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Family members, friends, and Canadian Armed Forces personnel gathered in Vancouver on Sunday to say farewell to Private Aidan Goulding, a 23-year-old British Columbia soldier killed last month during a training exercise at CFB Wainwright in Alberta. Goulding was one of four soldiers who died when a grassfire overtook troops during live-fire exercises at the base.
A Life Lived Without Hesitation
At Seaforth Armoury, Goulding’s mother, Sonia Monk, opened her eulogy by thanking the many people who had offered support in recent weeks. She described her son as someone who approached life with rare energy and courage. “Aidan was never still,” she said. “He loved life and wanted to experience all of it. He was fearless, sometimes more fearless than I would have preferred.”
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Monk added that her son had a gift for finding the most thrilling path through any situation. If a safe and sensible option existed, she said, Aidan typically chose a more exhilarating one instead.
His brother Wylder also spoke at the funeral. He recalled the two growing up together, getting into “all kinds of mischief” — from bike riding and tree climbing to skateboarding, often ending up with scrapes along the way. “He was my best friend, my worst enemy, my harshest critic and my fiercest competitor,” Wylder said. “Aidan really did live his life to the fullest.”
Remembered as a Dedicated Soldier
Goulding served with the 3rd Battalion, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry (3PPCLI). His commanding officer, Captain Jack O’Connell, described him as an “outgoing, confident, charismatic warrior.” O’Connell told those gathered that Goulding completed his infantry training in July 2026 before joining the 3PPCLI.
O’Connell said fellow soldiers who mentored Goulding agreed he embodied what it means to be a Patricia. “He had an inspiring warrior spirit and never failed to elevate those around him,” O’Connell said. “When things became difficult, he was not the type of person to simply give up — rather crack a joke.”
The Wainwright Tragedy
Goulding had been taking part in live-fire training at CFB Wainwright in preparation for a potential overseas deployment. During the exercise, a grassfire driven by uncommonly strong winds swept through the area. Besides Goulding, the fire killed Sergeant Morgan Wong, Private Shaun Farrell, and Private Hayden Lykkemark. Another 39 soldiers required hospital treatment. Funerals for Wong and Farrell have already taken place in recent weeks.
Authorities continue to investigate the incident. However, for Goulding’s family, the focus now turns to grief and remembrance. Monk closed her eulogy with a deeply personal reflection. “I feel like I’m driving with one headlight,” she said. “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.”
