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
Digital Guestbook
Ron and Liz Hicks
Gary Cathline
My condolences
Tom Scott
Phil, we always had fun when we worked together and no matter the time from one connection to the next it was always like we N.E. missed a beat. RIP old Friend ❤️
Philip Berikoff
Sincere condolences to family and friends. Rest in Peace Phil.
Rick and Pat Horton
Donna and Family
So very sorry for your loss.
Joan Turner
Condolences and Thoughts and prayers are with you and yours on this sad occasion.
Dennis Greencorn
Sorry for your loss. He was an amazing person.
Sherry McGinnis-Gray
Dear Donna and family our sincere condolences on the loss of your son Philip. Taken much too young! Sending you love and prayers. Love, Aunt Beatty & family
Doug Bugeaud
Phil was a solid officer, and it was a pleasure to serve with him.
Please accept my condolences.
Dom Goulet
My most sincere condolences to Phil's family for their loss.
So sorry to hear of the loss of Phillip and to read of his memorable life of service to his country and love of his family. We know he will be sadly missed.