We regret to advise of the death of Colonel David Thomas Carney, CD (Ret’d), at the Ottawa General Hospital on 29 April 2026 at age 83. Dave had a Canadian Military Engineer career of nearly 30 years that was followed by leadership roles in the federal government.
Born in Oakville ON, Dave grew up in mining towns in Northern Ontario. He enrolled in the Canadian Army in 1963 under the Regular Officer Training Plan and completed his initial training with the Royal Canadian Armoured Corps School in Camp Borden. Dave completed his officer training at the Royal Canadian School of Military Engineering in Chilliwack BC. Dave was commissioned into the Corps of Royal Canadian Engineers in 1967, having graduated from Queen’s University at Kingston with a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering.
Dave’s first tour of duty was with 1 Field Squadron in Camp Petawawa, where he served as a Field Troop 2 i/c and Troop Commander. He was then selected to attend the Long Survey Course at the Royal Engineers School of Military Survey in the United Kingdom. On return to Canada, Captain Carney was posted to the Mapping and Charting Establishment (MCE) in November 1970. He was 2 i/c of the Compilation Division and was Chief of Party for Op ARCTIC 71. From MCE, Dave was posted as Exchange Officer to the Royal Australian Survey Corps, serving with the Army Survey Regiment in Victoria, and 4 Field Survey Squadron on operations in Papua New Guinea. On returning from New Guinea, he was promoted to Major, briefly served as Commanding Officer of 4 Field Survey Squadron in South Australia, and then returned to Canada.
Dave was appointed Senior Requirements Officer with the Base Construction Engineering Office at Canadian Forces Base Halifax in 1975. He was then selected for post-graduate training at the University of New Brunswick and graduated in 1978 with a Master of Science degree in Surveying Engineering. Dave was posted back to MCE as Officer Commanding Compilation Division.
In 1981-82, Dave completed the Advanced Field Operations Course in Chilliwack, the Land Forces Command and Staff Course in Kingston, and the Canadian Forces Command and Staff Course in Toronto - all back-to-back. On promotion to Lieutenant Colonel in 1982, he was appointed Commanding Officer of MCE on 5 July 1982.
Dave was promoted to Colonel in September 1986 and was appointed Director of Geographic Operations. In November 1988, he also assumed the duties of Director General Military Engineering Operations (DGMEO).
Dave retired from the Canadian Forces in 1991 and moved into the post of Director of Topographic Mapping with the Department of Energy, Mines and Resources. He later became Director of the Canada Centre for Mapping and Executive Director of the Earth Sciences Sector at Natural Resources Canada. Dave chaired national geomatics committees and led international mapping initiatives. He received the International Cartographers Association’s Gold Medal and Natural Resources Canada’s Departmental Merit Award for his leadership.
Dave was a valued volunteer and member of City View United Church. In retirement after his second career, he was a leading figure in the formation of the Canadian Military Engineers Association (CMEA). His exceptional volunteer leadership was key to the founding of the CMEA. Through a clear and inclusive vision, he helped shape an organization that welcomed members of all ranks, strengthened connections across generations, and emphasized support not only for engineers but also for their families. His tenure as Executive Director, spanning more than a decade, was marked by steady leadership, personal commitment, and a deep respect for the Branch’s history and people. His, his efforts were instrumental during the CMEA's formative period, in ensuring the Association’s survival and long-term success, a legacy that continues to guide the CMEA today.
On 17 January 2026, the Canadian Military Engineers formally recognized Colonel Dave Carney (Ret'd) with a Canadian Military Engineer Branch Commendation, presented by the Chief Military Engineer, Major-General Nicolas Pilon. The award honoured his lifetime of service to the military engineering community and his enduring impact well beyond active duty.In addition to the CME Branch Commendation, Dave was presented with a Challenge Coin from the Colonel Commandant of the Canadian Military Engineers, Lieutenant-General Paul Wynnyk (Ret'd), a meaningful symbol of professional respect and gratitude from the Branch’s senior leadership.
Family and friends are welcome to join for a celebration of Dave’s life at Beechwood Cemetery on Monday, 11 May 2026, at 10:00 a.m., to be followed by a reception and internment. Reverend Laura Springate will officiate. If desired, donations in Dave’s memory can be made to City View United Church or Soldier On.