was killed before his fianceé Chantelle Roy was to give birth to their child. Survived by Roy, parents and brother.

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.

An animal lover and proud owner of a dog, Lokie; served two tours of duty in Bosnia before being deployed to Afghanistan. Survived by sister Shannon.

Graham was a member of Canada's Olympic 4x400 metre relay team in 1992. Colleagues and friends described him as a natural leader with the ability to comfort and motivate those around him.

Cushley was a man who exhibited strong leadership qualities and a fierce love of family. Survived by parents and three sisters.

A long-time auto racing fan, Mellish is survived by his parents, wife Kendra -- who still serves in the Canadian air force -- and two young boys.

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.

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. He is survived by parents Hank and Avril.

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.

A medic, affectionately known as Boomer and described by colleagues as brave and goofy; survived by father Hans, mother Maureen and brothers.

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.

Arndt found a sense of purpose in the military; survived by wife of nine months, Darcia.

Parents began network for those who have lost children in Afghanistan; survived by mother Diane and father Gaetan.

A fearless soldier who was completely dedicated to his mission. Survived by wife, two young daughters, and mother.

Known to friends as Smithers, Keller devoted the last nine years of his life to the military. He was also an avid animal lover who dedicated time to the humane society. Keller is survived by his parents, two brothers and his wife, Sarah, whom he met on a military training course.

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.

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.

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.

A man of courage, the fun-loving Boneca played football in his high school days. He is survived by his parents.

Goddard was the first Canadian woman to die in a combat role. A dog-lover and active volunteer for the Calgary girl guides, Goddard loved being in the thick of the action. She is survived by her husband, parents and sisters.

Dinning's death became a lightning rod for criticism of Ottawa when his father complained about federal policy concerning media coverage of repatriation ceremonies. Dinning was a tough and resilient hockey player who is survived by his parents and brother.

Mansell loved being a soldier; he sent flowers and a teddy bear to fiancee Lindsay Sullivan just three weeks before his death. He is survived by fianceé and parents.

Born into a military family, Payne was a military police officer who was hand-picked to help protect Canada's top general. He is survived by his wife, two young children, parents and a brother in the armed forces.

Turner 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.

A machine-gunner who took great pride in his job and in being Canadian; survived by wife Chrissy, baby son Colin and parents.

Selfless, highly respected man; died in a U.S. military hospital in Germany with wife Daphne and mother Jane at his side.

Dedicated soldier remembered for his bravery and cameraderie with fellow soldiers; survived by wife Melanie, young daughters, mother Connie Davis, father, and stepmother. "His compassion and genuine regard for others was truly a breath of fresh air in a world filled with hurt and cruelty," Cpl. Shane Schofield said during one of three emotional eulogies.

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. Braun Woodfield could have been anything he wanted to be. He had no end to his options ... and just over two years ago he volunteered to join the army .... he volunteered to wear the Canadian flag on his shoulder because he wanted to help people.

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.

Described as always ready to take charge and give his all in battle, Beerenfenger is survived by wife Tina, two sons and baby daughter and mother. When John Beerenfenger heard that his only grandson had been killed yesterday in Afghanistan, he said a silent prayer. Then wept for hours. His grandson wouldn't approve, he thought to himself. Even though Cpl. Robbie Beerenfenger's wife had just given birth to their fourth child, he didn't think twice when he got the call to serve in Kabul.

Short was an ardent Toronto Maple Leafs fan who believed Stanley Cup glory was just around the corner. He was described as a practical, optimistic man who through devotion and determination accomplished extraordinary things on a regular basis. Survived by wife Susan.

Paratrooper with astonishing endurance; once finished military triathlon with a broken foot; survived by father Paul, sister Carolyn and fianceé Jocelyn Van Sloten. Dyer's sister Suzette Wright, 31, said it was difficult not to feel angry about the circumstance of her brother's death. "He should never have died the way he died. If he had died fighting (the enemy) we could have grieved a different way," Wright said

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, friend retrieved an engagement ring from his belongings and gave it to his high school sweetheart Miranda Boutilier.

A humanitarian who served in Bosnia and dedicated himself to rebuilding a shattered village in the Livno Valley; survived by wife and parents. On May 10 2003, his widow, Marley Léger, opened a restored community centre in the Vrbica village in Livno Valley Bosnia, which was rebuilt using money from a memorial fund and the Canadian International Development Agency.

Optimistic and good natured, friends say Smith faced all situations with a lovable, goofy smile. Nathan was the only son of Lloyd & Charlotte (Williams) Smith. H His hobbies were running, scuba diving and reading anything about the military. He had been in Kandahar six months, & planned to marry his longtime girlfriend, Jodie May Carter upon his return to Canada.

SUPPORT OUR TROOPS - WEAR RED ON FRIDAYS

BACK TO TOP | ABOUT US | NEWS | ACTIVITIES| MEMBERS | LINKS | LEST WE FORGET | HOME