Family remembers fallen N.B. soldier as adventurer
Last Updated: Friday, March 13, 2009 | 4:54 PM AT
CBC News
Cpl. Kenneth Chad O'Quinn. (DND)Family and friends of Cpl. Kenneth Chad O'Quinn, who died last week in Afghanistan, are preparing for his funeral on Saturday, remembering him as a dedicated soldier and adventurer.
O'Quinn was killed along with Warrant Officer Dennis Raymond Brown and Cpl. Dany Fortin on March 3 when a roadside bomb detonated during a patrol in Arghandab District, about 10 kilometres northwest of Kandahar city.
Naomi Holder, O'Quinn's fiancé, spoke with reporters on Friday, describing her memories of him, such as his constant plans to learn new things and travel the world.
"He was loved [by] everyone, loved God. He was one of the most faithful, religious people I've ever met. Just was amazing," Holder said.
'I used to call him my unicorn because he didn't exist, he was perfect.'— Naomi Holder, fiancé
"I used to call him my unicorn because he didn't exist, he was perfect."
Holder and O'Quinn hadn't set a date for their wedding. Instead the couple were waiting until he finished his tour in Afghanistan to make any plans.
O'Quinn's funeral is Saturday afternoon at St. Luke's chapel on Canadian Forces Base Gagetown, near Fredericton.
Cpl. Shane Andexer is travelling from Cold Lake, Alta. for the funeral of the man whom he called a "great friend and soldier."
"Chad always looked for a new challenge. He was, by far, the most fit soldier I knew and probably the brightest," Andexer said.
"He was very, very proud to wear the uniform, really supported the mission as we all do. And I know he was looking for new challenges. He was going apply to different special units and stuff like that."
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