When Kirby Tott, a private in the Canadian Forces Reserve, left Prince George for training at a Manitoba military base two weeks ago, he was excited about what it would mean for his ultimate dream to work with the RCMP.
His mother Michelle Tott remembered him playing with toy soldiers as a child.
“He was the kid that played with the little plastic army guy,” she said with a laugh through tears. “He enjoyed the camaraderie and the dedication of soldiers and we’re going to miss him.”
On Saturday night she received the news the 25-year-old Prince George reservist died at Canadian Forces Base Shilo that afternoon.
The Department of National Defence offered no details on the circumstances of his death, only saying it followed “an incident during training.”
Kirby was taking basic reserve infantry training at Shilo with the 3rd Canadian Division Training Centre, a month-long program required to become an infantry soldier.
"He was excited because he was going to use it to further his career in the RCMP for his resume and also he was going to get the dress uniform," said Michelle.
It was a dream he shared with his dad, she said.
“His dad always wanted to be in the RCMP and it was just something that always appealed to him.
Kirby worked full-time at the Prince George Regional Correctional Centre, and had worked on the side as a reservist with the Rocky Mountain Rangers in Prince George since 2012.
“He was a great guy," she said. "Happy, good-natured. He liked to joke a lot and laugh.”
Michelle described him as an active person, who played hockey, slo-pitch and took to sports at a young age.
"He was supposed to be back on the 16 of August," she said, and had taken a month off work for the training.
Michelle said she doesn't know much about his death.
“We don’t know any details yet, just that he had collapsed and that they’re doing an autopsy,” said Michelle, who wasn't aware if Kirby had any previous medical conditions.
The military said the death is under investigation and that an autopsy will be conducted.“This tragic news reminds us of the dangers that the men and women of the Canadian Armed Forces must face, whether reservists, regular force, participating in training or deployed on operations abroad. I extend my heartfelt condolences to Pte. Tott’s loved ones as they cope with this tragic loss,” Lt.-Gen. Marquis Hainse, commander of the Canadian Army, said in a press release.
Prime Minister Stephen Harper and Minister of National Defence Jason Kenney both issued statements offering condolences to Tott's family.
They made a tight-knit unit of four – Kirby, his parents and sister – but that family extended to a wide circle of friends, Michelle said.
When asked how Kirby will be remembered, she said “just how much he loved everybody.”
— with files from The Canadian Press
