Donald Philip Forward passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Monday January 8, 2024, at the Ottawa Civic Hospital. He was 60 years old.
Born in Sussex, New Brunswick on November 14, 1963, son of the late Kenneth Arthur Forward, and Donna Ann Forward (nee McGinnis) of London, ON.
He is survived by his wife Irma, and son Jason.
Phil will be missed by his brothers Kenny, Tony and his sisters Linda (Grant) and Sandra (Rodney) and many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.
Major Donald Philip Forward proudly served his country for 34 years, from 1983 until his retirement in 2017. Phil started his career in the Royal Canadian Airforce as a Communications Research Operator. Upon completing his bachelor’s degree, he took his commission and became an Intelligence Officer. Phil spent his career in postings from coast to coast in Canada and internationally in the United States and Europe. His career included numerous deployments to Africa, Europe, the Middle East, and more. On top of being a veteran he also managed to complete his Master of Science degree in the process.
Phil possessed unlimited amounts of energy and was always up for an adventure or playing another game of hockey, or a round of golf, including socializing with anyone keen to hear a story.
Phil never met a stranger. He was always ready to lend a helping hand and was generous to all. Phil’s dark sense of humor helped make light of his daily struggles of living with Parkinsons.
Friends and family are invited to pay their respects at Beechwood Cemetery on Monday, 22 January. Visitation will commence at 11:00am, followed by a service and a military burial service. A reception will take place afterwards.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to www.parkinson.ca
Digital Guestbook
Philip & Linda Cummings
Sylvia Lewis
I'm so sorry Donna, Tony , Sandra and Linda for your loss. Phil and I dated siblings in high school and that's how we met. He's always made me laugh . That man had character and charm like no other his whole life. Never to be forgotten!
Bill Bustin (class of ‘81)
So sorry to learn of Philip’s passing. May he rest in eternal peace. Evidently, he lived a well lived life. God Bless.
Joyce McGinnis MacDonald
My heart goes out to Phillip’s family. He was one of a kind. He will be missed by all. Love to all.
Tom and Shirley Burley
Sending our sincere condolences to you and the rest of your family. Will keep you in my prayers
Linda Rogers
I am so sorry to hear about Phillip. We went to school together in Sussex. Sounds like he had an exciting life travelling the globe in service to our country. I will make a donation in his name to the Parkinson’s Foundation. Hoping your memories can bring you comfort.
Heidi Pearson
My sincere sympathy to you all ! Phillip was a high school friend for many years ! RIP! He’ll be missed !
Elaine Valdron
Dear Donna, I am so very sad to read of the passing of your dear son. My thoughts & prayers are with you. Elaine 🙏❤
Julie Booth
So So sorry Donna may he RIP . I will be praying for you and his family.
Eileen and Doug Reid, London Ont.
Will miss your keen sense of humour and smiley face. Wish I had gotten to know you better. RESP.
sending our condolence to Donna and all of Phil's family ,you are in our thoughts at this sad time ,
Sending prayers