John Babcock, the last World War I veteran hailing from Canada, passed away on Friday. Babcock enlisted in the army at a young 15 years of age, but he never had the chance to go to war on the frontlines. Canadian officials announced his death a few hours after he passed away. Babcock lived a long and good life, passing away at the age of 109.

Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper released a statement to the media, saying that the death of Mr. Babcock marks the end of an era in Canada’s history. The entire country is in mourning together with his family, he said. He added that Babcock’s sacrifice is one of the things that allowed Canada to become an independent country in front of the whole world. He closed his statement by encouraging everyone in the country to pay their respects to the men and women fighting for the freedom of this country, and for human rights of people around the world.

Born and raised in a farm in the Kingston, Ontario area in 1900, Babcock signed up in his teens and lied about his age to join the ranks of the Canadian Expeditionary Force.

His remains will be cremated, just like he wished, and will be scattered in the northwest mountains along the Pacific.