CALNAN, Michael David
Colonel (Retired)
The Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery
22 July 1932 to 2 March 2018


A proud Gunner, Father, Grampa and devoted Husband, Colonel Mike called in his last fire mission at 1255 hours on Friday, 2 March 2018.

Known to all as “Colonel Mike”, he was born in Grafton, Ontario and is pre-deceased by his parents, Anthony and Catherine. Survived by his beloved wife of 60 years, Barbara (n. Cully), he was the proud father of Major Michael T., Susan (Brian Ashe), Patrick (Nancy McCormick) and Jan (Daniel Sauvé). He will be sadly missed by grandson, Jack, and is pre-deceased by his granddaughter Moiragh Lee. Remembered lovingly by brothers Phillip and Denis and by sister Mary and their families.
A career soldier, Colonel Mike served 37 years in the Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery and commanded soldiers in Germany, across Canada and on exchange with the British Army. He commanded G Battery, 3 RCHA and following promotion to Lieutenant Colonel, took command of 1 RCHA in Dielinghofen and Lahr, Germany. He then served as Base Commander of Canadian Forces Base Shilo following his promotion to Colonel in July 1975. After moving back to Ottawa, he was appointed Director General Ammunition in August 1983 and then retired from the military in the summer of 1987.
Public service continued to be a driving force for Colonel Mike as he moved into municipal politics and was elected a Councillor for the Township of Rideau from 1982 until 1991. He also served on the Executive Committee of Royal Canadian Legion Branch 314 from 1980 to 1997 including five terms as President following which he was made a Life Member. Committed to volunteerism, Colonel Mike was a Director of the Rideau Township Non-Profit Housing for 15 years and chaired the Building Committee for Saint Leonard's Church in Manotick. He also served as the Honorary Chair of the Swords and Ploughshares Museum in Kars.
Colonel Mike’s service was recognized by being awarded the Special Service Medal with NATO Bar, the Canadian Centennial Medal, the Queen's Silver Jubilee Medal, the Canada 125 Medal, the Queen's Diamond Jubilee, and the Canadian Forces Decoration with two bars. He was also Mentioned in Dispatches by the Commander of 4 CMBG in Germany for life saving efforts he performed during a vehicle fire in 1973.
We will celebrate his life on Saturday, 10 March 2018 at Manotick Place (1145 Bridge Street, Manotick) from 1400 to 1700 hours. A Military Funeral will be held on Friday May 4th at Beechwood Funeral, Cemetery Cremation Services (280 Beechwood Ave.) Visitation in the Hall of Colours will begin at 12 noon. Memorial Service in the Sacred Space at 1:30 followed by interment at the National Military Cemetery of the Canadian Forces.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Ottawa Heart Institute would be appreciated.