Private Aidan Goulding's Remains Returned to British Columbia After CFB Wainwright Fire
The body of Private Aidan Goulding, killed in the October grass fire at CFB Wainwright, was flown to Vancouver and taken to a funeral service, with police and fire officials attending to show solidarity.
Private Aidan Goulding, a 23-year-old soldier with the 3rd Battalion, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry, was killed in a grass fire at CFB Wainwright on Oct. 17. His remains were flown from Calgary to Vancouver on Wednesday and escorted through the city by a motorcade, where dozens of onlookers lined the streets to pay respects.
"For us to stand shoulder to shoulder with our partners from all across different agencies to show our respect and support for our members of the Canadian Armed Forces and particularly for the families of our fallen soldiers of this incident, I think is very important," Sgt. Major Ray Gardner of the Vancouver Police Department said.
"It’s important to me personally and it’s important to the nation," he added.
Brennan MacLachlan of Richmond Fire and Rescue Services, who also serves as a reservist, said attending the procession demonstrated solidarity with the military community.
The Department of National Defence reported that 39 Canadian Armed Forces members were injured in the fire, with 25 still hospitalized as of Nov. 4 and 14 released. The incident claimed four lives, including Goulding, Private Hayden Lykkemark of Langley, and two other soldiers from British Columbia.
A funeral for Goulding is scheduled at the Seaforth Armory in Vancouver on Sunday. Separate services were held for Private Shaun Farrell in Saskatchewan, attended by family, military personnel and Premier Scott Moe.