Canadian veteran of World War I dies Wed May 9, 6:23 PM ET
Dwight Wilson, one of the last two Canadian veterans of World War I, died Wednesday, officials said. He was 106.
Wilson's death leaves one known surviving Canadian veteran of the war - 106-year-old John Babcock of Spokane, Wash.
Born Feb. 26, 1901, in Vienna, Ontario, Wilson enlisted in 1916 at the age of 15 after telling the army he was older. He was diverted from the front lines after his age was discovered.
He managed to re-enlist in 1917 but four months later he was discharged again because of his age.
Wilson was one of more than 600,000 Canadians who fought in World War I. About 66,000 died.
"On behalf of all Canadians, I would like to extend my sincere condolences to Mr. Wilson's family and friends. As a nation, we honor his service and mourn his passing," Prime Minister Stephen Harper said.
Babcock emigrated to the United States in the 1920s and served a brief stint in the U.S. military.
Canada had been considering a state funeral when he died, but Babcock's wife said months ago he didn't want one.