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A long line of vehicles from multiple emergency services escorted Pte. Shaun Farrell home to Prince Albert on Saturday, Oct. 24. A vigil for Farrell will happen tomorrow at Memorial Square next to City Hall starting at 4 pm. (Image Credit: Logan Lehmann/paNOW)
Vigil tomorrow

Prince Albert pays tribute to Pte Shaun Farrell with homecoming procession

Oct 24, 2026 | 5:28 PM

People lined the streets of Prince Albert, some holding back tears, as Pte. Shaun Farrell was brought home in a procession accompanied by police, firefighters and paramedics. 

One woman from Ukraine cried as she watched the vehicles approach. She said her husband was serving overseas with the military and she expected him home soon, but did not know where he had been deployed. 

Nikki, a resident who, like the Farrell family, is part of the local South African community, said she wanted to show her support. 

Many members of the South African community in Prince Albert have shown support for the Farrells as they grieve the loss of their son.
Many members of the South African community in Prince Albert have shown support for the Farrells as they grieve the loss of their son. (Image Credit: Susan McNeil/paNOW)

“We’re just supporting the family,” she said, holding a Canadian flag. “We know the family really well and want to bring our respect to their son as well. Our hearts are really for the family.”  

READ MORE: Comfort kills dreams: Shaun Farrell’s motto was etched in ink on one arm.

Shawna, another onlooker, said that as a mother, she also felt it was important to show her support. 

“When you have kids, that’s the worst thing you think about,” she said through tears. 

Many people in Prince Albert stopped their day on Oct. 24 as Pte. Shaun Farrell was brought home for the final time.
Many people in Prince Albert stopped their day on Oct. 24 as Pte. Shaun Farrell was brought home for the final time. (Image Credit: Logan Lehmann/paNOW)

Farrell was one of four soldiers killed Oct. 17 when a grass fire swept through a training area at Canadian Forces Base Wainwright in Alberta. His unit was preparing for deployment to Latvia. The other soldiers killed were Pte. Hayden Lykkemark, Pte. Aidan Goulding and Sgt. Morgan Wong. Military officials said strong winds drove a nearby range fire toward the soldiers. The circumstances remain under investigation. 

Another 39 military members were injured. As of Oct. 22, 27 remained in hospital and 12 had been released, the Canadian Armed Forces said. About 28 civilian medical personnel specializing in burn care were flown from Toronto to Edmonton that day to help treat the injured. 

The procession entered the city from Highway 11 and travelled north on Highway 2 before turning west onto 28th Street toward Gray’s Funeral Chapel. 

Police blocked streets and redirected traffic as the procession made its way through the city. 

The Prince Albert Police Service, Prince Albert Fire Department, Parkland Ambulance Care, RCMP, Saskatchewan Marshals Service and Buckland Fire and Rescue participated. 

Multiple medics from Parkland Ambulance watched as the hearse carrying Pte. Shaun Farrell made its way along 28th Street.
Multiple medics from Parkland Ambulance watched as the hearse carrying Pte. Shaun Farrell made its way along 28th Street. (Image Credit: Susan McNeil/paNOW)

Community members are invited to a vigil for Farrell on Sunday, Oct. 25, at 4 p.m. at Memorial Square next to city hall. 

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susan.mcneil@pattisonmedia.com