We regret to advise of the death of Major Samantha Ann Burch, CD (Ret’d), peacefully at home on 25 May 2025 at age 37, after a courageous battle with cancer. Samantha most recently served as Deputy Commanding Officer of 38 Combat Engineer Regiment in Winnipeg MB.
As a child, Sam was very competitive in sports and excelled academically. She loved basketball and played throughout junior high and high school, continuing on to coach teams after she graduated. After graduating J.H. Bruns High School in 2006, Sam went on to complete her Bachelor of Science at the University of Manitoba. Pursuing her passion for teaching, she earned her Bachelor of Education in 2013. Sam’s career as a high school math and science teacher took her to Pinawa Secondary School, St John’s Ravenscourt, and Lord Selkirk Regional Comprehensive School. A gifted athlete, as an adult, she enjoyed several years playing on the Saracens Rugby Team, and later joined a recreational hockey league.
Sam enrolled in 2004 into the Canadian Armed Forces as a Trooper with the Fort Garry Horse. She attended Canadian Forces School of Military Engineering for her Basic Combat Engineer training, completing that training over the following summers. After serving the unit as a Non-Commissioned Member for a number of years, Sam was Commissioned from the Ranks in 2010 and completed her Basic Engineer Officer Course in 2012.
Sam served in 38 Canadian Brigade Group for over 19 years, and visited almost every province in Canada. She was promoted to the rank of Major in 2016 and became the Regiment's Deputy Commanding Officer. Balancing her career as a teacher alongside her service as a reservist, Sam was always actively involved with the Regiment. Sam was medically released in April 2024.
Any anecdotes for Sam's family may be sent to Major Meg Belyea. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, 14 June 2025 at 11:00 am at McGregor Armoury { 551 Machray Ave, Winnipeg}. In recognition of Sam’s approach to life, please wear your brightest colours and fanciest hats! The service will be livestreamed.
Samantha was an advocate for infertility awareness and also hoped that eligible blood donors might give in her memory. In lieu of cards or flowers, please consider donating to the Major Samantha Burch Memorial Scholarship fund which will generate an annual post-secondary education scholarship for members 38 Combat Engineer Regiment. Donations can be made online.
