WO (retired) Malcolm Denny, CD

It is with heavy hearts, that we announce the passing of Malcolm George Denny, which occurred on Sunday 07 July at the Ruddy-Shenkman Hospice Centre in Ottawa. Malcolm courageously fought a battle with cancer for the past three years with the vigor that is not often found.

Malcolm was born on November 2, 1961, in Killarney, Manitoba, the youngest of three brothers. He is preceded in death by his parents, David and Janet, his brother Albert and sister-in-law Marnie. He is survived by his eldest brother Donald, niece Jenette and her children James, Cameron, and Sarah Marley, niece Mary Anne and her husband Brendan Lusk, nephew David, sister-in-law Merle and numerous cousins in Manitoba and Scotland. Malcolm also leaves behind a multitude of friends and comrades who will deeply miss him.

Malcolm gave almost 40 years of service to Canadian Armed Forces, proudly serving both 2nd and 3rd battalions of the Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry and then switching the Intelligence Branch in 1991. Having spent much of his life serving others, Malcolm’s military career would take him across the globe to various countries such as Cyprus, Germany, Kosovo, Pakistan, Haiti, and Afghanistan. Malcolm was also involved in assisting Canadians in need when called upon to assist those impacted by natural disasters here at home. His unwavering commitment to serving his nation earned him the respect and admiration of his peers and superiors alike.

An avid history enthusiast, Malcolm spent much of his free time travelling the world. Just prior to his passing, Malcolm mentioned that his favourite historical site that he had travelled to was Hadrian’s Wall along the border of England and Scotland. Malcolm enjoyed the beauty and serenity that the area offered. In addition to travelling Malcolm was an accomplished scale model builder with each one masterfully assembled and painted.

Malcolm had a kind heart and gentle soul who would often go out of his way to help those around him. He would always be one of the first to congratulate a person on their promotion and buying a bottle of sparling wine when a couple purchased their new home. Malcolm would often help form groups to help those he worked with when they needed help moving. Those who had the privilege of serving alongside him would often praise his mentorship and guidance on leadership. He was fiercely devoted to his subordinates and protected them like they were his own. He would often challenge leadership when he felt the subordinates around him were be treated unfairly or they were being forgotten.  He took his role as a SNCO seriously and his subordinates were the better off for it. This unique characteristic made him admired by people of all rank levels.

To all who knew Malcolm, his dominant trait that everyone noticed and remembered was his unique humour and quick wit. His use of comedy could be used to diffuse tension or be used as an icebreaker when meeting new people. His ability to make people laugh, often at his own expense, made him endearing to all who had the honour to know him. This trait also allowed him to transcend groups and personalities to be a friend to all.

Urn interment will be held on Friday July 26, 2024, at the National Military Cemetery of the Canadian Forces at Beechwood Cemetery, 280 Beechwood ave. at 3:00 followed by a reception at The Royal Oak, 1 Beechwood Ave. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Malcolm’s memory to the Canadian Cancer Society.

Malcolm’s legacy of courage, friendship, and humour will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew him. His strength and spirit will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of calling him a friend, a comrade, and a loved one.