We regret to advise of the unexpected death of Captain Eric Ho Chuen Cheung, CD under non-operational related circumstances in Baghdad, Iraq on 5 November 2022 at the age of 38 years. On 7 November 2022, the Department of National Defence announced that an investigation into the circumstances of Captain Cheung's death was underway.
Born in Hong Kong, Eric immigrated to Canada with his family and grew up in Coquitlam BC. Graduating from Pinetree Secondary School, he went on to the University of British Columbia where he graduated in 2006 with a Bachelor of Science in Physics.
Eric enlisted in the Canadian Army Primary Reserve in 2009 as a Direct Entry Officer with the Canadian Military Engineers. During his military career, Eric had a wide variety of employments. He served with 39 Combat Engineer Regiment in Vancouver and in Land Forces Atlantic Area Training Centre in Aldershot, NS in 2009. After Eric undertook his Basic Engineering Officer training at the Canadian Forces School of Military Engineering in 2010 and 2011, he became 2IC of 44 Squadron in Trail, BC in 2011. He subsequently served with 4 Engineer Support Regiment in Gagetown NB in 2012 as a Troop Commander.
Eric served with Canadian Joint Operations Command Headquarters in Ottawa (2015-17) and then joined 1 Combat Engineer Regiment as Squadron 2IC and Operations Officer (2017/8). He graduated with a Bachelor of Business Management degree in Project Management from UBC in 2020 and, later that year, had a 6-month deployment on Operation IMPACT in Beirut, Lebanon. Eric returned to Canada to work with 38 Canadian Brigade Headquarters in Winnipeg MB. While with 38 CBHQ, Eric deployed to Baghdad, Iraq on Op IMPACT in June 2022. Eric was repatriated on 10 November 2022.
On a bleak and drizzly day in Richmond BC, 26 November 22, in support of a devastated family, members of 39 CER rallied to support the family of a fallen Comrade. The Regiment provided a Bearer party of ten, and the Seaforth Highlanders of Canada supported with a Piper. The funeral was well attended by friends, family, and past co-workers. The ceremony of life was performed in both Cantonese and English. There was sorrow and laughter as those who knew him well shared their stories. The flag was folded by the bearer party in front of the congregation. Once completed, Capt. Cheung’s medals were placed upon the flag and presented to LCol Kotzer (38 Bde), who in turn presented them to the brother of the fallen, Keith Cheung. Capt. Cheung’s internment took place 29 Nov 22.
Postscript: As of November 2026, there does not appear to have been a publicly released report on Capt Cheung's death. The family have asked for privacy.