Fallen Canadian Soldier Honoured By Thousands In Kingston
Posted July 14, 2007 12:00 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Capt. Matthew Dawe was remembered Saturday by thousands as a generous family man who most importantly, died doing what he believed in. Dawe, 27, was one of six Canadian soldiers killed alongside their Afghan interpreter on July 4 and was honoured Saturday at a sports complex in CFB Kingston.
Prior to the highly emotional service, a funeral procession wound its way towards the complex followed by the hearse carrying Dawe’s casket and, finally, his wife Tara, two-year-old son Lucas, and the rest of his immediate family.
Dawe’s best friend Lt. Reggie McMichael, his three brothers, parents and wife were all invited to speak during the service and those three older brothers — Philip, Peter and James — are all members of the Canadian Armed Forces. Each admitted they were surprised at the outpouring of support they’ve received from the public.
“My brothers and I have one regret as far as our relationship with Matt is concerned,” said Philip. “It is the testimonials that we have read and heard over the past 10 days, and the fact that they’ve provided us with a glimpse of the man who our kid brother had become. We wish so badly that we could have spent more time with this terrific guy.”
Dawe’s father Peter, a retired lieutenant-colonel, remembered his son as a man who would “laugh as conditions got harder.”
“He is often cited as being very approachable to all, very fit, an excellent student displaying the strongest military skills, and perfectly bilingual,” he said. “Matt was the real deal.”
Dawe’s wife offered short but emotional closure.
“I can stand here today and tell you I’m the luckiest person in the room,” she said. “For some reason this incredible man chose me to share a life with him of love, passion and intimacy. All I want is to be able to thank him.
“At times the pain is so intense I have to be reminded to breathe. When Matt left he took a piece of me with him that I’ll never get back. However, I have the greatest gift in the world,” she added, pointing to her son.
“This beautiful boy is mine and he is the key to my survival.”
Services were also to be held Saturday for Cpl. Cole Bartsch in Whitecourt, Alta. and Cpl. Jordan Anderson in Ottawa.
