Chief Warrant Officer (Retired) Glenn Simpkin passed away peacefully at the age of 59 on Wednesday 04 June 2025, having lost his battle with mesothelioma. He was the beloved husband and best friend of Angela (Swan) Simpkin, loving father of Gillian & Joseline, and devoted brother to Karen Matheson & Sharen McDowall.
Glenn proudly and passionately served 38 years in the Canadian Forces. He joined the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) as an Artilleryman in 1982; he remustered to Topographic Surveyor in 1994. As a Geomatics Technician, Glenn moved through the ranks becoming Chief Warrant Officer (CWO) of The Mapping and Charting Establishment in 2016. Glenn’s final appointment was the Canadian Military Engineering Branch Chief Warrant Officer. After he retired in 2021, he became a Services Coordinator for the CAF Transition Centre in Ottawa, where he supported medically releasing military members.
His dedicated career included deployments to Bosnia and Herzegovina (x3), Afghanistan, and Haiti. Domestically, Glenn deployed to the Winnipeg floods and was the first to use radar to depict floodwater movements, completing several Arctic gravity survey missions, and more. A particular highlight for him was his posting to Naples Italy with his family, where he worked on multiple missions and deployed to Iraq for a NATO training mission. As the Branch CWO he had an audience with Queen Elizabeth II, where he discussed the state of the Engineers. He was a proud Engineer who worked tirelessly to better the organization and support his soldiers.
Glenn will be sorely missed by his family, the military community and others who have had the opportunity to cross paths with him.
A celebration of Glenn’s life will be held from 1300 to 1500hrs on Saturday 26 July 2025, in the WO & Sgts Mess at 4 Queen Elizabeth Drive, Ottawa ON
Digital Guestbook
Pauline and Keith Thomas
Christopher Damjanoff
I knew Glen when we were all young Gunners in Gagetown- 1985-1989. We were a core of young soldiers- friends- who worked together- played together and looked after each other. This is shocking news and he will be missed. Rest in Peace - End of Mission.
Donald Bungay
I knew Glenn in Gagetown with W Bty. The nicest guy you would ever know. We did a lot together as gunners. My condolences to the family. You will be missed, my brother in arms. Ubique
Mark Farrer
So sad to hear the loss of Glenn. I first met Glenn in 1987, we were both at CFB Gagetown , artilleryman as surveyors. Glenn was always smiling, a very notable smart guy, as well as a sincere caring and all around great guy who could be counted on at any time. I lost track of Glenn as I left for my MP trade and he left for his MCE trade. We met up again, after we were both retired, a few short years ago, where he asked me to build him a custom shadow box to showcase his achievements in the military, he was very proud of his accomplishments and rightfully so and I was very proud to help put them on display. My sincere condolences Angela and the girls! RIP Glenn you will be missed.
Glenn Cirnect
Glenn was a great guy and an excellent soldier. He’ll be missed by everyone . Sincere condolences to his family
Arthur Snodgrass
Rest in peace brother , first met Glenn in Gagetown where we worked together as Artillery Surveyors . He was one of the smartest guys I had met , always smiling and enjoying his time at H12 Locating troop .
Rob Turner
Shocking and sad news. I had the pleasure of meeting Glenn on my first day working with the CF. We were out at Conaught Range for a Geo Exercise back in September 2003. I believe he was stationed in Kingston at the time. We developed an instant friendship on that day and throughout my next 3 and 1/2 years in Ottawa, I could always count on Glenn if I needed to talk with someone about personal or professional matters. Even though it was 20+ years ago when we first met, it seems like only a few days ago. He was indeed a family man who loved his family dearly. Glenn has left us way too soon and I know he will be missed by many but I believe his spirit is resting with the Lord. Rest In Peace Bro Glenn, My Friend.
My Sincere Condolences To The Family,
Robert Turner
Retired First Sergeant
United States Army
Gilles Thibeault
Glenn was a proud soldier. Always ahead of the technical game. I was privileged to have served with him. My deepest condoléances go out to Angela and their girls as well as s to all his family and friends. RIP my friend.
Tara Findlay
I had the honor of working with Glenn at the TC. He was devoted to his posted members and colleagues. He will be missed.
To Angela and his family, you are in my thoughts during this difficult time.
Danny Methot
My sincere sympathy and my thoughts are with the family!!!
This is shocking news to find out about. Our deepest sympathies to his family and children, as well as his extended family and many friends. We knew Glenn when he worked at CFB Gagetown back in the late 80's and early 90's. He was a great guy and will be dearly missed. RIP Glenn.