3 January, 2025
On behalf of Commanding Officer LCol Andrew Beauchamp, we mourn the loss of Calgary Highlander Major Dave Peabody - Officer Commanding A Company. He passed away on December 26th in a climbing accident. Our sincerest and heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and the regimental family. Funeral details to be released when they are available. Rest in Peace.
Major Dave Peabody died on 26 December 2024 in a climbing accident in Kootenay National Park while off duty. Major Peabody was serving as A Company Commander with The Calgary Highlanders. Major Peabody was also employed in a civilian role as the Director of The Military Museums of Calgary.
“Major Peabody was an outstanding leader and a valued member of the Canadian Armed Forces community in Calgary,” said Lieutenant-Colonel Andrew Beauchamp, Commanding Officer of The Calgary Highlanders. “Our sincerest and heartfelt condolences go out to the family and loved ones of Major Peabody.”
Major Peabody joined the Canadian Armed Forces in 2007. He served as an infantry officer with the Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry before transferring to The Calgary Highlanders. In 2024 he deployed to Jasper to lead soldiers in the fight against wildfires in the community. He served in Afghanistan in 2011-2012. He was 48 years old.
“Since being appointed as the Director of The Military Museums in 2021, Dave had a way of bringing tremendous energy and enthusiasm to his role,” said Colonel Robbin Dove, Commander of 3rd Canadian Division Support Group, the Canadian Army formation that oversees The Military Museums. “Under Dave’s leadership and infectiously warm persona, The Military Museums continued its important role to inform and educate Canadians about Canada’s rich military history and the sacrifices of our veterans.”
Dave Peabody was deployed in a tour to Afghanistan as Canadian senior military adviser. After Kabul's fall, he worked tirelessly with his team around the clock to guarantee that every Afghan national who served with Canadian forces was safely evacuated, ultimately succeeding in relocating the last remaining vulnerable Afghan family who had worked with Canadian forces as interpreters.
The regiment and his family are planning memorial activities. More information and obituary will follow as they are released.
Submitted by Major Kent Griffiths, MMM, CD (Retired)