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
John Ferguson
Lillie Haworth
My sincere sympathy. Very difficult to have our children die before us.
Shelly O'Donnell
Keeping you all in our Prayers.
Love Shelly,Davey &Colton ❤️
Kelly wattie
We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time
Sandra Forward
My brother Phil was a beautiful sole, alway up for an adventure, always made people laugh when he walked into a room. Was the life of a party with his stories. Beautiful wife whom stood by his side right to the end. Together raised a handsom great son. He was great at sports, go Flyers! Great brother. Im going to miss you and your smile. ❤🙏
Margo Does
I am so very sorry to hear about your son's death, Donna. It is very had to lose anyone so very dear to us. My condolences to you and your family. Margo
Barry Hammond
I'm extremely saddened to hear of Phil's passing, I'm just finding out now (Jan31st). He was a great friend back in our military days, we travelled to Halifax from Gander on a curling trip back in 1986 and ended up buying two 750 GSXRs, we had so much fun on those bikes, we played hockey together in Gander and Winnipeg, he was full of life and there was no stopping him. We lost touch in the later years but I'll never forget him, RIP buddy, I'll miss you. My condolences to the entire family.
Steven Hardy
My condolences, Donna, to you and to all of Phil's friends and family.
LCOL Procyshyn (retired)
Very sad news to see Phil’s passing. When serving in Winnipeg, Phil befriended Keith Tkachuk as well as Mathew and Brady. He took great pride in watching the boys progress in their hockey careers. Phil was always very loyal to his friends.
I am saddened to hear of Phil’s passing. I knew Phil and Tony from my years attending Sussex High. I remember Phil well, we played on the varsity volleyball and baseball team. There was never a dull moment when Phil was around. My condolences to Phil’s family and friends.