James Hayward Arnal}’s portrait

James Hayward Arnal

  • Died Jul 19, 2008
  • Panjwaii District, Afghanistan
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Repatriated

Body of Cpl. James Arnal back on Canadian soil

Updated Tue. Jul. 22 2008 4:50 PM ET

The Canadian Press

TRENTON, Ont. -- The body of the latest Canadian soldier to die in Afghanistan is back on Canadian soil.

Cpl. James Arnal, 25, was killed July 18 by a roadside bomb while he was on foot patrol.

Friends, family, and dignitaries gathered at CFB Trenton to meet the Canadian Forces plane carrying Arnal's body.

Arnal was on his second tour of Afghanistan and had already signed up for a third.

Friends described him as a funny, spontaneous, and adventurous individual who travelled to Africa and Asia before serving in Afghanistan.

Arnal, the 88th Canadian soldier to die on the Afghan mission, told his friends and family that he was born to be a soldier.

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Memories

My condolences

G M Lord Sep 08, 2008

I stopped by to offer my condolences to the family of this fine and courageous young man. I have an indirect family connection--my cousin Maureen is a relative of Cpl Arnal through her mother's family. To his grieving family, may you find comfort.

A Fine Young Man

Lonese Bengtson Jul 28, 2008

I worked with James. I was always in awe of this fine young man, just a year older than my younger son. He would come by my desk occasionally just to chat. I remember the day he came by to tell me he was leaving to join the forces, as if it was yesterday. It breaks my heart. He was so determined & driven. I was always so proud of him & still am. I feel immensely blessed to have known James and will always remember him fondly. My condolences go out to his family and friends. All thanks to God for having blessed us with his life.

My hero

Rhoda Jul 26, 2008

I am a friend of Jim's mom Wendy. I met Jim when I worked for his mom at Canada Trust. What a cute kid, always had a smile and a wink followed by a giggle. He grew up to be such an impressive man, a hero, my hero. Jim gave the ultimate sacrifice for what he knew in his heart to be right. He fought for those who couldnt. He wanted to bring peace and freedom to those who never had what we have in Canada. His goal was to save lives, bring peace...he did not set out to be a hero, it was his destiny. Jim was a hero in life, an inspiration to us all. I challenge everyone, in memory of Jim to "pay it forward". Keep his goddness, his goals of freedom and kindness alive. Pay it forward to your fellow man, show some kindness, stand up for those who cant, stand up for what Jim believed in. Jim made the world a better place, we need to carry on is legacy. Little did I know, 10 years ago, when I met Wendy, she would play such a role in my life, and thru her, a hero. God Bless You Wendy, Andrew and Ken, my heart breaks. Rho

Thank - You

Mark and family in Toronto Jul 26, 2008

Our heartfelt thanks to the Arnal family for the gift of your precious son.

His loss fills us with sadness. His courage and devotion to our country fills us with pride.

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