Sapper Steven Marshall, 24, of Calgary was remembered for his infectious smile and for being a "protector." (CBC)

A soldier described as having an infectious smile, a competitive spirit and a fierce loyalty to his hometown hockey team has been laid to rest in Calgary.

Sapper Steven Marshall, 24, of 11 Field Squadron, 1 Combat Engineer Regiment, was killed after a homemade landmine went off while he was on foot patrol on Oct. 30 in Panjwaii district, 20 kilometres southwest of Kandahar City.

A police motorcade led a hearse transporting Marshall's body to the Centre Street Church in northeast Calgary on Tuesday.

In front of saluting RCMP officers, an honour guard carried Marshall's flag-draped casket into the church.

"Steve was many things to many people. I can tell you what he wasn't. He wasn't a fake," Marshall's friend, Evan McDade, told the crowd of about 200 mourners. "I've always known Steve was a protector. He was never afraid of anything getting in his way."

He recalled how competitive Marshall was when they played football, golf, hockey and tennis together, and how his friend was a huge Calgary Flames fan and despised the rival Edmonton Oilers.

Pallbearers carry the casket of Sapper Steven Marshall, 24, during his funeral service in Calgary on Tuesday. (Jeff McIntosh/Canadian Press)

McDade said that he'll miss the days of "laughing 'til we hurt."

"With your sacrifice, you've given me sight and you'll be my pillar of strength," he said. "You're my hero, friend, and brother. I love you man and am going to miss you like crazy."

In a statement released last week, Marshall's family praised how he lived his life with honour and pride. "We looked up to you and will strive to live our lives as you did, with courage, dedication and an uplifting spirit. We will miss your big bear hugs, your beautiful smile and the special way you loved all of us."

Lt.-Col. Mark Flint, Marshall's commanding officer said the funeral was especially poignant coming one day before Remembrance Day.

Marshall, whose regiment was based in Edmonton, was less than one week into his tour of Afghanistan when he was killed. He joined the army a little over two years ago and was deployed with the 1st Battalion, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry Battle Group.

Since 2002, 133 Canadian soldiers have been killed serving in Afghanistan. One diplomat and two aid workers have also been killed.

With files from Bryan Labby and The Canadian Press