CFB TRENTON, Ont. - The body of the latest soldier to die in Afghanistan returns to Canada on Friday.
Trooper Richard Renaud was killed when a roadside bomb blew up his light-armoured vehicle while he was on reconnaissance north of Kandahar.
Renaud, who lived in the Quebec City area, is survived by his pregnant wife, his four-year-old stepson, his parents and sister.
The 26-year-old with the 12e Regiment blinde du Canada was the 77th Canadian soldier to die in Afghanistan.
His body is to return home in a repatriation ceremony set for 2 p.m. ET at CFB Trenton in eastern Ontario.
Defence Minister Peter MacKay and other dignitaries are expected to attend.
The ceremony comes as violence escalates in Afghanistan.
Seven Canadian soldiers suffered minor injuries in two separate explosions believed to be caused by roadside bombs.
And his return follows the funeral Thursday of Warrant Officer Hani Massouh in Quebec City.
The veteran soldier died with Cpl. Eric Labbe when their light armoured vehicle toppled over on its side in wet, rugged terrain southwest of Kandahar.
Both were members of the 2nd Battalion, Royal 22nd Regiment, known as the Van Doos and based out of CFB Valcartier, Que.
