B.C. soldier killed in CFB Wainwright fire ‘loved his army family,’ mother says

A fire at a Canadian military base in Alberta on Saturday killed four Canadian Armed Forces members, including two from B.C. Private Aidan Goulding, 23, was from North Vancouver and served with the 3rd Battalion, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry.

His mother, Sonia Monk, told Global News that her son would not want people to dwell on his death, but to pray for his fellow wounded soldiers. She said that was the kind of person Aidan was. His death, Monk said, has left a huge hole in the family. He made them laugh, made them proud and made them incredibly resourceful. She said they can take comfort in knowing he died with his brothers; he loved his army family as much as he loved his own. She was thankful that every conversation with him ended with “I love you.”

Aidan’s brother, Wylder, said Aidan inspired him and that they were best friends as well as brothers. Wylder said no one would truly understand the bond they shared. Aidan could light up a room with his bright eyes and contagious laugh, and made everything brighter simply by being there.

Private Hayden Lykkemark, 19, was from Langley and also served with the 3rd Battalion, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry. Officials said a grass fire quickly overwhelmed soldiers at the base on Saturday after a sudden change in wind direction and strength caused the fire to spread over a large area. Investigators said it could be weeks before they determine how the fire started. Dozens were injured. Goulding’s family said their thoughts are with those still recovering.