Wainwright soldier remembered as dedicated brother, friend at funeral

EDMONTON – Dozens of family, friends and Armed Forces members filled the pews of an Edmonton funeral home on Sunday as one of the soldiers killed in the devastating Canadian Forces Base Wainwright fire was laid to rest.

All rose as Sgt. Morgan Wong’s casket was carried in by pallbearers, draped in a Canadian flag that was then carefully folded and presented to one of Wong’s loved ones.  

Buddhist practitioners sang and prayed for the soldier, whose photo sat on an altar alongside bowls of white rice and plates of oranges and apples.

The 26-year-old reservist with the Loyal Edmonton Regiment, serving with the 3rd Battalion Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry, was one of four killed when a fast-moving fire overwhelmed soldiers during a training exercise at CFB Wainwright, injuring dozens more.

Wong’s family, friends and fellow service members gave speeches, remembering the soldier for his commitment and humour.

Wong’s sister Megan said he joined the military when he was 17 and his regiment quickly became like family to him.

His military service saw him deployed to Latvia in 2024, Megan said, where Wong met his wife. They got married last December.

Megan said she was proud to be Wong’s big sister and that she hopes his life serves as a reminder “to use the time we have to achieve a life we would be proud of.”

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 25, 2026.