Pte. Shaun Farrell, who was killed in the CFB Wainwright fire in Alberta last month, has been laid to rest in his home of Prince Albert, Sask.
Pte. Farrell, of the 3rd Battalion, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry based at CFB Edmonton, died at the age of 23 on Oct. 17.
He was among the 84 members of the battalion participating in a training exercise at the rural Alberta military base when the fire started. The blaze was fanned by strong winds, according to the military.
Pte. Farrell’s friends and loved ones, as well as representatives of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) and Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe, spoke at his funeral on Wednesday morning.
Three other soldiers died and 39 CAF members were injured, according to the Department of National Defence.
LCol. James Cressall, the commanding officer of the battalion that Farrell was a part of, said the private’s leaders and fellow soldiers remembered him as a strong fighter with a sense of humour.
“Being a Patricia is not measured by rank or years of service. It is measured by character, commitment, and the respect of those who serve alongside you. By those measures, Shaun had more than earned his place among us,” Cressall said.
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“Shaun’s story will always be a part of our battalion’s story, our regiment’s story. And we will not forget him.”
The battalion’s commanding officer added that Pte. Farrell was eyeing future roles in the CAF, including reconnaissance and special operations.
Pte. Luke Jessiman, a friend of Farrell, recalled meeting him at basic training, speaking fondly of the nights they spent laughing and envisioning what their military futures may hold.
“No matter how difficult things got, Shaun always had a way of lifting the spirits of those around him,” Jessiman said.
“Sometimes the difference between giving up and carrying on is simply knowing that someone believes in you. And for me, that person was Shaun.”
Jacob McDougall had known Farrell for more than six years.
“If I had to describe Shaun in a few words, I’d describe him as outgoing, courageous, loyal, my best friend and especially my older brother,” he said, recalling the adventures they had in Farrell’s Toyota Rav4 and Ford F150.
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“Whether we were cruising down the backroads, conquering ATV trails or making trails of our own. We put those poor things through everything.”
Heloise Vermeulan, a family friend, offered remarks on behalf of Shaun Farrell’s mother.
“My boys have always been my whole world. And a piece of my life, my soul, went with you. I salute your courage, your strength, and determination. From the day you were born, I knew you were destined to make a difference,” she said.
His mother remembered him as strong-willed, fiercely loyal and having “the kindest, most mischievous heart,” Vermeulen added.
“I will forever cherish the memories of you following daddy everywhere, your unbreakable bond with your brother and our own special love language.
“I can still hear your quiet, shy ‘love you mom’ and I would give anything to be able to hear those words just one more time.”
Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe described Farrell’s determination and service as an inspiration. He offered the collective sympathies of Saskatchewinains to the family for the loss of their son.
@CAF Officer. Pathetic to use a tragedy to play soldier.
Carney is trying to cover up what happened.
R.I.P soldier.