Former Chief of the Defence Staff
Order of Canada
On Saturday, July 1, 2023, at the age of 88 years in the presence of his loving family. Survived by his beloved wife and dear companion of 66 years, Margaret (née Nickel). Dear father of Bob (Joanne), Cathy (LCol David Wiley), Peter (Pamela), Karen (Andrew Hanlon), and grandfather of Christopher, Matthew (Samantha), Ross, Emily (Todd), and Willow. Also remembered by brother Tony (Ann, deceased), of Toronto, and several nieces and nephews. Predeceased by parents Robert and Mary Manson of Deep River, ON, and sisters Marie and Claire.
Born in Trail, BC and raised in Montreal and Deep River, Paul attended Royal Roads Military College in Victoria and Royal Military College of Canada in Kingston, graduating in 1956 with the Sword of Honour. He received BSc degrees in electrical engineering from Queen’s University and RMC, and honorary doctorates from both Royal Roads and RMC. His life of exemplary leadership began with 38 years of military service as a pilot in NATO Europe and Canada, and saw him rise to positions of increasing responsibility, including Base Commander at CFB Chatham, NB, Commander of the Canadian Air Group in Germany, and Program Manager of the New Fighter Aircraft Program, leading to the selection of the CF-18 Hornet in the late 1970s. He commanded the Air Force from 1983 to 1985 and was Canada’s Chief of the Defence Staff from 1986 to 1989.
Following military service, he became president of a large aerospace company, retiring in 1997. He will be remembered for his significant contribution to the creation of the new Canadian War Museum as volunteer chairman of the Passing the Torch Campaign, and as Chair of the Building Committee. He was Chair of the Aerospace Industries Association of Canada and of Canada’s Aviation Hall of Fame, and President of the Conference of Defence Associations Institute. He also served for five years as a trustee of the Canadian Museum of Civilization. Among his many honours were the C.D. Howe Award (1992), the Vimy Award (2003), the Order of Military Merit, the RMC Wall of Honour (2009), and induction into Canada’s Aviation Hall of Fame (2018). In 2002, he was named an Officer of the Order of Canada. He was a frequent commentator on radio and TV on defence and security issues, and wrote numerous articles on related subjects. A truly modern renaissance man, Paul Manson actively pursued lifelong interests in astronomy, archaeology, history, and genealogy. In spite of an extremely busy professional life, his loving dedication to his family never diminished, and he always found time for friends and his beloved pursuit of golf and music. He was a longtime member of the Royal Ottawa Golf Club. A skilled trombonist, he played in several bands well into his later years.
A visitation will be held on Thursday, July 13, 2023, at Beechwood Funeral, Cemetery and Cremation Services (280 Beechwood Avenue, Ottawa, ON) from 5-7pm. A memorial service will be held on Friday, July 14 at 1 pm, followed by the interment in the National Military Cemetery. Live-streaming of the service will be available from Beechwood.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Canadian War Museum or a charity of your choice.
*There are several road closures within the City of Ottawa's downtown core from July 6 to 27th. Please consider planning your route accordingly*
Digital Guestbook
Jorma Hamalainen
Andrew Nellestyn
General Manson is the epitome of an officer and a gentleman, a superb leader and a man loving of his wife Margaret and family, considerate of his colleagues and community, dedication to his country, a champion of human rights, devoted to ?? veterans and the preservation of ?? history. Paul was a dear friend and my mentor. He will be sorely missed. His legacy is enduring and exemplary. RIP my dear friend. God Bless.
Walter and Leslie Natynczyk
Please accept our heartfelt condolences on the passing of a great Canadian, a gentleman and a devoted family man. Paul Manson set an example of the finest leadership attributes and values of our nation. We will remember him.
Peter Gillespie
In the brief time I have come to know Paul, he has struck me as a truly exceptional person with deep values and surprisingly quick to act in furthering the geniological, photographic and other interests of his neighbours. A true gentleman and an inspiration to those who engaged with him.
Randall Stowell
General Paul Manson has been the Patron of the NATO Veterans Organization of Canada for over a decade. General Paul was considered to be our “In case of Emergency – Break Glass” go to man for help if needed. He has been an active supporter and inspiration in NVOC efforts in advocacy for veterans.
A re- read of his Opinion in the “Globe and Mail” Published Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2015 tells his story: “My entire career was encompassed by the Cold War years, including 10 years with my family in France and Germany. The Cold War, however, was not a shooting war. I have told Canadians on many occasions that my greatest pride in having served is that, from the end of the Korean War until I retired 37 years later, not a single shot was fired in combat by the Canadian military. Our job was deterrence, and deterrence worked. We trained for war so that we wouldn’t have to fight a war.”
Jody Thomas
General Manson was a true gentleman and an extraordinary leader. My parents, Chuck and Maxine Thomas held him in high esteem. My condolences to Mrs Manson and her family. He will be profoundly missed.
Tom Lawson
General Manson was an exemplary and generous mentor for so many of us who followed him in uniform. He will be terribly missed.
George and Melanie Macdonald
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Manson family as we celebrate a life well lived. Paul was a lifelong leader and a wonderful person. We will remember him fondly.
Dwight Davies
A life well lived. He was an ethical and measured man: all things merited careful and thoughtful consideration. He did not shirk the tough things; I often recalled my times with him when my time in the fire came. My thoughts are with Marg.
Bud & Phyllis Jardine
It is not just where you served - but the contribution you made while you served - and the legacy you left behind when you departed, that will always be remembered by the community of which you were a part.
Thus it was with General Paul Manson and wife Margaret when he commanded the small base of CRB Chatham, in the small community of Miramichi. Together they created the Miramichi Choral Society, sought out the best of the communities musical talent, produced the plays Mikado and Brigadoon and laid the groundwork for the society to continue years after their departure.
I was most privileged to have served General Manson and my family most pleased to have been in their company.
Gone but not forgotten.
Gen Manson, in all ways Per Ardua Ad Astra