Brigadier-General (Retired) Daniel Harrison, CD

Dan passed away peacefully on June 18, 2026, surrounded by the warmth and love of his family.

He is survived by the love of his life, Hélène Harrison (née Saint-Jacques), with whom he would have celebrated 65 years of marriage this fall. He was the proud father of Stephen (Dianna), Mike (Jennifer), and Suzanne (Pål), and the adored Grandpapa of Nick, Katherine, Justin, Julia, Alexandre, Chloe, Max, Emma-Rose, Félix-Antoine, Hannah, and Logan.

Dan was predeceased by his parents, Percy Harrison and Marjorie Sullivan, his sister Elizabeth, and his brother William of Victoria.

Born in Kent, England, Dan moved to Victoria, BC, with his mother and sister following the death of his father, Percy, who served as a Petty Officer in His Majesty’s Royal Navy during WW II.  Dan joined the Canadian Armed Forces as an Officer Cadet in 1952. Upon graduating from the University of British Columbia in 1955, he embarked on a distinguished military career, rising to the rank of Brigadier-General.

His notable postings included service with 56 Canadian Signal Squadron of the United Nations Emergency Force in the Middle East. After graduating from the Canadian Army Staff College in Kingston, he commanded 4 Signal Squadron in Germany.  In 1974, he was then appointed the Deputy Canadian Military Representative to NATO  and Military Attaché in Belgium. Dan and Hélène then returned to Canada, established roots in Ottawa, and he was appointed Commander of Communications Command.

However, his most important posting was to the Royal 22e Regiment in Valcartier, Quebec, where he met Hélène and was warmly welcomed into the Saint-Jacques family.

Dan loved life! He was an avid reader and a true music lover. Upon his retirement, he enjoyed many rounds of golf at Hylands with friends and family and, could often be found either walking along or skating on the Rideau Canal. Most of all, Dan enjoyed being surrounded by his family for Sunday night dinners. He was a proud grandfather and a true mentor to his grandchildren, spending countless afternoons cheering them on from the sidelines with immense pride.

Along the way, he accumulated many dear friends, and he will be deeply missed by all.

The family extends a special thank you to Dr. Ruth Farey and the amazing staff at Maplewood Residence for the compassionate care they provided him in his final days.

Family and friends are invited to visit on July 2nd, 2026 the Hall of Colours of the Beechwood National Memorial Centre, 280 Beechwood Avenue, Ottawa after 12 noon. Memorial Service will be held in the Sacred Space at 1:00pm followed by interment at the National Military Cemetery of the Canadian Forces and a reception.

As an expression of sympathy, donations may be made to the Ottawa Hospital Foundation or the Ottawa Mission.

Dad, you lived a full life. Our love for you will live forever.