The toll of Canadian Forces dead in Afghanistan is now 96, after three more soldiers were killed by Taliban insurgents in what Canadian military officials say is a "worrisome" increase in fighting. 

One of the three soldiers was Chad Horn of Calgary, 21 years old, and described by people who knew him as an "honourable" man. 

His mother, Anita Horn, is a bus driver for Calgary Transit, where co-workers were invited to sign a book of condolence for the Horn family. 

"I lost my son seven years ago," says driver Darlene Cox, "so I know what it's like.  My son had epilepsy and his heart just stopped.  He was 22, so I know what it's like to lose a son.  It's very, very hard."

The Horn family has not commented publicly so far on the death of their son, but Calgary Transit employees have been badly shaken. 

Driver Trish Parker says she's never met Anita Horn, but "my heart goes out to her.  I just lost my dad this year, but a child: I just couldn't imagine.  And he was doing something wonderful for the world."

The condolence book, which already has dozens of signatures, will be given to the Horn family at a later date. 

"I know Anita personally," says Transit public affairs director Ron Collins, "and she's a wonderful lady.  It's difficult to understand how something like this could happen, but.....it's sad."

The bodies of the three latest victims of fighting in Afghanistan will be back in Canada on Friday.  Funeral arrangements for Private Horn are pending.