AI-generated illustration; not a photograph of the reported event.
- calendar_today November 9, 2026
Pte. Aidan Goulding Remembered at Vancouver Funeral
Family, friends, and members of the Canadian Armed Forces gathered on Sunday at Seaforth Armoury in Vancouver to honour Pte. Aidan Goulding, a 23-year-old soldier who lost his life during a military training accident at Canadian Forces Base Wainwright. The ceremony, which included full military honours, came nearly a month after an unexpected fire claimed the lives of Goulding and three fellow Canadian soldiers during a live-fire exercise.
Tragic Fire During Military Training
Pte. Goulding was one of four soldiers who died after a grassfire swept through CFB Wainwright amid training exercises last month. The incident involved live-fire activities that were part of the soldiers' preparation for possible deployment overseas. In addition to the four fatalities—Goulding, Sgt. Morgan Wong, Pte. Shaun Farrell, and Pte. Hayden Lykkemark—the fire left 39 other soldiers injured, many of whom remain in hospital.
A Mother’s Eulogy
At the funeral, Sonia Monk, Goulding’s mother, delivered a heartfelt eulogy. She began by expressing gratitude for the "outpouring" of support her family has received in recent weeks. She described her son as "never still," emphasizing his adventurous nature and his tendency to opt for more exhilarating experiences. "Aidan was never still," Monk recalled. "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."
Memories Shared by Family
Goulding’s brother, Wylder, spoke about the close bond the siblings shared, remembering their youthful adventures—ranging from bike rides and tree climbing to skateboarding—that often ended with bumps and bruises. The family’s recollections painted a picture of a young man who thrived on new experiences and cherished his relationships.
Wider Impact of the Wainwright Tragedy
The devastating fire has had a lasting effect on military communities across Canada. In recent weeks, funerals have also been held for Sgt. Morgan Wong and Pte. Shaun Farrell. The incident has raised awareness of the risks associated with live-fire exercises and the importance of honouring those who serve.
Continuing Support for Affected Families
As many of the injured soldiers continue to recover, families and military personnel in Canada have rallied in support of one another. Goulding's funeral stands as a reminder of the courage and dedication displayed by Canadian soldiers, both at home and abroad.
Source: globalnews.ca.
