Emotions will run high today as Afghanistan hero Liam Tasker is laid to rest in Tayport.
Lance Corporal Liam Tasker (26), of the Royal Army Veterinary Corps, was killed by small arms fire in troubled Helmand region. His beloved dog Theo, with whom he was on patrol at the time, also died soon afterwards.
Devastated colleagues described the pair as “inseparable.” Working as a team, Lance Corporal Tasker and Theo had found a record 14 hidden bombs and weapons caches in just five months.
Although Theo initially survived the attack that claimed his master’s life, the springer spaniel later died after suffering a seizure.
There will be a large military turnout at today’s funeral, the service taking place at Tayport Parish Church at 1pm.
A piper and bugler will be among those attending and soldiers will form a guard of honour as Lance Corporal Tasker makes his final journey.
Although born in Kirkcaldy, Lance Corporal Tasker was not schooled in the area because his parents were both in the RAF and regularly moved from place to place. However, he regularly visited Tayport, which was home to his mother Jane Duffy.
Several family members still live in the town and there is sure to be a huge turnout as Fifers bid a fond farewell to one of their own.
Lance Corporal Tasker’s uncle Billy McCord described his nephew as “incredibly likeable.”
“Liam was a dog handler who went in to save lives,” he said. “He was an incredibly likeable young laddie who was only four weeks away from finishing his deployment.
“Everything was geared toward him coming home on leave. When the young guys come home, they look forward to meeting friends, having a laugh and unwinding but he is not going to get that.
“He paid the ultimate price but he absolutely loved what he was doing.”
The deaths of Liam and Theo have touched many people among them painter James Richardson. He was so moved by their story that he painted a picture of the pair, which he hopes to present to the grief-stricken family.
“I was most upset after reading about what happened,” the Newcastle artist said. “Liam and Theo have fallen as heroes. I decided to paint them as a tribute and I would like to offer it to Liam’s family.”
Mr Richardson got in touch with The Courier and we have since forwarded his offer to Lance Corporal Tasker’s family for their consideration.