VAL-BELAIR, Que. — A Canadian soldier killed Monday in Afghanistan is being remembered by his family as a proud military man with an infectious smile.

Master Cpl. Pat Audet's death came as a major blow to his family who say he served his country with honour.

In a statement, his family remembered his sense of humour, his love of travel, deep-sea diving and passion for war history.

Relatives say he loved being a soldier and believed strongly in what he was doing in Afghanistan.

Audet, along with Cpl. Martin Joannette, was killed in a helicopter crash northeast of Kandahar city that may have been the result of mechanical failure.

It was Audet's first tour in Afghanistan and Joannette's third.