Military dad and family advocate Michael Hornburg passes away 

After the passing of his son, Corporal Nathan Hornburg, in Afghanistan in 2007, Michael Hornburg became an advocate for military families of injured and fallen soldiers. 

Having been diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor in 2016, sadly Michael Hornburg lost his battle on March 24.

“His loss will be very deeply felt in Calgary military community,” said James Knox, Calgary Family Liaison Officer (FLO). “Just his constant presence and the way he touched people’s lives.”

Knox said he first met Hornburg in Calgary when he became the FLO in 2011. He was immediately drawn to him because of his involvement in the Calgary and Southern Alberta military community.

By this time, Hornburg had already established, Loops for the Troops. A fundraising run that occurred annually on Father’s Day and raised money for injured soldiers and their families. Before Hornburg stepped away from the charity, Loops for the Troops was able to raise about $600,000.

In addition to being involved in Loops for the Troops, Hornburg was also involved in another organization by the name of HOPE (Helping Our peers by Providing Empathy.) An organization that provided social assistance for families affected by the loss of a loved one.

“Essentially it links spouses and parents of a fallen Canadian Forces member to each other as a form of peer support, and Michael was a peer support provider, almost like a trainer you might say. (He) was a leader in the HOPE program” said Knox.

Hornburg’s celebration of life will be held at St. Stephen’s Anglican Church in Calgary on April 6.

“He will definitely be highly missed in the community,” said Knox.