Dozens of people gathered on a bridge in Kitchener, waving flags and displaying banners in tribute to Sgt. Robert J. Dynerowicz as his body returned home.
Dynerowicz died on Tuesday at CFB Wainwright in Alberta after being injured when the light-armoured vehicle he was commanding rolled over.
The accident killed Dynerowicz and injured three other soldiers.
Employees from the city of Kitchener, Kitchener fire department, and regular citizens gathered on the Conestoga Parkway overpass at Ottawa Street Friday afternoon.
Members of Dynerowicz’s family were also part of the crowd at the overpass. The family says they are proud of what Robert accomplished in his short life, and he will be missed.
“Everything about him was just full of life and beautiful,” said Jean Bignell, Dynerowicz’s grandmother.
“He was my hero. He was our hero. He was humble. He was just a great man,” said Chris Bignell, Robert’s uncle.
Bignell says Dynerowicz made a lot of good friends in the military. He says those friends, and people all across the country, have been a tremendous support to the family.
“He did two tours in Afghanistan, those were stressful years. But he made it through, and he made a lot of really good friends in the army. We’re really proud of that,” Bignell said.
Relatives said they were surprised by how many people showed up to show their support – some of whom were complete strangers.
“It started out just our family members then everyone started showing up. City workers, coworkers from our family, and it’s amazing to see the support we all had,” said Dynerowicz’s cousin Jacob Bignell.
After passing the overpass, Sgt. Dynerowicz’s body was taken to Henry Walser Funeral Home, where family says a full military service will be held for him on Monday.
