Mother honors Canadian soldier killed in CFB Wainwright fire
A funeral in Vancouver paid tribute to Private Aidan Goulding, one of four soldiers who died when a grass fire broke out during live-fire training at CFB Wainwright.
Family, friends and members of the Canadian Armed Forces gathered at Seaforth Armoury in Vancouver on Sunday for the funeral of Private Aidan Goulding, 23, who died in a grass-fire incident during live-fire exercises at CFB Wainwright last month. The fire also claimed the lives of Sergeant Morgan Wong, Private Shaun Farrell and Private Hayden Lykkemark, and injured 39 other soldiers who were taken to hospital.
Goulding’s mother, Sonia Monk, opened the service by thanking those who had offered support in recent weeks. > "Aidan was never still. 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."
Goulding had completed his infantry training in July 2026 and served with the 3rd Battalion, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry (3PPCLI). Captain Jack O’Connell, his commander, described him as an "outgoing, confident, charismatic warrior" whose "inspiring warrior spirit" lifted his peers. > "From the warriors who had the opportunity to mentor Aidan, they all agreed that he embodied what it is to be a Patricia. He had determination that was hard to miss and when things became difficult, he was not the type of person to simply give up, rather crack a joke."
Wylder Monk, Goulding’s brother, recalled their childhood adventures and called his sibling his "best friend, worst enemy, harshest critic and fiercest competitor." He said, "Aidan really did live his life to the fullest. He went places, met people, had adventures, and got himself into situations that most people probably couldn’t even imagine."
An investigation into the fire, which was exacerbated by unusually strong winds in Alberta, remains ongoing. Monk concluded her remarks by expressing her grief and resolve: "I feel like I’m driving with one headlight. The road is still there and I’ll try to keep moving forward, but it will never be quite as bright. I love you Aidy, rest in peace, my bright light."