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
Michel Maisonneuve et Maj (retd) Barbara Krasij, RCAF
Andy and Bonnie Robinson
Margaret Bonnie and I send our condolences to you and the entire family. My introduction to General Manson, was not through the military, but on the golf course at the Royal Ottawa. I am sure that I speak for may members of the Wednesday Men's League when I say that it was always a pleasure to play a round of golf with a true gentleman. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Norman Starling Freeman Major General (retd),
Paul was a great Canadian, a great RMC Class of '56 Mate, a great Squadron (440 AW) Mate, and my best friend of over 71 years, who will be missed by many. May he rest in Peace. Per Ardua Ad Astra.
LCol (ret'd) Bill Sergeant, Chair, 441 (Huronia) Wing
Dear Margret and family:
On behalf of the members of the RCAF Association 441 (Huronia) Wing, I would like to pass on our sincere condolences on the loss of your dear husband. We had crossed paths numerous times during my career. Every time we met, he greeted me by name, and would make me feel that I was an important part of the Air Force. He made everyone he met feel special, which reinforced our commitment to those things that were important in the service to our country. He was a true leader and a gentleman in the finest sense of the word. May the angels give him wings so that he can continue to inspire those who follow in his footsteps.
Per Ardua Ad Astra
Duane Daly
I am greatly saddened by Paul's passing. He was a committed veteran and a determined advocate on behalf of his fellow Vets and the Promotion of Remembrance. His loss will be felt by many.
Among his many pursuits he was also a knowledgeable 'collector'. I much enjoyed our conversations about coins and his valued collection of meteorites and aboriginal stone tools and arrowheads.
A good man has passed. We will Remember him.
Glenn Chadwell
Paul always commanded friendly respect in all his endeavors.
Angelo And Sylvie Ottoni
Our deepest sympathies to Cathy and David and your family.
Your neighbours Sylvie and Angelo Ottoni
LCol (Ret’d) David Gregory and Capt (Ret’d) Louise Gregory
I was a pleasure serving with you in Europe and NDHQ. To Mrs Manson and family our heartfelt wishes. Thank for you service to the RCAF, the AIAC and the country.
Karen Zarrouki
Dearest Karen, Cathy, Peter, Bob and Mrs. Manson, it is with a heavy heart that my family, my parents (Bob and Arlene Salmon) and my aunt Carol Fahie offer you and your extended family our deepest sympathies. We remember Paul Manson as a choir member at church, and my best friend's dad. A family man, humble and humorous, musically gifted and wise. May your precious memories of him sustain you in your sorrow and lift you up in days to come.
Miriam Mas
My deepest condolences. I am so sorry for your loss. Thinking of you. ??❤️?️
RIP to a true gentleman, thinker, author and leader. An outstanding Canadian statesman, father of the CF18 and the primary contributor to our War Museum. Nous ne l'oublierons jamais. Nos condoléances à Marg et la famille.