Pte. Aidan Goulding’s mother told mourners her son was fearless during a funeral in Vancouver for one of the four men killed at CFB Wainwright.
The Story
Family, friends and members of the Canadian Armed Forces gathered in Vancouver on Sunday for the funeral of Pte. Aidan Goulding, one of four men killed in a deadly fire at CFB Wainwright.
Goulding’s mother, Sonia Monk, began her eulogy by thanking people who had reached out and for the “outpouring” of support over the past few weeks.
“Aidan was never still,” Monk said. “He loved life and wanted to experience all of it. He was fearless, sometimes more fearless than I would have preferred. If there was a safe, sensible way to do something, Aidan usually found a more exhilarating way.”
The 23-year-old had been participating in live-fire exercises at CFB Wainwright last month as part of training for potential deployment overseas.
During the exercise, a grassfire overtook soldiers, killing Goulding as well as Sgt. Morgan Wong, Pte. Shaun Farrell and Pte. Hayden Lykkemark; another 39 soldiers were taken to hospital at the time.
Monk spoke at Seaforth Armoury, where her son’s best friend was described as his brother, Wylder, who also addressed the gathering. Wylder said he and his sibling were each other’s “best friend” and “worst enemy,” recalling their childhood mischief.
Goulding served with the 3rd Battalion, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry (3PPCLI). Capt. Jack O’Connell, the young man’s commander, described him as an “outgoing, confident, charismatic warrior” who had determination and often went “the extra mile.”
An investigation is ongoing into the incident at CFB Wainwright, including into the grass fire as Alberta saw “uncommonly strong winds” the day of the tragedy.
In closing, Monk said her son’s death left her feeling “like I’m driving with one headlight,” and she told him: “I love you Aidy, rest in peace, my bright light.”
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