Friends and family of 19-year-old Hayden Lykkemark of Langley remembered him as supportive and selfless after he died in a fire at CFB Wainwright in Alberta.
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A 19-year-old Canadian Armed Forces member from Langley, Hayden Lykkemark, is being remembered by his family and friends as a selfless young man after his death in a fire at CFB Wainwright in Alberta.
Friends said Lykkemark showed an interest in joining the military at a young age. “I received a text from Hayden’s younger brother. Just two words saying, ‘Hayden’s dead’,” Caden Orr, a friend of Lykkemark, said.
Orr said he met Lykkemark in Grade 9 English class and that they became “instant friends.” He described Lykkemark as “a great friend,” saying he was funny and supportive to everyone around him, particularly his family and friends.
Trevor Plater, a former coach, said Lykkemark was a team player who looked after his teammates. “He always looked after his teammates, took care of them,” Plater said, adding that Lykkemark seemed to notice when someone was struggling and would talk with them.
Lykkemark played rugby at Langley Secondary School in Grade 12 and joined the military soon after high school, according to friends and a rugby club statement shared online.
Lykkemark was one of four soldiers killed in the fire at CFB Wainwright on Saturday. The victims served in the 3rd Battalion Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry, based in Edmonton.
In an online post, the Langley Rugby Club said Lykkemark “was a dedicated student, athlete, teammate, and friend who made a positive impact on those around him,” adding that he was known for his character, determination, and willingness to support others.
A GoFundMe was established by Lykkemark’s close friend and T-Bird Alum, Kane Lewis, to help ease the financial burden facing Lykkemark’s family.
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