MAJ. ORVILLE MALCOMSON (Ret'd)

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MAJ. ORVILLE MALCOMSON (Ret'd)

January 26, 1941 - August 14, 2026

Orv passed away peacefully at home with Linda by his side.

Orv was born in Kemptville, ON and moved to Smiths Falls as a young teenager. The work ethic was instilled in him at a young age, including working on his grandparents' farm in the summers along with his sisters and cousins. He worked hard and played hard in his teenage years.

He joined the RCAF in December 1958 at age 17 and fell into a world he absolutely loved. He trained as a navigator and received his Navigator Wings in 1959. His next posting took him to Ottawa and then to Bagotville, QO. In 1967 he was posted to Tyndall AFB, Panama City, Fl where he instructed at an advanced training unit. In 1969, back in Canada, he cross trained to pilot and received his pilot wings as the top graduate in Gimli. Next posting was to CFB Comox and then to CFB Moose Jaw where he was an instructor pilot and was promoted to Major. In 1980, he was posted to Air Command headquarters, Winnipeg as a staff officer and his flying days were over. He had flown over 5100 hours. In 1982, he was posted to Air Reserve Headquarters. He retired in November 1987 at the young age of 46. He often said the days instructing young pilots in Moose Jaw was the best part of his career. Within a month of retirement he began a 15 year career selling real estate, retiring for good in 2002.

In 2000, Orv and Linda were married and embarked on a life full of adventure and travel. Winters, for 19 years, were spent in Wellton, AZ among a close group of retired Air Force friends. The days were filled with golfing and trips into the desert; the evenings were filled with dinners with friends, cards and maybe a few drinks. In 2008, they started cruising and found adventure around the world. In the end, he had cruised over 600 days. He boasted that he had touched down on all seven continents and visited 80 plus countries. But he maintained the best trip was on safari in Africa in 2023.

Orv was always busy. He loved to golf, play bridge, and keep up with his many friendships from the flying world. He went to the gym regularly often following up with a hot dog at Costco.

He particularly enjoyed being entertained. At least one trip a year to Las Vegas was a must, as was seeing many of the headliners passing through Winnipeg. His mantra at Christmas time was "if I can't eat it or be entertained by it, I don't want it". He lived a full life.

Orv was diagnosed with cancer in 2020 and embarked on rounds of chemotherapy to May 2026. At the time, the therapy drugs were no longer effective, and he agreed with the doctors that he should enter Palliative Care. The past several months took a huge toll on his being and he was ready to give up the fight.

Orv is survived by his wife, Linda. He is also survived by sister Rhea Graham and family in Calgary, AB, brother Gerald Malcomnson and family in Smiths Falls, ON, aunt Grace Wallace in Picton, ON. He was loved by Linda's children: Kyle, Steve and Mike Gerbrandt, their wives: Mary-Anne, Shelley and Suzy; grandchildren, Simon, Addison and Logan.

Orv was predeceased by his only son Jeff in 2004. He was also predeceased by Jeff's mother, Beverley (Rattai), sister Ruth Neveau and her husband Bernie, brother-in-law, Dick Graham.

We wish to thank all the doctors and nurses at the Buhler Cancer Centre, Victoria Hospital. Orv was so grateful to all of you for taking such good care of him. We also wish to thank the MAID Team who assisted Orv on his final journey. You met his final wishes with care and understanding.

A Celebration of Life will be held on September 20, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. at Chapel Lawn Funeral Home, 4000 Portage Avenue.

Donations may be made to Salvation Army, CancerCare Manitoba or a charity of your choice.

Chapel Lawn Funeral Home

204-885-9715

Tribute Link: www.chapellawn.ca

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 29, 2026