Large crowds expected for funeral of Yarmouth reservist
Posted Jan 11, 2010 05:25:50 AM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
The funeral service for Sgt. Kirk Taylor will take place today in Yarmouth.
Taylor, 28, was deployed with the Kandahar provincial reconstruction team when he died Dec. 30 in a roadside explosion.
Three other Canadian soldiers and a Calgary journalist were also killed.
Taylor’s mother, Tina Smith, says her son’s commitment to the mission never wavered.
She says the outpouring of grief over her son’s death has been a great comfort.
“It’s been heartwarming that people do share your grief, because no matter where you go, you see it in people’s eyes,” she said. “You get a sense of, this country really cares what happened to you and your son and your family.”
Taylor is described by friends as a man with a “calm demeanour” who long wanted to serve in the war-torn country. He divided his time between the reserves and his job at a not-for-profit agency that provides residential support for children and adults with disabilities.
Rev. Bill Newell will officiate the service in co-operation with military padres.
He says the Mariners Centre in the small town will likely be packed.
The funeral begins at 2 p.m. and will be followed by a private burial.
