Mourners gathered at the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum in Mount Hope, Ont., on Wednesday, to honour Capt. Thomas McQueen, an Air Force pilot killed during a training exercise near the Alberta-Saskatchewan border.
McQueen, 29, was flying a single-seat CF-18 jet when it crashed on Nov. 28, on the Saskatchewan side of the Cold Lake Air Weapons Range.
Padre Darren Milley opened the military funeral ceremony that also saw gospel artists DW and Jesse Crutchfield perform their moving song “Home” after Pastor Faulkner led a prayer.
In an emotional eulogy, Air Force member Jordan Rychlo shared some of his favourite memories of McQueen, including the times they went hunting together during.
McQueen’s immediate family members gave tearful tributes too, including his brother Aaron, who told of the times they pretended to be pilots as children.
“He died living his dream,” Aaron McQueen said.
Sister of RCAF pilot, Natalie McQueen, described the loss of “her first best friend.”
The tributes were followed by a beautiful musical performance by Jody Slater.
Pastor Rick Buck, who was set to marry McQueen and his fiancée, spoke fondly of McQueen and his devout faith before the service concluded with a tribute video montage set to country music.
A benediction took place before four CF-18 Hornets from 3 Wing Bagotville, Que. conducted a flyby.
Following the service, McQueen will travel along the Highway of Heroes to Ottawa, for a private burial at the Beechwood National Cemetery of Canada.
With files from The Canadian Press
