SASKATOON - It's a sombre atmosphere at a church in Saskatoon where friends and family have gathered to pay their final respects to Master Cpl. Josh Roberts.

Roberts, the 89th Canadian soldier to die on the Afghanistan mission, was killed after being shot in his armoured vehicle during an operation earlier this month.

The church holds about 1,000 people and some of the mourners are wearing red to show their support for the troops.

A military spokesman says the family is not ready to speak and has asked that the service be private.

Roberts, who was based in Shilo, Man., has been described as a "soldier's soldier," who was also fun-loving and a good listener.

The military is still trying to determine whether he was hit by insurgents or by friendly fire from a private security firm guarding a convoy.

He had been promoted just two weeks before his death, and was engaged to be married. His fiancee is expecting their child within the month.