Myles Mansell

Well, now that makes it hit home. The first soldier that I know personally has died in Afghanistan. We went through basic training together in 1998, and worked together many times since then. I haven't seen him or talked to him in quite a while.

I konw that you will not be forgotten, Myles.

Maybe instead of immediate complaints about political decisions, war-mongering, and charges of following US policy, Canadians could stop for just one minute to appreciate life and the environment in which we live. Compare it to the life lived by the citizens of Afghanistan. And say thank you to those people who refuse to stand idly and let that continue. Personally, I say Thank you.

Keep going, boys and girls.



Here is what his Myles' family posted on his unit's website:

Bombardier Myles Stanley John Mansell was killed around 8:00pm PST Friday (April 21, 2006) while serving in Kandahar, Afghanistan.

Myles was born in Victoria on August 5, 1980 to Nancy and Alan Mansell. He has two older brothers, Michael and Matthew. He lived his entire life in the Western Communities and graduated from Belmont School in 1998.

After graduating, Myles held a variety of jobs including working for his parents in the family business, Mansell's and Ken's Environmental Services, until shortly after his parents sold the business and retired in 2003. More recently, Myles was employed by Roma Builders.

Myles joined the reserves in May 1998 and completed training in Shilo, Manitoba and Gagetown, New Brunswick. Myles had a strong belief in the work of the Reserves and the Armed Forces and felt strongly about serving his Country. The family believes this is probably not such a coincidence as Myles middle names, Stanley and John, were given to him in honour of his two grandfathers, Stanley Mansell and John Yorko. Stanley saw active duty during the Second World War and John served in the Royal Canadian Navy and both were just as passionate as Myles in serving their Country. It was this strong conviction to serve his country that led Myles to volunteer for service in Afghanastan. His family supported him in his decision to do what he loved.

Myles met Lindsay Sullivan in April, 2003 and, this past Christmas, they became engaged. They had intended to be married when Myles completed his tour of duty later this year.

In 2003, Myles participated with the Reserves in battling the Kelowna fires. This ties into Myles kind, caring and generous personality - he was always ready to lend a hand and help out in any way he could, no matter what the circumstances.

Myles is survived by his fiance, Lindsay Sullivan; his parents, Nancy and Alan Mansell; his brothers Michael (Sonja) and Matthew (Sheila); his niece, Emma; his grandmother, Shirley Yorko, his Auntie Janice & Uncle Kazi Kataoka, and cousins Emily, Midori and Marina; Uncle Mike and Auntie Leah and Chris, Luke and Theresa; Auntie Kate and Jeremy; and Auntie Dolly.

-- Mansell and Sullivan Families