CALGARY 鈥� The Alberta wildland firefighter killed while battling a blaze in Jasper National Park last weekend is being remembered for his bold personality and sense of humour.
Alberta Wildfire spokeswoman Melissa Story confirmed in an email Friday that family, friends and colleagues are mourning Morgan Kitchen.
A memorial post circulating on social media says Kitchen, who was 24 and lived in Calgary, had a 鈥渂old and brilliant鈥� personality, a nimble wit and an 鈥渙utrageous and ridiculous鈥� sense of humour.
It said Kitchen was a much-loved character who gave the best hugs and brought 鈥渟treams of adventure, joy and fun.鈥�
鈥淢organ was a talented athlete, musician, singer, comedian and actor,鈥� the post said.
鈥淗e could have been a gifted teacher but was wired to be a first responder. The lifestyle and people drew him in. The photos and stories his crew shared of his last few months reflect a genuinely happy man doing what he loved in a place as wild and free as he was.鈥�
Kitchen is survived by his parents, step-parents, many siblings and other relatives, as well as a 鈥渢hick network of friends," said the post.
Kitchen also served with the Canadian Armed Forces.
Andr茅e-Anne Poulin, a spokeswoman for the Department of National Defence, said Kitchen joined as a primary reservist in February 2020, serving as an infantry private with the Calgary Highlanders.
鈥淲e extend our sincere condolences to their family, friends and former colleagues during this difficult time,鈥� Poulin said in an email.
RCMP have said the firefighter based out of Rocky Mountain House died Saturday after he was injured by a falling tree while fighting an active fire northeast of the Jasper townsite.
About 20,000 park visitors and 5,000 residents of the town were forced out last month due to fires. Flames spread into the town and destroyed one-third of its buildings.
Kitchen鈥檚 funeral is scheduled for Aug. 17 in Calgary, his stepmother said on social media.
Alberta鈥檚 forestry minister, Todd Loewen, told reporters Friday that flags will be flown at half mast at forestry and parks buildings to honour Kitchen鈥檚 sacrifice.
Kitchen鈥檚 family is also eligible to apply for a $100,000 memorial fund, he said.
鈥淣othing I can say will make his loss any easier for his family, community or those who were with him on the front lines,鈥� said Loewen.
鈥淏ut I hope those closest to him know he gave his life doing something he knew was important.鈥�
A GoFundMe page was set up Thursday night to raise money for a plaque to be installed somewhere in the Rockies to honour Kitchen鈥檚 sacrifice. On Friday afternoon, it had exceeded its $2,500 goal.
Funds not used for the plaque will be donated to the Red Cross Alberta Wildfires Appeal.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 9, 2024.
鈥� By Aaron Sousa in Edmonton
The Canadian Press
