He married his wife, Darcia, last year. The couple, who met at a regimental dinner a few years ago, was looking forward to their life together in Edmonton, where they planned to have children.

"He was very devoted to his wife. He wanted to be a father. He was looking forward to starting a family," MCpl. McFadzen said.

His family issued a statement over the weekend and asked for privacy as they grieve.

"He was a loving husband, son, brother, uncle and friend," the statement said. "Ray had a love for life, for his family, and had a wonderful sense of humour. Ray was proud of who he was and of the work he was doing in Afghanistan."