Canada.com -- QUEBEC - The family of one of the two Canadian combat engineers killed last weekend in Afghanistan said he died doing what he loved.

Maj. Yannick Pepin, 36, of Victoriaville, Que., commander of the 51st Field Engineers Squadron of the 5th Combat Engineers, and Cpl. Jean-Francois Drouin, 31, of Quebec City, who served with the same unit, died Sunday when their vehicle struck an improvised explosive device southwest of Kandahar City.

Five other Canadians were injured in the blast.

Drouin's family stressed Tuesday he chose to join the Armed Forces because he wanted to make a difference and help others.

``Despite being devastated by the terrible news of Jean-Francois' death, we know he took up the challenge he himself chose,'' the family said in a statement.

They added that Drouin, who was called "Big Drou" by his comrades, found a second family in the army.

``Jean-Francois believed in his involvement in Afghanistan. He was surrounded with many friends, his family, his gang and his brothers in arms. This was his universe,'' they said.

Pepin and Drouin were attached to the Royal 22nd Regiment battle group based in Valcartier, Que., and were in the last weeks of their six-month tours in Afghanistan.

Drouin leaves behind his partner, Audrey.

``Jean-Francois we will miss you tremendously and your absence will leave a big void in our lives. We are extremely proud of the man you were'', the statement said.

Funeral details for both soldiers will be made public later this week.