Slain soldier remembered at service
Sgt. Kirk Taylor, 28, one of five Canadians killed in southern Afghanistan on Dec. 30, was remembered at a funeral in his Nova Scotia hometown Monday for his friendship, sense of humour and how he treated people.
The Mariners Centre arena in Yarmouth was packed as family and friends gathered to say goodbye to the reservist, who worked at a non-profit agency that helps children and adults with disabilities.
Taylor's flag-draped coffin was brought into the arena on an artillery gun carriage to the strains of Farewell to Nova Scotia. His mother, brother, sister and a long line of friends walked two by two behind his coffin.
The funeral service, which was scheduled to begin at 2 p.m. local time, began 45 minutes late and ran for nearly 90 minutes. Military officials and friends said Taylor — known as "Sgt. Morale" to the troops — was a dedicated soldier and enthusiastic about his work. He had a calm demeanour and great sense of humour.
Taylor's brother, Jim Wickens of Yarmouth, and his friends spoke during the service of their love and admiration for him. Wickens said his older brother's spirit will be with him.
"Knowing that Kirk passed away on my birthday will not grieve me," he said. "It will make me a stronger person and fill me with pride and honour and knowing that he will be with me in the years to come."
Major Gus Garant remembered Taylor as a professional gunner.
"Sgt. Taylor, although a very young NCO, became one of the key elements to achieving success," he said.
While the funeral service was public, the graveside farewell was private, marked by a 12-gun salute performed by a firing party with the 1st Field Artillery Regiment in Halifax.
Taylor, a member of the 84th Independent Field Battery, left behind a note that said he believed in Canada's mission in Afghanistan and wanted to help the Afghan people.
He was killed with three other soldiers and a journalist when their light armoured vehicle struck an improvised explosive device in Kandahar.
Funerals for Cpl. Zachery McCormack and Sgt. George Miok were held Saturday in Sherwood Park, Alta.
A service for Calgary Herald reporter Michelle Lang was held Monday in Vancouver, while Pte. Garrett Chidley will be buried in Surrey, B.C., on Tuesday.