Family and friends packed St. Francis of Assisi Roman Catholic Chapel at CFB Petawawa Monday to say their final goodbyes to Master Cpl. Scott Vernelli, who died in a blast while on foot patrol in Afghanistan earlier this month.
Vernelli, 28, leaves behind his wife Cpl. Marcie Lane and his six-month-old daughter Olivia, who was born just prior to his deployment.
"He was a really outgoing, fantastic, capable, young man who loved the mission and loved doing what he was doing for his country," said Col. Dean Milner, Commander of the 2nd Canadian Mechanized Brigade.
Vernelli, who was on his third tour of duty in Afghanistan, has been described as a committed family man who was excited to return home to his family.
In an interview with CTV Ottawa prior to his deployment, Vernelli spoke of his strong belief in the Afghan mission.
"It's unfortunate that I have to go over there and leave my family. But I would rather go over there and defend my country on their turf, not on ours," Vernelli told CTV Ottawa last September.
Following the funeral, Ottawa firefighters lined 21 overpasses along Highway 417 as a procession brought the fallen soldier to the capital where he was laid to rest at Beechwood National Military Cemetery Monday afternoon.
Vernelli, a native of Sault St. Marie, Ont., was killed along with Cpl. Tyler Crooks, 24, and a local interpreter in an early morning blast while on foot patrol in the Zhari district west of Kandahar on March 20. Five other soldiers were injured in the attack.
With a report from CTV Ottawa's Kate Eggins
