Member of 84th killed in Afghanistan

According to the military, the soldiers killed included Kirk Taylor, 28, identified as being from Yarmouth.

He was a member of the 84th Independent Field Battery.

Three other soldiers – two from Edmonton, one from Cambridge, Ontario – were killed in the explosion, which also killed a Calgary Herald reporter.

They were killed Wednesday, Dec. 30 when their light-armoured vehicles were struck by an improvised explosive device.

The attack happened during a security patrol.

The Taliban has claimed responsibility for the attack.

On Thursday, Brig.-Gen. Daniel Menard — Commander of Task Force Kandahar — spoke about each of the victims.

About Taylor, Brig.-Gen Menard was reported as saying that the soldier was known as "Sgt. Morale" because of his sense of humour and calm demeanour. "He enjoyed a challenge and though he didn't seek the spotlight, he would take the difficult jobs without complaint," media reports quoted Menard as saying, while also adding that Taylor was passionate about mentoring troubled youth back home in Canada.

In a statement from the Prime Minister's office, Stephen Harper expressed his condolences. "Four brave soldiers paid the ultimate price while courageously serving their country in Kandahar. They perished seeking to help the Afghans build a better future for themselves while working tirelessly to advance Canadian values. Their sacrifice will not be forgotten. "Also fallen is a brave reporter, Michelle Lang, who lost her life reporting on the invaluable work being done by Canadian soldiers, aid workers and diplomats in Afghanistan. Her unforeseen and tragic death will be felt in Calgary and in communities across Canada."

In a statement, Peter MacKay, the minister of national defence, said, "Today I stand with all Canadians as we mourn the loss of four brave and selfless Canadian soldiers and one Canadian journalist who died after the vehicle they were riding struck an improvised explosive device (IED) while on patrol in an area south of Kandahar. "I extend my deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Sergeant George Miok, Sergeant Kirk Taylor, Corporal Zachery McCormack, and Private Garrett William Chidley who were killed yesterday while working to bring peace and security to the people of Afghanistan. My thoughts are also with the loved ones of Michelle Lang who was also killed while bravely risking her life to report on the important work Canadians are undertaking."

An emotional ramp ceremony at the Kandahar Airfield took place on Friday as five caskets carrying the four fallen soldiers and one deceased journalist began their final journey home. ........................................................

STATEMENT RELEASED BY SERGEANT KIRK TAYLOR'S MOTHER, TINA SMITH:

To begin, we would like to express our appreciation for the thoughts and prayers for our family, during this difficult time.

We admire Kirk's dedication and desire to be part of the Afghanistan mission, and his expressed wish to be part of the hope that our Canadian military is seeking to realize there. Kirk worked hard to realize his ultimate goal to deploy and of being able to contribute to hopes of the Afghan people.

As I watched my son's military aspirations progress from his early years in Sea Cadets, and then his enrollment as a reserve soldier, I saw him become the man I knew he always was. We are very proud of Kirk's dedication and commitment as a soldier.

Kirk's contributions to his civilian career with the Yarmouth Association for Community Residential Options demonstrated his pride and his passion for helping others improve their quality of life.

We will always cherish Kirk's wild, witty sense of humour, his quiet confidence, strength of character and most importantly his ability to lift the hopes of those around him.