OTTAWA - John (Jack) Babcock, Canada's last remaining veteran of the First World War, has died. He was 109.

Calling it "the end of an era," Prime Minister Stephen Harper issued a statement saying he was "deeply saddened" by Babcock's death, and extended his condolences on behalf of all Canadians.

"As a nation, we honour his service and mourn his passing," he said. "John Babcock was Canada's last living link to the Great War, which in so many ways marked our coming of age as a nation. In honouring his service and mourning his passing, we honour the proud history of our country and pay tribute to all those who fought and died for Canada."

Federal Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff echoed the prime minister's sentiments.

"Today we remember Mr. Babock's extraordinary life and salute his service to our country, and we recommit ourselves to forever honour the lives and service of his fallen fellow soldiers and veterans."

Babcock was born in 1900 in farmhouse in Holleford, Ont. - a small town North of Kingston - where he spent most of his childhood.

He was only 15 when he enlisted and never saw active combat.

In 1916, he attempted to sail to England with the 146th Battalion, but was thwarted when the army discovered his true age.

When the war came to an end, he was in the Boys Brigade, still waiting to be old enough to fight.

"The names of those who were unfit were posted on the bulletin board, and since my name was not there, I found my pack and shipped out for Halifax where the 146th Battalion was to embark for England," Babcock once told QMI Agency.

But his company commander pulled him aside on the gangplank at Halifax, and his unit sailed without him.

Two weeks later, though, he was among 50 young men allowed to volunteer to go to Europe as reserves for the Royal Canadian Regiment.

He returned home on Dec. 5. 1918, and was released from the army on New Year_s Day, 1919.

Governor General Michaelle Jean also offered her condolences to his Babcock's family.

"He always gave the best of himself," she said.

"While I am deeply moved and saddened, I am also very honoured to be the Commander-in-Chief and Governor General to pay final tribute to Mr. Babcock."

"On behalf of all Canadians, we extend our deepest sympathies to his family and many friends who mourn his passing. May his accomplishments and his example inspire many future generations to serve their nation."

In 1921, Babcock moved to the U.S. and again joined the army. In 1941, shortly after the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor, Babcock again tried to enlist, but was turned down for being too old.

Instead, he built a career as an industrial supply salesman, had two children, and married twice. He met his second wife, Dorothy, Dot for short, in the hospital where his first wife, Elsie, was being treated for the cancer that took her life.

Babcock was living in Spokane, Wash. with Dot when he died.