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Vimy Week Stories - David William Stranger

Date published:

April 8, 2025

Private David William Stranger was born on May 20, 1874. He was a proud Canadian and one of many Indigenous Canadians who served in the Canadian Expeditionary Force during the First World War. A member of the Saulteaux community, he farmed on land that is now part of Peguis First Nation. He enlisted for service in Manitoba on September 22, 1915, at the age of 41.

While serving overseas, he remained a devoted husband and father of seven, often ending his letters home with the patriotic phrase, “the maple leaf forever.”

Unfortunately, on March 29, 1917, David was killed in action and his body was never recovered. His name now appears on the Canadian National Vimy Memorial.

He was survived by his wife, Margaret Harper, and their seven children.

Explore the stories of the 11,285 Canadians Commemorated on the Canadian National Vimy Memorial by using the Vimy: Living Memorial app. Download now to explore their legacies.

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Mother Canada In the lead up to the 90th anniversary of the unveiling of the Canadian National Vimy Memorial, Blair Ketcheson has made available a small release of prints from his Portraits of an Icon collection. “Mother Canada” is a striking fine-art photograph capturing one of the most powerful and recognizable figures of the Vimy Memorial. This image highlights the solemn grace and enduring symbolism of the monument, offering a deeply moving tribute to sacrifice and remembrance. Produced exclusively for the Vimy Foundation, each print is part of a limited edition of fifty, signed and numbered by the artist. Prints measure approximately 13” x 19” on 17” x 22” sheets. An Attribution Sheet accompanies every print, providing details about the image, edition, copyright, and framing. Each print is numbered to 50 and available only while supplies last. Copyright © 2014 Blair Ketcheson : All Rights Reserved.

"Mother Canada" Print by Blair Ketcheson numbered to 50

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The Vimy Memorial In the lead up to the 90th anniversary of the unveiling of the Canadian National Vimy Memorial, Blair Ketcheson has made available a small release of prints from his Portraits of an Icon collection. This fine-art photograph of the Vimy Memorial offers a timeless perspective on one of Canada’s most significant national symbols. Through careful composition and light, the image captures both the monument’s architectural grandeur and its profound historical meaning. Produced exclusively for the Vimy Foundation, each print is part of a limited edition of fifty, signed and numbered by the artist. Prints measure approximately 13” x 19” on 17” x 22” sheets. Included with every purchase is an Attribution Sheet outlining details about the photograph, edition, copyright, and framing. Each print is numbered to 50 and available only while supplies last. Copyright © 2014 Blair Ketcheson : All Rights Reserved.

"The Vimy Memorial" Print by Blair Ketcheson numbered to 50

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$ 300.00 

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Stone of Remembrance In the lead up to the 90th anniversary of the unveiling of the Canadian National Vimy Memorial, Blair Ketcheson has made available a small release of prints from his Portraits of an Icon collection. “Stone of Remembrance” highlights one of the defining elements found across Commonwealth war cemeteries. Each Stone bears the inscription “Their name liveth for evermore,” chosen by Rudyard Kipling from the Book of Ecclesiasticus, reflecting the enduring remembrance of the fallen. Produced exclusively for the Vimy Foundation, each print is part of a limited edition of fifty, signed and numbered by the artist. Prints measure approximately 13” x 19” on 17” x 22” sheets. An Attribution Sheet is included with each order, detailing the image, edition, copyright, and framing information. Each print is numbered to 50 and available only while supplies last. Copyright © 2014 Blair Ketcheson : All Rights Reserved.

"Stone of Remembrance" Print by Blair Ketcheson numbered to 50

$ 300.00 

$ 300.00