Friends and fellow soldiers who served alongside Pte. Colin William Wilmot, killed Sunday by an explosion in Afghanistan, remembered him as a caring friend and a dedicated medic.
"He was always there for you no matter what, always helped you, no questions asked -- even if it wasn't in his best interest," said Cpl. Genevieve Dureau during a memorial service at the camp where Wilmot was based.
"He'd walk around with this really goofy smile on his face all the time. I don't know why. He just did. He was always happy, no matter what the situation was. Colin, you were the nicest guy I've ever met and you will be greatly missed."
Wilmot, 24, was on an early morning foot patrol in the Panjwaii district near Kandahar City when the explosion occurred Sunday morning.
"His colleagues worked very hard to save his life and brought him out on a stretcher (and) airlifted him to hospital," Alexander Panetta, a reporter with The Canadian Press, told CTV's Canada AM on Monday.
"They worked as hard to save him as he did to save others."
One of Wilmot's friends, Melissa Laagland-Winder, of Oromocto, N.B., said the soldier was always smiling and happy.
She told The Canadian Press that Wilmot often joked that he became a medic to emulate the doctors on MASH -- a TV military series.
Wilmot was with 1 Field Ambulance of 2nd Battalion, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry Battle Group, based in Edmonton. He had not been scheduled to join the current rotation in Afghanistan but he had demanded to be sent.
"He quickly marched in to see his regiment sergeant-major to indicate he was eager to serve,'' said Brig.-Gen. Denis Thompson, Canada's top soldier in Afghanistan.
"Colin wanted it known that should a spot become available on the mission, he wanted in.
"He was selected to fill a vacancy soon after, because he was motivated, he was skilled, and because he was eager to make a difference in the lives of ordinary Afghans.''
Born to Serve
Wilmot was no stranger to the military.
His stepfather, Eric Craig, is a warrant officer posted in Petawawa.
Craig learned of Wilmot's death during his own preparations to leave for a tour in Afghanistan with 2 Royal Canadian Horse Artillery.
Wilmot's regimental flag is now flying at half mast at Edmonton Garrison, where his name will soon be added to a remembrance wall for soldiers killed in Afghanistan.
Members of 1 Field Ambulance will provide an honour guard at the soldier's funeral.
Before heading to CFB Trenton, where Wilmot's remains will be repatriated, Defence Minister Peter MacKay issued a statement saying Wilmot was "a dedicated and professional soldier, who will be dearly missed."
"His sacrifice will not be forgotten."
On Monday, Prime Minister Stephen Harper, Liberal Leader Stephane Dion and Gov. Gen. Michaelle Jean also expressed their condolences following Wilmot's death.
Harper said the thoughts and prayers of Canadians are with Wilmot's family and friends.
"The dedication and bravery of Private Wilmot will long be remembered by Canadians and Afghans alike. We mourn the loss of this exceptional Canadian," the prime minister said in a statement.
Dion said he was saddened to hear about the loss of Wilmot.
"This latest incident is a terrible reminder of the dangers that men and women of the Canadian Forces face each day, as they serve their country and the people of Afghanistan to promote a safe and secure world," he said in a statement.
Jean said Canadians must salute Wilmot's courage and commitment to humanity.
Wilmot, who was based out of Edmonton, is the 87th Canadian soldier to be killed in the mission in Afghanistan.
He is the first Canadian soldier killed in combat since early June.
Wilmot is survived by his fiancee Laura.
With files from The Canadian Press
