McGibbon, D. Bruce, Colonel (Retired), ndc, PEng, SBStJ, CD – It is with profound sadness that the family of Donald Bruce McGibbon announces his death on June 12, 2023 in his 83rd year at Providence Care Hospital. Bruce was predeceased by his parents Robert “Bob” and Mary “May” E. McGibbon (née Lunam) and siblings Sheena Davidson (Park) and Brian. He was the beloved husband and best friend of Doreen (née Graham) for 58 years. He was the esteemed father of James McGibbon (Rhonda) and Brenda Lammi (Thomas) and grandfather to Zach, Garrett, Bobbie, Travis and Ayla. His grandchildren were his pride.
Bruce had a long and distinguished career in the Canadian Armed Forces, serving as an artilleryman, field soldier, instructor, rocket man, engineer and staff officer. He is a graduate of Lisgar Collegiate, Ottawa and the Royal Military College, Kingston in Electrical Engineering. Bruce received his bachelor’s degree in space science from the US Army Air Defense School at Fort Bliss, Texas and military science and technology from the Royal Military School of Science in the United Kingdom. He was a graduate and faculty member of the National Defense College in Kingston, Ontario, where he taught strategic planning for Canada. Bruce’s career highlight was in command of 1 RCHA in Lahr, Germany. He was incredibly passionate and dedicated to serving Canada.
After his military career, he was a successful and sought-after program manager and director, including at Bombardier Aerospace and Canadair, where he was responsible for long-range drone and helicopter programs.
In retirement he served on various boards where he played an active role in supporting contemporary engineering activities. However, he was particularly proud of the mentoring and coaching of up-and-coming executives.
Bruce’s greatest hobby was golf. He spent his entire golf career trying to approach Doreen’s skill level, with mixed results. To address this issue, Bruce initiated an ongoing equipment renewal process. Unfortunately, the equipment never filled this gap.
The cremation was entrusted to the James Reid Funeral Home in Kingston. Bruce will be buried at a later date in Ottawa’s Beechwood Cemetery. Memorial donations can be made to the Canadian Cancer Society in Bruce’s honor.
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