Sgt. Robert Dynerowicz remembered Monday in Kitchener, Ont.
CBC News | Posted: May 1, 2017 5:54 PM | Last Updated: May 1, 2017
"I know our whole family will miss him, because he is such a gem. He is one in a million," aunt says
The body of Sgt. Robert Dynerowicz was laid to rest Monday morning after family and friends gathered at the Henry Walser Funeral Home in Kitchener to pay their last respects.
Dynerowicz died on April 25 after he was involved in an accident while riding in a light armoured vehicle during training at CFB Wainwright, Alta.
- Soldier killed, 3 others hurt in training exercise at CFB Wainwright
- Crowds welcome home body of Sgt. Robert Dynerowicz in Kitchener, Ont.
"This has been a really tough time for my family," said Dynerowicz's aunt Darlene Karnupis after his body arrived in Kitchener on Friday. "We've all been a little bit on edge, a little bit unable to sleep, quiet."
"I'm going to miss him deeply and I know our whole family will miss him, because he is such a gem. He is one in a million. He was always happy - always happy - and you wanted to be around him. He was just a warm, happy person. So, I think it's going to be a most difficult time."
Other members of the family remember Dynerowicz as being a loyal confident, a reliable son and a protective big brother.
The last time cousin Britney Karnupis saw Dynerowicz was at her cousin's wedding in the summer of 2014.
"We had such a beautiful conversation," she recalled on Friday. "It was like a big brother vibe from him. He always had my back, he always had my best interests and he always made me feel good. He just had a lot of love for his family and for his country."
Although the death has hit the family hard, cousin Olivia Dynerowicz said she was encouraged to see the support from people in the community, most of whom are complete strangers.
"It's quite amazing to see just how much of an impact Rob had on Canada and on our family as well," she said on Friday. "He was like a hero to everybody. So, it's kind of amazing to see just how much respect and honour he is getting from his time and life he served here."