Captain Richard Leary

Capt Richard (Rich) Steven Leary was born in Brantford, Ontario on 11 September 1975. He attended McMaster University, graduating with a BA in History. Captain Leary enrolled in the Canadian Forces as a direct entry officer in January 2004 and was posted to 2 PPCLI on completion of his Basic Infantry Officer training in September 2006. This was his first overseas mission.

Captain Leary was killed in action in Afghanistan on 3 June 2008. He was serving as a platoon commander in B Company, 2PPCLI Battle Group. He died from wounds sustained in a firefight near the village of Talukan in Panjwai District, Kandahar Province. He leaves behind his wife Rachel, his parents Rick and Gail and his sister Brandy.