We regret to advise of the death of Major David Strong, CD (Ret’d), peacefully at home in Winnipeg MB, on 16 October 2026 at age 61. David gave 38 years of combined service to the Canadian Armed Forces and the Department of National Defence - serving with the Royal Winnipeg Rifles and also working with the Canadian Military Engineers in a civilian capacity on numerous occasions.
Born in Winnipeg, Dave served with the Royal Winnipeg Rifles for 25 years, training and operating across Canada. He volunteered for service in Afghanistan and deployed to Kandahar in 2006 as the Senior Planning Officer (J5) with the National Command Element Headquarters during ROTO 1.
In addition to his Army service, Dave contributed his engineering expertise to the Canadian Military Engineers and the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF). He served first in uniform with 17 Wing Construction Engineering and later as a public servant. Throughout his career, Dave provided leadership and technical expertise across numerous organizations, including A4 Construction Engineering, A5/A7 at 1 Air Division in Winnipeg; at National Defence Headquarters with the Associate Deputy Minister (Infrastructure and Environment); and with RCAF Environment and Operational Sustainability.
Dave’s contributions included developing the 17 Wing Y2K Engineering Disaster Response Plan, establishing the RCAF Arctic Management Office, creating an award-winning Arctic constructed wetland at Canadian Forces Station Alert, and playing a foundational leadership role in creating the RCAF Operational Sustainability Program.
A ‘No Ties Allowed’ wake will be held at the Qualico Family Centre {330 Assiniboine Park} on 18 November 2026, at 6:00 p.m. Online condolences can be sent to the funeral home.