Kevin Matthew Hagen, Captain (RCAF)

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Kevin following a helicopter crash on April 29, 2020 in the Ionian Sea off the coast of Greece while deployed on a NATO mission. Kevin was born on July 7,1989 in Nanaimo, BC. He will be lovingly remembered and dearly missed by his mother Lynn (Bill), father Steffen (Tessa), brother Kyle, and sister Christie. Also left to mourn are his Opa, numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins, as well as a large group of friends and military colleagues from coast to coast.

Kevin could enter a room and brighten it with his smile, his mannerism, or just his presence. Always first to offer support and a helping hand to anyone in need, Kevin will be fondly remembered for his loyal dedication, compassion, and generosity to his family, friends, and military comrades. To simply say that Kevin was determined, and perhaps even stubborn at times, would be an understatement. His passion for flying came at an early age and he had a very strong work ethic. When asked to complete a personal planning worksheet in elementary school, he wrote then that he wanted to be a pilot in the Air Force. This was a goal he would set out to achieve by first joining 848 Royal Roads Air Cadet Squadron at the age of 13. In 2005 he reached his first level of flight training by receiving his Gliders pilot license. He went on to achieve his private pilot’s license in 2007. That same year, Kevin graduated with honours from Lambrick Park Secondary School and enrolled with the Canadian Armed Forces to attend the Royal Military College of Canada in Kingston, Ontario where he would go on to complete his Bachelor Degree in Aeronautical Engineering in 2011. That led to helicopter training, and on December 6, 2013, Kevin was presented with the Gos Goulding Award at his Wings Graduation Ceremony, having finished at the top of his class. Following this, Kevin was posted to RCAF 12-Wing Shearwater in Nova Scotia where he would continue with his flight training as a pilot on the CH-124 Sea King helicopter and subsequently the CH-148 Cyclone helicopter. Having started as an Officer Cadet in 2007, Kevin was promoted on various occasions reaching his standing rank of Captain on May 1, 2014. Kevin was detailed in all that he did. His choice to follow through with a career as a pilot in the RCAF was a natural fit for him.

Aside from his passion for flying, Kevin also loved nature and outdoor adventures with family and friends, hiking various mountains in his home Province of British Columbia, traveling, running, cooking, and his home improvement projects.  Kevin also had a lot of love to give, not only to his family and friends but also for his dog Ryker. Kevin was a dog lover ever since he was a small child and even inherited personality traits from the family dogs. He was loyal, playful, and compassionate. He was also sensitive, down to earth, friendly, and genuinely interested in the well being of all those fortunate to have known him. No matter where Kevin was in the world, he always made a point of reaching out to his family to check in.  He took time to ask questions and understand people on a deep, emotional level. He worked tirelessly in leadership roles and all of his many positive attributes made him easily approachable and a trusted member of a peer support network for his military colleagues, as well as a volunteer for a non profit organization helping women and children in need.

The RMC motto, Truth – Duty – Valour, are words that Kevin seemed to have lived by long before joining the Military and also respected throughout his career.  At just 30 years old, Kevin accomplished a great deal. Even though his life was taken far too soon, we take comfort knowing that this is what Kevin lived to do, and something he did very well and with great pride. A true officer and a gentleman. He will be forever loved and deeply missed.

Per Ardua Ad Astra

“Through adversity to the stars”

Kevin’s family would like to thank all those who have reached out to offer support and comfort during this difficult time, as well as the military community and representatives for being very compassionate and professional for the services provided.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to 848 Royal Roads Air Cadet Squadron http://www.848royalroadsaircadets.com/ where a fund to capture these donations has been created in hopes to establish a memorial flying scholarship in Kevin’s name.

A Homecoming Procession will take place on Saturday, June 27, 2020 as Kevin is returned to Victoria.

The Hagen family will be joined by military and civilian dignitaries in a police-escorted motorcade from the Victoria International Airport to the McCall Gardens Funeral Home in Victoria.

The departure time is planned for 1:30 p.m. PDT and the detailed route is outlined below. Please note, Willingdon Road will be closed between 1:15-2 p.m. Also, there might be delays or changes to the route due to circumstances beyond the CAF’s control.

The CAF appreciates the outstanding support of our communities for the families of our fallen and the Canadian Armed Forces. For those who wish to recognize Hagen’s return home, CAF asks that you join it in adhering to COVID-19 restrictions and practice physical distancing while paying respects, in addition to observing traffic rules. While the CAF understands and recognizes Canadians’ grief and the need to mourn at this difficult time, it asks it is done so in a way that protects the health and safety of everyone.

As the families are grieving as a result of their tragic losses, the CAF requests that the public and the media respect their privacy.

Please note that parking for the general public will not be available at McCall Gardens, so please plan accordingly.

Planned motorcade route:

1. Turn right onto W Saanich Rd/BC-17A N to Mills Rd
2. Turn right onto Mills Rd to MacDonald Park Rd
3. Turn right onto McDonald Park Rd which will turn into Beacon Ave W
4. Turn right onto BC-17 (signs for Victoria) at the intersection of Beacon Ave and BC-17 S
5. Drive straight through the intersection of Pat Bay Hwy (BC-17 S) & Mt Newton Cross Rd
6. Drive straight through the intersection of Pat Bay Hwy (BC-17 S) & Island View Rd
7. Drive straight through the intersection of Pat Bay Hwy (BC-17 S) & Sayward Rd
8. Take exit 11 for Royal Oak Dr
9. Turn left onto Royal Oak Dr/BC-17A S at the intersection of BC-17A S and Royal Oak Dr
10. Turn left onto Falaise Dr at the intersection of Royal Oak Dr and Falaise Dr
11. Turn left onto Falaise Dr at the intersection of Falaise Dr and Falaise Cres
12. Arrive at McCall Gardens Funeral and Cremation Service, 4665 Falaise

Due to current restrictions on gatherings, a private Memorial Service will take place.

McCall Gardens

www.mccallgardens.com