The director of The Military Museums in Calgary and decorated military veteran Major David Peabody, 48, died while ice climbing in Kootenay National Park on December 26.
The Canadian military confirmed Peabody's death, though specific details about the circumstances and location of the accident have not been released.
Peabody has been director of The Military Museums since 2021, following 14 years of active duty with Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry (PPCLI).
He later transferred to the Calgary Highlanders reserve unit and previously served as curator at the PPCLI museum.
“It’s really sad to lose him because he was the best director we’ve ever had,” said retired Major Kent Griffiths, curator at the museum’s Calgary Highlanders gallery.
“He went to do something he knew was dangerous and exciting and loved.”
During his tenure, Peabody significantly expanded the museum's community engagement, particularly strengthening ties with Calgary's Japanese community, which led to increased diplomatic visits from Japan.
Peabody, who served in Afghanistan from 2011 to 2012, also highlighted indigenous military history.
He spearheaded efforts to raise awareness about Mount Mike near Sparwood, B.C., named after Sebastien Mike, a Calgary Highlanders soldier and Ktunaxa First Nation member killed in action in the Netherlands in 1944.
In 2019, Peabody climbed Mount Mike, planting the Calgary Highlanders colours at its summit.
Peabody had been planning future expeditions to the mountain before his death.
“He brought all of this to light, collecting information to get more of the history,” said Griffiths.
“We were going to do more of that and climb this mountain, but it never happened.”