Corporal Jamie Brendan Murphy was remembered Friday as a dedicated soldier and fine friend at a memorial service in Pembroke, Ontario.

"Murph always had a way of making the worst days feel like the best days, and always that smile," said Cpl. Barry Nisbet.

Mention of Murphy's smile brought one to the face of his partner and grieving bride-to-be, Candace McCauley.

"With her, his smile grew even more," Nisbet said. "I could not believe the happiest person I know could be happier, but with her, he was."

Thousands of people attended.

To the sound of bagpipes, members of the clergy led a long procession of family and friends to their seats. Governor-General Adrienne Clarkson, the commander-in-chief of the Canadian Armed Forces, and her husband John Ralston Saul, were among those led into Pembroke Memorial Centre.

Hundreds of veterans in legion jackets, and soldiers in uniform looked on during the noon-hour memorial service.

A plain white cross along with a wreath and framed photos of Murphy were set on a stage. Mourners observed a moment of silence as The Last Post played.

Murphy's parents and McCauley looked on and listened to words from the chaplain and members of the Canadian Armed Forces.

Donald Dene, Commander of the 3 RCR Battalion Group, sent a video message to the family from Camp Julien in Kabul, Afghanistan.

He offered his condolences on behalf of the soldier in Afghanistan, and told them that despite the tragedy, they remain determined. "Criminals and terrorists will not deter us from our mission, we will succeed."

One family attending was Clare and Richard Leger, who lost their son Marc in an infamous incident two years ago where a U.S. jet bombed Canadian troops on a night exercise in Afghanistan, killing four.

"We don't get over something like this," Richard said. "We know they're all Canadian heroes, but that doesn't subside the pain whatsoever."

"Let all our soldiers come back to Canada, and we'll feel a little bit more relief," Clare added.

Outside the service, Clarkson said, "I share with all Canadians the feeling it's been the loss of somebody who was full of joy, full of commitment and full of life."

This was the second memorial in Canada for Murphy.

A service was held to receive Murphy's body at CFB Trenton on Thursday. Prime Minister Paul Martin and Defence Minister David Pratt were on hand for the sombre occasion.

Murphy, 26, was killed in a suicide bomb attack on Tuesday, that also left three other Canadian soldiers wounded. They were attacked while on a routine patrol, in an Iltis vehicle on the outskirts of Kabul.

Murphy's family will bury him Tuesday in his home town of Conception Harbour, Newfoundland.

CTV's Roger Smith contributed to this report.