Oh Canada: Some Gave All

Lt. Justin Garrett Boyes

Canadian soldier killed in Afghanistan

Last Updated: Wednesday, October 28, 2009 | 5:35 PM ET

One Canadian soldier was killed and two were injured Wednesday in Afghanistan by an improvised explosive device.

Lt. Justin Garrett Boyes, 26, was killed when his foot patrol was hit by the blast, at about 9 a.m. local time, 20 kilometres southwest of Kandahar City in Panjwayi district.

Boyes belonged to the 3rd Battalion Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry based in Edmonton and was 10 days into his second deployment to Afghanistan when he was killed. At the time of his death, Boyes was mentoring an Afghan national police patrol.

Two other soldiers who were wounded in the incident were treated at the Kandahar Airfield medical facility and are in good condition.

Boyes is survived by his wife Alanna and son, James, 3, his parents Angela and David, a brother serving with the 2nd Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry in Shilo, Man., as well as a sister living in the U.K.

In Kandahar, Brig.-Gen. Jonathan Vance called Boyes "a dedicated family man" who spent every possible moment with his wife and son.

"Growing up in Saskatchewan, he was an easy-going Prairie boy who preferred sitting around the backyard with good friends, his family and a cold drink."

Boyes is the first Canadian solider to be killed in action in October. (source: CBC here)

And from the comments on that story:

I knew Justin, solid guy, this really sucks, those boys just got over there. Hope the rest of the tour goes better for my boys who just left. RIP LT Boyes...

...

Jay and I were on tour together in the same platoon about 5 years ago. He was always a nice guy to chat with, well-liked and respected by everyone. My condolences go out to his family and close friends.

...

RIP Lieutenant. And profound thanks and condolences to his family, friends and colleagues.

And from CTV News:

Boyes was just 10 days into his deployment in Afghanistan.

"So early in the deployment, Justin's death is going to be difficult to accept by his brothers in arms, but will not deter any of us from continuing with our mission," Brig. Gen. Jonathan Vance, the commander of Task Force Kandahar, said.

Vance said Boyes was excited for a chance to train Afghan police and contribute to the "effort to provide stability to the population so we could, in concert with the Afghan government, extend basic services and humanitarian assistance to those in need."

Boyes recently joined the Princess Pats as a regular, after six years in the reserves.

Boyes grew up in Saskatchewan and leaves behind his wife, Alanna and three-year-old son, James....(here)

From the comments on this site:

LT. Justin Boyes may you rest in peace. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of this brave Canadian. Stand down brother your mission is done."They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old: Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning We will remember them." [emphasis mine]

Amen. Rest in peace, sir. Prayers for his family and all who love Lt. Boyes.