Chief Warrant Officer (Retired) Glenn Simpkin passed away peacefully at the age of 59 on Wednesday 04 June 2025, having lost his battle with mesothelioma. He was the beloved husband and best friend of Angela (Swan) Simpkin, loving father of Gillian & Joseline, and devoted brother to Karen Matheson & Sharen McDowall.
Glenn proudly and passionately served 38 years in the Canadian Forces. He joined the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) as an Artilleryman in 1982; he remustered to Topographic Surveyor in 1994. As a Geomatics Technician, Glenn moved through the ranks becoming Chief Warrant Officer (CWO) of The Mapping and Charting Establishment in 2016. Glenn’s final appointment was the Canadian Military Engineering Branch Chief Warrant Officer. After he retired in 2021, he became a Services Coordinator for the CAF Transition Centre in Ottawa, where he supported medically releasing military members.
His dedicated career included deployments to Bosnia and Herzegovina (x3), Afghanistan, and Haiti. Domestically, Glenn deployed to the Winnipeg floods and was the first to use radar to depict floodwater movements, completing several Arctic gravity survey missions, and more. A particular highlight for him was his posting to Naples Italy with his family, where he worked on multiple missions and deployed to Iraq for a NATO training mission. As the Branch CWO he had an audience with Queen Elizabeth II, where he discussed the state of the Engineers. He was a proud Engineer who worked tirelessly to better the organization and support his soldiers.
Glenn will be sorely missed by his family, the military community and others who have had the opportunity to cross paths with him.
A celebration of Glenn’s life will be held from 1300 to 1500hrs on Saturday 26 July 2025, in the WO & Sgts Mess at 4 Queen Elizabeth Drive, Ottawa ON
Digital Guestbook
Mike Pizzacalla
Mike Pizzacalla
I just learned of Glen’s passing today. I recently had a dinner out with Glen and friends at Pub Italia in May and am glad I had the chance to see him again. Glen was extremely smart and a great person that would not hesitate to help a coworker in need of advice or assistance. I personally called on Glen for advice several times when I was employed with MCE, and he was always more than willing to help. My thoughts are with Angela and the family during this difficult time. May he rest in peace!
Luc Taillon
Glenn Simpkin was a true leader. His wisdom, intelligence and knowledge were remarkable. He always had my upmost respect. I owe him my posting to 22 Wing which I'm extremely grateful for. I feel he was always fair and honest with me when I worked for him in Geo Support Sqn. I salute you Glenn, you worked really hard and accomplished a lot in your military career. My sincere condolences to his wife, children and family.
Tommy Moreau
My deepest sympathies to the family.
My best memory of him was that he was always a phone call away to answer questions or provide support.
Jo-Anne & Vic (didge) davis
Thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time 😢💕
Chris & Val Brace
Our deepest condolences to Angela, Gillian & Joseline, family and friends. Glenn was a friend and mentor. I will miss our chats at the Independent in Barhaven. Taken far too early. RIP.
Michael Salo
I’m deeply sorry for your loss and the loss comes as surprise to me. So young to taken away.😢🙏 RIP Glen.🙏
Rebecca Hanbidge
Such shocking and sad news. My sincere condolences to Angela and the girls
I just learned of Glen’s passing today. I recently had a dinner out with Glen and friends at Pub Italia in May and am glad I had the chance to see him again. Glen was extremely smart and a great person that would not hesitate to help a coworker in need of advice or assistance. I personally called on Glen for advice several times when I was employed with MCE, and he was always more than willing to help. My thoughts are with Angela and the family during this difficult time. May he rest in peace!