SOUTH BRANCH, N.L. — More than 300 people attended a funeral Saturday for Sgt. Craig Gillam, a Newfoundlander who was killed in Afghanistan.

Gillam, 40, died Oct. 3 in a series of mortar and rocket attacks just west of Kandahar City.

His funeral was held at a church in South Branch, a small community in southwestern Newfoundland and Labrador near Port aux Basques. An interment ceremony followed at a nearby cemetery.

"Craig was a loving father and husband, a dedicated soldier and a proud Newfoundlander," Gillam's wife Maureen said in a statement.

"He cared deeply for his men and for all those he served with. His dedication and bravery were evident throughout his life, including his final moments."

Cpl. Robert Mitchell was also killed in the Oct. 3 attack. Gillam and Mitchell were members of the Royal Canadian Dragoons, based in Petawawa, Ont.

Their commander later said Gillam was the only soldier who managed to shoot back as insurgents ambushed his observation post.

Gillam's fire forced the insurgents to take cover and served as a warning for soldiers at two other posts just before they also came under attack.

Gillam leaves behind two teenage children.

"Craig's love for his family expressed itself in many ways," said Maureen Gillam.

"Whether coaching our son in hockey or taking taekwondo lessons with our daughter, he was always there for our children."

Gillam's funeral was held the same day two other Canadians were killed in Kandahar province, bringing Canada's military death toll in the region to 42.