Canadian Sapper Brian Collier dies fighting the enemy in Afghanistan

Sapper Brian Collier, 24, had dismounted from his vehicle in the village of Nakhonay, 15 kilometres southwest of Kandahar city, when he was killed by an IED blast.

"Previously injured in a separate IED strike, Sapper Collier fought hard to overcome his injury in order to get back to doing his job with his comrades," Brigadier-General Jonathan Vance said.

Collier was a member of 1 Combat Engineer Retirement based at CFB Edmonton.

Vance says Collier was known for his easy going nature and sense of humour, and was an automobile enthusiast.

Prime Minister Stephen Harper extended his condolences to Collier’s family and friends, saying "the bravery and remarkable commitment of Canadians like Sapper Collier are bringing safety and stability to the people of Afghanistan."

Collier was injured in late May by another IED blast. But he worked hard to recover and return to the field with his unit. Jim said his son complained of headaches after that incident and that it affected his sleep.

"Brian has died as a hero — far too young," his mother Carol said.

Born in Toronto, Collier grew up in Bradford, a roughly one-hour drive north.

His father Jim, trying to stifle his grief, said his son loved sports. Brian’s favourites included hockey, baseball, whitewater rafting, snowboarding and skydiving.

Brian came home one day and said he’d signed up for the military. "It was a good day. He felt proud of himself," Jim said.

"He introduced us to his sergeant. That was very important to him," Carol Collier said when her son shipped out for Afghanistan in early May. "After we met him, (Brian) said, ‘Good, I can go now.’

"He didn’t want his sisters coming because he’s afraid they’d cry too much and get him upset," she said with a chuckle.

Collier leaves behind his parents and three sisters.

As of today, Canada has lost 151 soldiers in the war in Afghanistan since 2002.

We at Oye! Times humbly pay our respect to Sapper Brian Collier’s family and the loved ones he left behind.

Please leave a comment or condolences for our fallen soldier.