MONTREAL - Soldiers gripping C7 rifles lined the staircase of St-Gabriel's Church on Saturday, as they fought back tears watching Cpl. Christopher Deliva's funeral procession pass by.
Family and friends gathered at the Montreal church for the funeral to remember Deliva, killed at CFB Wainwright in Alberta last Monday while helping troops prepare for their deployment to Afghanistan.
The soldiers saluted Deliva's flag-draped casket as eight emotionally and physically strained military pallbearers climbed the steps. Another soldier followed, holding the corporal's beret, belt and bayonet.
"He died doing what he loved,'' older cousin Joey Deliva said.
"As he grew older he wasn't quite sure what he wanted to do, but seemed to find his place in the army.''
Christopher Deliva, who had lived in Quebec City since 2001, was a member of 5 Battalion Services of Canada, based at CFB Valcartier, Que.
He was helping return vehicles and equipment after a month-long training exercise for Afghan-bound soldiers. Deliva was not scheduled to go to Afghanistan.
Military police are investigating the cause of the accident, a National Defence statement said. They will determine if the curve where Deliva's truck flipped is dangerous.
It has been heart-wrenching recently for Canada's military, which has lost its 55th and 56th military personnel in Afghanistan since 2002.
Last Wednesday, 30-year-old Master Cpl. Darrell Priede, a military photographer, died when the helicopter he was riding in was apparently shot down.
On May 25, Master Cpl. Matthew McCully, 25, died after stepping on an improvised explosive device.
Following the hour-long ceremony, Deliva's cousin said the 27-year-old was known for his great sense of humour.
"According to all his army buddies, he kept doing the same thing,'' Joey Deliva said. "He was a prankster in the army; always joking around, making everybody laugh. His dad is a joker so he grew up the same way.''
Christopher Deliva's childhood pal recalled playing catch with his buddy as they waited for the school bus at a stop just down the street from the grey-bricked church.
"It was just unfortunate it happened. It's not something you ever expect,'' said Eric Williams, who grew up in the same working-class neighbourhood of Point St. Charles.
"It's one thing to have it happen when you're in battle, but an accident, it's a little tougher to handle.''
As a kid, Williams said Deliva loved animals, wrestling and was a devout Boston Bruins fan.
The Kanata, Ont., resident also said Deliva was a gentle person who wasn't afraid to wear his heart on his sleeve.
"In this area you really don't see a lot of boys crying or men crying,'' Williams said.
"He didn't have any fear of that. He always knew what he was feeling when he was angry, when he was sad.''
Following the ceremony, dozens of family and friends wiped tears from their cheeks as they watched the casket exit the church in military procession.
Deliva's burial was scheduled for Saturday at the National Field of Honour military cemetery in the Montreal suburb of Pointe Claire.
"He was a happy man. He was always making jokes,'' family friend Tyler Cole said of Deliva, who leaves behind his parents, a sister and a brother.
"I would always call and even if Chris answered, he pretended to be (his brother) Tom. He had me going for a good half-hour sometimes.''
Cole, who used to watch action movies and play role-playing games with Deliva, said his friend will never be forgotten.
"I think Chris has found his resting place,'' Cole said. "It may not have been how he wished, but he will rest in peace. I know he will.''
