Dez Loreen
Northern News Services
Monday, July 9, 2007

IQALUIT - Cpl. Jordan Anderson, a soldier born in Iqaluit, was one of six Canadians killed by a roadside bomb on July 4 in Afghanistan.

Anderson and five other Canadian soldiers were killed when their armoured vehicle struck the explosive device approximately 20 kilometres southwest of Kandahar City.

Corporal Jordan Anderson was one of the six Canadian soldiers that was killed by a road side bomb in Afghanistan on July 4. Anderson's family lives in Yellowknife and have been living in the north for more than 20 years. - photo courtesy of James Anderson Soldiers Killed on July 4: Cpl. Jordan Anderson of Iqaluit, Nunavut Capt. Jefferson Francis, Capt. Matthew Johnathan Dawe of Kingston, Ont. Master Cpl. Colin Bason of Abbotsford, B.C. Cpl. Cole Bartsch of Whitecourt, Alta. Pte. Lane Watkins of Clearwater, Man.

Anderson, 25, was a member of the 3rd Battalion, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry, based in Edmonton. He is the first Northern soldier to be killed in the Afghanistan mission.

Anderson was born in Iqaluit and was raised in the North.

His father James said the family moved from Iqaluit to Pelly Bay (Kugaaruk), then to Saskatoon for a year before settling in the Beaufort Delta. They now live in Yellowknife.

"We moved to Tuk for a few years then made our home in Inuvik," said James Anderson.

Jordan Anderson left Inuvik to attend high school in Wilcox, Sask., before joining the Canadian Forces at age 19.

James Anderson said that his son's tour in Afghanistan was almost over, so he could be home for his birthday and his second wedding anniversary.

According to Jordan's mother Sheila, the family is remaining quiet about the incident until they meet with Jordan's wife in Edmonton.

"We're still pretty raw about it all," said Sheila.

"We still haven't seen his wife and talked to her. We want to wait until that is done before saying too much."

James Anderson said the family is preparing for the ceremony to be held in Trenton, Ont., when Jordan's body arrives in Canada.

"We're meeting with the rest of the family in Edmonton and to the ceremony on Monday," said James.

NWT Premier Joe Handley extended condolences to the Anderson family, friends and colleagues on behalf of the people of the Northwest Territories.

"It is because of brave and selfless soldiers like Cpl. Anderson that the world is a better place," the premier said in a prepared statement. "We are proud of him and grieve his loss."

In Inuvik, friends of the family are mourning in their own way.

Royal Canadian Legion branch manager Chris Garven said the legion has had its flag at half mast since July 4.

"We were waiting for an official announcement before planning any memorials," said Garven.

"We haven't spoken to the Andersons yet, so no plans are made as of now."

Family friend Mishelle Lavoie said she knew Jordan from his time in Inuvik and a few visits in Edmonton.

"He seemed like a genuine person that cared for his family," said Lavoie.

"He was always a responsible guy."

According to James Anderson, Jordan wished to be buried in the military cemetery in Ottawa Ont.

In an online statement, Gov. Gen. Michaelle Jean extended her condolences.

"The extraordinary dedication of these soldiers and their unfailing determination to defend the ideals of freedom, justice and peace on the other side of the world and in Canada's name is truly remarkable. These women and men deserve our deepest respect," stated Jean.

Minister of National Defence Gordon O'Connor gave his statement online on July 5.

"Canada will remain forever grateful for their sacrifice, and we are all saddened by this loss," said O'Connor.

According to the Department of National Defence, the latest six deaths bring the number of Canadian soldiers killed in Afghanistan since 2002 to 66.