Daniel Munro

With profound sadness, the family announces the passing of Brigadier General (Ret’d) Daniel Munro on February 17, with his wife Connie of 64 years, daughter Michelle (Gary), and son Carl (Tanya) by his side in his final hours. Eldest son of Freda and Alec Munro, and older brother to Lynette Halvorson of Squamish and Richard of 100 Mile House.

Dan was born in Quesnel and raised in Squamish before attending UBC Engineering. While working a summer with a survey crew in Northern BC, Dan flew many flights in the supply plane and discovered his love of flight, leading to flying lessons at Sidney Flying School and the co-purchase of a Fleet Mk-2 aircraft, displayed today in the BC Aviation Museum.

Dan joined the Royal Canadian Navy in 1954 as an aviator to serve his passion for flying and his country. While serving as Flag-Lieutenant in Halifax, he found yet another passion, his wife-to-be Connie, to whom Dan was married in 1960. While posted to Victoria in 1961, Connie and Dan’s son Carl was born before they headed to England and Ireland for a two-year exchange posting. Dan served on the Magnificent and Bonaventure aircraft carriers and was one of Canada’s first instructors on the Sea-King helicopter.

A posting to Toronto in 1967 saw Dan attend and subsequently become an instructor at Canadian Forces Staff College. In 1970 daughter Michelle was born. In 1974 Dan took over as Commanding Officer 427 Tactical Helicopter Squadron in Petawawa before heading back to England to undertake Air Warfare College training in Cranwell in 1976 before later that year assuming the role of Deputy-Commander, 10th Tactical Air Group in St. Hubert. Dan’s next posting was Commander, Canadian Forces Base Edmonton from 1979 to 1982.

One of the family’s favorite postings was to Ramstein Germany from 1982 through 1986 where Dan was Assistant Chief of Staff, Allied Forces Central Europe. During this time, Dan, Connie, and Michelle were able to tour much of Europe while spending most of his Sundays coaching the military kids’ swim team.

In 1987, Dan was promoted to Brigadier-General and assumed the role of Director General Charter of Rights and Freedoms and subsequently Director General Personnel Policy in Ottawa. Dan retired in 1993. What started as an interest in flying, cumulated as a distinguished, nearly 40-year military career. Over the course of this career, Dan flew over 40 types of Aircraft ranging from Avengers and Sea-Furys to Beachcraft 18’s and Twin Otters to Sea Kings and Twin Huey, while racking up over 4,500 total flying hours.

In 1994 Dan moved back to Victoria to embark on his well-deserved retirement. Having become an avid golfer his adult life, Dan was thrilled to become a member of Royal Colwood Golf Club where he served two terms as President. Dan also served on the Boards of Commissionaires, Winston Churchill Society, Gordon Head Lawn Bowling, and Probus Uplands. Dan believed in giving back however he could, including being a 100x blood donor to the Canadian Blood Services. In 1998, his first grandson, Kurtis was born to daughter Michelle, followed by Daniel in 2006. In 2007, grandson Aidan, was born to son Carl.

Dan was a kind, gentle, compassionate soul – a true gentleman who doted on his grandsons and adored his family. He loved his life in Victoria and was very proud to be a Canadian and serve his country. He was our rock and our home, and we wish he could open the hanger doors and come home one more time. He will be missed by many but will remain forever in our hearts.

Donations of blood to Canadian Blood Services or to the Victoria Aviation Museum in Sidney, BC, would be appreciated.

Condolences may be offered to the family below.

McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com

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