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
Keith and Cathy McDonald
Margaret Egan
It is with great sadness having received the news of Paul’s passing. My heart goes out to Marg. and family. A truly great Canadian.
Senator (Ret.) Joseph Day
Dear Margaret and Family,
I was very saddened to learn of the General's death. I enjoyed our friendship out of our mutual alma mater, RMC. His dedicated work towards the successful completion of the War Museum is well known and greatly appreciated. Please accept my sincere condolences.
Joseph Day 7543
Gen (Ret'd) Ray Henault and Loraine Henault
To Marg & Family. Loraine and I extend our sincerest condolences on Paul's passing. He was an exceptional leader, a true gentleman, and a mentor who never failed to provide caring and thoughtful advice to friends and subordinates, as well as his successors as Chief of the Defence Staff. He was an icon for us all, and a true friend who will be sorely missed. His was a life well-lived. May he rest in eternal peace.
Barry Ashton
Dear Margaret and Family,
My best memory of Paul was Christmas 1983 when we gathered at the official residence of the Commander RCAF for a Christmas reception. Paul played the piano and trombone and we sang all the favourite Christmas carols. He and Margaret were generous and engaging hosts. I was proud to have been asked by Paul to head up the Alberta wing of the Passing the Torch campaign, another of Paul’s awesome achievements. Rest in Peace, my friend. You will be soaring high among the angels.
Mike and Jean Dabros
Our sincerest condolences to Marg and family on this sad occasion. General Manson was a genuine, sincere and caring leader, who always found time for friendship. We are most appreciative of how he lived his life, and know he will be missed.
LCol John Chandler OMM CD and Mrs Chandler (nee Birchall)
The loss of one of the last “Officers and Gentlemen” that was the backbone of the post-war RCAF. My wife and I consider it an honour to have known and served under him. May he rest in peace.
PER ARDUA IN ASTRA.
John and Sharon Chandler
Jonathan Vance and Kerry Wheelehan
To Marg and the whole Manson Family please accept our sincere condolences for the loss of an exceptional man. Mom and Dad enjoyed their long friendship with you and Paul, and I learned much from him in his role as mentor. May he rest in peace.
Al and Susan DeQuetteville
An inspirational leader, a mentor and a friend.......he will never be forgotten.
Admiral (Ret'd) John and Anne Anderson
To Margaret and family. Anne and I express our sincere condolences on the death of General Paul. He was an exceptional man both in and out of uniform and I was proud to have served under his command when he was our Chief of Defence. Canada has lost a great Canadian. May he rest in peace.
General Manson was a superb leader who had an exemplary military career. His post military time was equally as impressive as he tackled numerous challenges with aplomb. If an organization needed help, Paul was the first to volunteer. He will be missed. Our thoughts are with Marg and family at this tragic time.