CFB Wainwright: Remains of Pte. Aidan Goulding returned to B.C.

The remains of Pte. Aidan Goulding were returned to B.C. today, escorted by a motorcade that was saluted by local first responders.

Goulding, originally from North Vancouver, was one of four members of the Canadian Armed Forces killed in a grass fire at an army base in Wainwright, Alta. on Oct. 17.

On Wednesday, Goulding’s remains were flown into Vancouver International Airport, arriving at 12:45 p.m., before being escorted by a motorcade to a funeral home in New Westminster.

First responders paid their respects by lining the south side of Grant McConachie Way, saluting as the motorcade passes by.

Goulding had been based in Edmonton and was serving in the 3rd Battalion, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry (3 PPCLI) at the time.

The 23-year-old had just graduated in August, according to his aunt Kim Goulding.

“You were so bright, kind, and so excited, and so, so proud to serve in the CAF,” she wrote in a tribute.

Almost 40 other personnel at the site were also injured in the Oct. 17 incident.

Another victim, Pte. Hayden Lykkemark, is also from North Vancouver.

David Eby, then serving as premier, had shared his condolences to both the Lykkemark and Goulding families at the time.

“In this moment of profound heartbreak, as British Columbians and Canadians, let’s wrap our arms around their families, supporting them and joining in the mourning of this horrible tragedy,” he posted.

sip@postmedia.com