The family of an Edmonton-based solider who was killed in Afghanistan during a training accident northeast of Kandahar City says the solider was a soft-spoken man who was very proud to be in the military.
Cpl. Joshua Caleb Baker was killed in a training accident northeast of Kandahar City around 5 p.m. local time Friday. Four other soldiers were injured.
Baker, 24, was serving with the Loyal Edmonton Regiment.
On Saturday his family released a statement in which they described Baker as a soft-spoken man with a great sense of humour who loved his family above all things.
"We'll remember him as someone with a big heart, someone who got along with everyone he met and someone who would do anything for anyone," said family members in a written statement to the media. "Josh was proud to be in the military and looked forward to pursuing all the opportunities it gave him. While he was frustrated that progress was slow, Josh was hoping to make a difference in Afghanistan."
The military has not released many details about Baker's death except to say it happened during a routine training exercise. An investigation into the incident is underway.
"This type of training is normal for soldiers in theatre and essential in helping them maintain high levels of expertise," Brig. Gen. Daniel Menard said.
Menard said Baker had a laugh that lightened any situation.
"Joshua had a laugh rumoured to cure cancer," he said. "No matter where you were or how down you got, his laugh would find your ears and bring a smile to your face."
Baker, from Edmonton, was "an extremely positive, passionate" person, Menard said.
"He had a deep love for his family and worried constantly about them."
Family member say Baker had aspirations to join the Edmonton Police Service when he returned from duty and also enjoy the new home he had just purchased. Baker was not married, but does leave behind a girlfriend.
"Josh will be missed always and loved forever. His memories will always live on in our hearts," said family in a statement.
The injured soldiers were taken by helicopter to the medical facility at Kandahar Airfield. They are in stable condition, the Department of National Defence said in a statement. Their names will not be released.
Baker's repatriation ceremony will be held at 2 p.m. Monday at CFB Trenton. The ceremony will be followed by a cavalcade west along the stretch of Highway 401 called the Highway of Heroes.
In offering his condolences to Baker's family, Prime Minister Stephen Harper said Baker "served valiantly in order to build a better future for Afghanistan."
Defence Minister Peter MacKay and Gov. Gen. Michaelle Jean issued similar statements.
Baker's loss will be honoured by a sustained effort "to bring freedom, democracy and respect for human rights and the rule of law to Afghanistan," MacKay said.
He also wished the injured soldiers a speedy recovery.
Jean said she was "deeply saddened" by the loss of Baker, who "merits our wholehearted admiration."
Baker is the second Canadian soldier to die in Afghanistan this year, and the 140th killed during Canada's eight-year mission in the country.
With a report from CTV's Janis Mackey Frayer in Afghanistan and files from The Canadian Press
