22 March 2004
IN MEMORIAM ...
Corporal Ainsworth Dyer - a former St-Laurent Spartan
Words of remembrance written by Corporal Di Capua while serving in Afghanistan
Being a light infantry soldier is a thankless job. It constantly requires you to overcome obstacles. Unlike a carpenter, mechanic, electrician etc., there is no physical result of one's workmanship or accomplishments at the end of the day. Being a light infantry soldier requires toil and stubborn perseverance to overcome obstacles such as cold, wet weather, rugged mountainous terrain, mud, snow, driving wind or rain, fog both day and night, and always carrying a heavy load. There is nothing comfortable about being a light infantry soldier. Most people have a difficult time to truly appreciate the sacrifices and endurance it takes to persevere through hardship when you're cold, hungry, thirsty and lacking sleep. Nevertheless, it is also the best time to see and discover who you really are. When the elements wear you down to a hypothermic and or dehydrated state, your true character will come out. Ainsworth's character radiated like a warm shining glow.
Ainsworth’s resolve, commitment, compassion and sense of humour shone like a beacon. Everyone who knew him was drawn to it.
When Ainsworth first came to 5 Platoon in 1988, he quickly fit in like a glove. With more than sufficient leadership and experience within the platoon, he easily developed into a mature and responsible soldier. No attitude or sense of complacency ever had a chance to root itself within him.
The military like life, is what you make of it. You can do as little as you want or as much as you can. Thankfully for us, Ainsworth chose the latter. Always looking to challenge himself, he embarked on training for the Mountain Man competition, the blood and guts of the light infantry soldier. Instead of spending his summer on leave or lounging around, he hit the pavement accumulating the mileage. Sometimes the expression on his face was more like "what the hell am I doing." Yet he persevered. When he was hurting, his sense of commitment and pride kept him going.
During the competition you get to see who is behind you after passing the turnaround point. Towards the end of the pack was Ainsworth hobbling along. It turned out he had two stress fractures in his leg from training. I told him to stop, he had nothing to prove. His work ethic was undeniable. He would have many more opportunities to redeem himself but just like the energizer bunny, he kept going and going. Ten long, arduous hours later he finished the competition. Pride does that. It gives you selective hearing. The next day I asked him why he didn't listen to me and stop. His answer was simply, "I wanted to see if I could do it."
Ainsworth did mountain man training for three consecutive years. He started his fourth year before leaving us.
Also with the same appetite and commitment, Ainsworth defied mother nature. Overcoming man's inherent fear and inability to fly, he conquered the skies and matured to become a paratrooper. Ainsworth's sense of adventure was also complemented by a humble but strong temperament. Always ready to give a helping hand, he was compassionate and unselfish. This from his room mate Corporal Hughes, "Ainsworth, for all the times that we talked to each other about our problems and troubles, I hope that you know how grateful I am to have had you as a friend." Whenever you found yourself in miserable circumstances or conditions and in Dyer need, Ainsworth’s sense of humour always came to the rescue. This from Warrant Officer Robitaille, "On one occasion, while on exercise in January a couple of years ago we were conducting a link up patrol with another section from our platoon. We arrived first at the rendez-vous and began a long wait. It was probably -30 to -35 degrees centigrade that night and I remember how cold everyone was as we waited. Hours passed and we became colder. Even at such an uncomfortable time, Ainsworth was still able to make me and the rest of the section laugh, taking our minds off the fact that our feet were frozen. It was the type of character and personality he had, that made him so enjoyable to work with. He always gave 110%. Our unit has lost a fine soldier and he will be sadly missed." This from Corporal St-Laurent, "When you suffer with Dyer it’s fun!" Ainsworth had a well founded sense or right from wrong which was uncompromisable; a direct result of the dominant and strict Jamaican upbringing by his grandmother. He never did things to gain acceptance from his peers if they conflicted with his ethics. Ainsworth was his own man; not a follower but a mature and thoughtful leader. One does not require rank or title to be a leader, just a well founded character and charisma. This was demonstrated by the fact that he had been a C6 machine gunner for most of his short career. Regardless of who was assigned as his number two man, Ainsworth was always capable of turning his C6 machine gun team into a viable force to be reckoned with on the battle field.
This from Corporal Bygrove who was by Ainsworth’s side from the battle school to the abrupt end when Ainsworth finally met his fate - "Ainsworth had a strength of heart that was unparalleled". Although there is no physical remnant of his attributes and accomplishments, Ainsworth’s spirit will prevail. Words cannot do justice to describe his commitment, compassion and above all his abundant sense of humour. Rest in peace Ainsworth, your work is all done here. Thank you for enlightening us during your short and productive stay and thank for enriching us with your presence! Airborne!
