It is with great sadness that the family announces that on August 29, 2022, Colonel (Ret’d) Malcolm (Mel) MacLeod has passed away. Mel was born in Sydney Mines NS to Captain (Ret’d) Malcolm Emerson (Emmy) MacLeod and Anna Kathleen (Kaye) MacLeod (nee MacLean). Mel was predeceased by the love of his life, Gloria (nee Baker) three years ago and is survived by children Michele Casey (Paul), James MacLeod (Stephanie); and grandchildren Samantha Casey (Brian), and William and Connor MacLeod. Mel is also survived by siblings Norman MacLeod (Anne), John MacLeod (Liz) and Al MacLeod (Mary), and cousin (and honorary sister) Nancy McArthur (Don).
Upon graduation from high school in 1957, Mel attended Sir George Williams University in Montreal in the Canadian Army’s ROTP program. He was commissioned in the Royal Canadian Corps of Signals in 1961. During the period 1961 to 1965, he served in the First Canadian Signal Regiment, Kingston, and on exchange with the 13 Signal Regiment, Royal Signals, in Germany. On promotion to Captain in 1965 he became Second-In-Command of 2 Signal Squadron, Petawawa. In 1967 he was posted to NDHQ, Ottawa, as a Staff Officer in the Directorate of Electronic Warfare.
In 1969 he was promoted to Major and attended the Canadian Land Forces Command and Staff College in Kingston. On completion of Staff College in 1970, Mel returned to NDHQ as a Staff Officer in the Directorate of Communications Systems Engineering. In 1972 he was posted to the 1st Canadian Signal Regiment where, during a three-year tour he was successively Squadron Commander, Operations Officer, and Deputy Commanding Officer. Mel participated in that unit’s deployment to Egypt in 1973. Between 1975 and 1978, Mel was a Liaison Officer with the Canadian Defense Staff (London, England).
Mel was promoted to Lieutenant-Colonel on return to Canada in 1978 and was appointed Commanding Officer of 73 Communication Group in Winnipeg. From June 1980 to August 1982 he was Director Communications and Electronics Operations at NDHQ. He became Deputy Chief of Staff of Operations in Canadian Forces Communication Command Headquarters in August 1982 and a year later accepted the position of Canadian Forces Attache in Beirut with cross-accreditation to Syria and Jordan. On return from the Middle East in 1986, Mel assumed the position of Director Military Review, Operation Support in the new Chief Review Services Branch at NDHQ.
He was promoted to Colonel in 1987 and remained in Review Services until July 1988 when he was posted to Director Public Policy in the Policy Group of NDHQ. In June 1990 he assumed the position of Director Information Systems Plans until Jan 1991 when he was assigned to Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to open a new Canadian Forces Attache Office during the Gulf Crisis. In August 1992 he was Director Communications and Electronic Warfare Support at NDHQ until he retired in 1993.
Following his release from the military, Mel did what many resourceful officers do and started a consulting company, MacLeod Consulting Inc, and partnered in the creation of V3A Associates to deliver defence consulting services.
After closing out his consulting career, Mel and Gloria checked off items from their travel bucket list, including visiting China, Russia, Australia, Alaska, Italy, and taking several cruises. Along with Norman and Anne MacLeod and Don and Nancy McArthur, Gloria and Mel would retreat to Florida in February for an annual “MacBlah” break.
After Gloria passed in 2019, Mel maintained contact and friendships with many of the hobby groups she belonged to including mall walking, quilting, knitting. Additionally, Mel enjoyed his regular lunches with the “the boys” of Working Group 7, WG7 Recce Team and the Geek Coffee club.
The family would like to thank the wonderful hematology team at The Ottawa General. Their kindness and compassion meant a lot at a very difficult time.
Mel will be interred at Beechwood Cemetery on September 17, 2022.
11:00 - 12:45 - Visitation, Hall of Colours
13:00 - 14:00 - Funeral Service, Sacred Space
14:00 - 14:30 - Private Graveside Service for Immediate Family
14:30 - 16:30 - Reception
In-memoriam donations can be made to Canadian Cancer Society or Wounded Warriors Canada.
Digital Guestbook
Lewis MacKenzie
Maxine and John Bovenkamp
With great sadness, we would like to give our condolences to Jim and Michele, Mel’s brothers and their families on the passing of Mel MacLeod.
Mel and Gloria were great friends of ours over the many years that we lived in the Ottawa area. Our sons grew up together and our families shared some holidays, hockey games, scouts and school events.
We will miss the good times together, the laughter, and the dinner gatherings. Mel and John often discussed politics, defence, and sports. Maxine gained much from Gloria’s quilting expertise and despite all the quilting trips, Mel supported all of Gloria’s artistic endeavours. Theirs was a great partnership at home and overseas. They made people feel comfortable and welcome.
Mel was a good father, friend and a strong individual. He fought a great last battle and is undoubtedly reunited with Gloria. Rest In Peace together!! We will miss them both.
Maxine and John Bovenkamp
Major (Ret’d) Clair Bostwick
Michele, Jim and families, Shirley and I were saddened to learn of your Dad’s passing. We have fond memories from having known your Dad and Mom for at least 30 years. Having worked for Mel for over two years in DCEWS and then 12 years together in V3A Associates followed by nearly 20 years of friendship has left us recalling get together in Ottawa and Kingston.
Your Dad will be missed by family, friends and colleagues alike. May he Rest In Peace.
Clair and Shirley Bostwick
Duncan, Carrie and Callum
We share our hearts and thoughts with Jim, Michele, Stephanie, Connor and William. We will miss the great man that was Malcolm and know he is now looking down on all of us with Gloria at his side.
Neil Carson
I had dinner with Mel, Michele and Paul a couple of times.
Mel was a really nice man. He will be missed.
Condolances to the whole family.
Bill Cowperthwaite
Mel was a friend and colleague for many years and I am sorry to hear of his passing far too soon. My condolences to his family.
David Rothwell
We were able to catch the service on Zoom when we were travelling through Wawa Ontario. A wonderful tribute to a great friend. Blessings. Judy & David
So very sorry to hear the news. We were fellow Army Staff College students together with Don Banks 69/70. Mel was a true gentleman and a role model officer. Left us much too soon. My sincere condolences to the family.