Honorary Colonel David R Brown

Biography / June 15, 2016

Major David Brown (retired) was appointed as Honorary Colonel of 19 Air Maintenance Squadron, 19 Wing Comox, BC. in February 2016.

Honorary Colonel Brown was born in Montreal Quebec and attended school there until August 1957 when he enlisted in the Royal Canadian Air Force as an Aircraftsman 2nd class. After boot camp in St. Jean Quebec, he trained as an Aero Engine Technician in Camp Borden Ontario and began his extensive Air Force career.

During his military career, Honorary Colonel Brown worked on numerous aircraft, including the CF-104 Starfighter in Zweibrucken, Germany , the CF-5 Freedom Fighter in Cold Lake and the CC-130 Hercules in Edmonton. In 1981, he was selected to attend Officer Training at Canadian Forces base (CFB) Chilliwack and AERE training at the CF School Aerospace Technology and Engineering. In 1993, Honorary Colonel Brown became the first Commanding Officer of 19 Air Maintenance Squadron. While serving in that position, he accepted a short extension to his career and served an additional year as Detachment Commander for the Abbotsford Air Show.

Throughout his military career, Honorary Colonel Brown was heavily involved in sports. He played on Base all-star teams in the following sports: Football, Volleyball, Basketball Broomball, Bowling, and Badminton. He played semi- professional football with the Hull Tigers and Ottawa Sooners, and was invited three times to try out with the Ottawa Roughriders, but decided to continue his career in the RCAF. During his tour in Germany, he represented Canada in numerous International Ski Bob Championships and developed his passion for skiing.

After his retirement, Honorary Colonel Brown volunteered as the Director of Protocol for the 1994 / 1995 BC Winter games. At the end of the BC winter games, he was asked to remain in the Protocol position for the upcoming Disabled Winter games. In his retirement years, he and his wife enjoy life as ski instructors at Mount Washington. As he always says to his ski students “Keep your tips up”!