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
Philip,
My brother from a Canadian Mother! I'm saddened to hear of your passing and have wondered what path you took once I left NATO in Ramstein! I was hoping to catch up with you sometime and partake of Canadian Moose Milk or Sortilege or Feuille de Erable! My Maple Brother of the Canadian Air Force I bid you farewell and a mighty puck swing too in the Greate Hockey Rink in the sky! You are missed brother and remember, I've got you always. Now in memories! You already know!
Respectfully,
Thomas E. Loyd III, Ret Major, USAF