Cpl. James Hayward Arnal, the Canadian soldier who was killed by a roadside bomb near Kandahar City Friday, was "a thrill seeker" who lived "life to the fullest," says his family.
Arnal died in Afghanistan after he was struck by an improvised explosive device (IED) buried in the ground during a night patrol in the Panjwaii district.
Arnal had given up a fairly lucrative career in the private sector to join the military four years ago.
Maj. Michael Wright, the commanding officer of the Second Battalion of the Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry, said it was Arnal's second tour in Afghanistan.
"He had already served with distinction in Kandahar province from August 2006 to February 2007," Maj. Wright said. "During that tour he was involved in a massive firefight with the Taliban and participated in September 2006's Operation Medusa.
"As soon as he returned to Canada he was looking for ways to go back, and this past February he got his wish."
"We don't have words to express the sorrow all Jim's family and friends are feeling," said a statement from his family released by the military.
"He lived life as fearless as he executed his role in Afghanistan, living life to its fullest. The Canadian Forces provided him with the opportunity to travel and he made friends all around the world. He was a thrill seeker and was always on the go."
Another soldier with Arnal was also hurt, but was not seriously injured.
The head of Canadian forces in Afghanistan, Brig.-Gen. Denis Thompson, said Arnal was a "dedicated soldier" who had a "very promising career ahead of him."
Prime Minister Stephen Harper said in a statement, Arnal was "an outstanding Canadian" who will be mourned.
Liberal Leader Stephane Dion released a statement on his website expressing his condolences.
"This tragic incident reminds us of the risks and sacrifices the men and women of our Canadian Forces face on a daily basis, as they work to build a brighter future for the people of Afghanistan," he said in the statement.
Arnal is the 88th Canadian soldier killed in Afghanistan. He was based out of CFB Shilo, Man.
Some Canadian government and military officials have tried to put a positive spin on the mission in recent months, despite increased attacks by Taliban fighters. Thompson left little doubt the situation is difficult.
"Of course, soldiers are also not afraid to talk about the challenges faced here in Afghanistan," Thompson said.
"Let there be no doubt -- we do have our work cut out for us."
Thompson said NATO and Canadian soldiers will have to take a longer-term strategy, but they will succeed.
"This insurgency is not going to be defeated in the short term, which is why our focus is on winning the trust of the Afghan people, and building up local government and security institutions."
But the situation remains volatile. On Saturday, just hours after Arnal's death, a suicide bomber blew himself up in a separate attack on a road to Kandahar Airfield. The bomber was spotted by police and died when he detonated the bomb while running away. A boy and a police officer were also hurt.
Nine militants were also killed by Afghan troops in another incident. They had attacked a supply convoy.
With files from The Canadian Press
