In Memory of George Bruce Lewis November 4, 1953 - March 27, 2026
It is with great sadness, we announce the passing of the loving husband of Elaine and loving, devoted Dad to his daughter, Amanda.
Bruce was surrounded within the love of Elaine, Amanda, his brother Ronald and sister-in-law Debbie in his remaining days and final passing.
Bruce was born on November 4, 1953, in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. He was the first-born son of Gerald Frederick Lewis and Lois Jane Lewis who are both deceased. He is survived by brothers Grant Frederick, and Ronald James as well as nephews Gregory and Douglas in Sault Ste. Marie and Kevin and Mark in Alberta. He enjoyed a very special relationship with his grandparents who are also deceased.
He is survived by his loving wife, Elaine, and his beautiful, loving daughter, Amanda. We must include his 2-four-legged Shetland Sheepdogs, Kaylee and Cleo who also really loved their Daddy.
Family meant everything to Bruce, and he always made sure we were all well taken care of, even though he had such a busy career.
Bruce graduated from Royal Military College, Kingston, Ontario with a Bachelor of Engineering In 1976. He went on to Winnipeg to gain his Air Navigator wings as a Lieutenant.
Bruce flew on the old Argus, Anti-Submarine aircraft from CFB Summerside with his fellow "Gophers”. He was promoted to Captain in 1979 and was posted to CFB Shearwater where he crewed aboard Sikorsky Sea King helicopters. He deployed to sea quite regularly with our navy. While at Shearwater, he commanded the Helicopter Operation and Test Flight Evaluation Unit (HOTEF) and also undertook a Masters of Applied Science at Nova Scotia Technical College and received his degree in 1986. He was promoted to Major In 1987.
In 1988, Bruce's little girl, Amanda was born and Bruce literally walked on water for weeks. Amanda and her Dad have always been "'Partners in Crime'' and Elaine never knew what they were going to spring on her. Bruce also completed many courses over his career and excelled at all.
In 1991, Bruce attended the British Staff College course in Bracknell, England for one year which included a large number of British and international officers. Upon completion, he was posted to DND Ottawa where he worked with the Vice Chief of the Defence Staff’s Secretariat for 18 months and was promoted to L. Colonel. He was then posted to CFB Comox in 1994 where he commanded 407 Squadron, CP140 Auroras for 3 years. Bruce returned to Ottawa as Project Manager of the CP 140 Aurora implemental Upgrade Program in 1997. Bruce spent almost 20 years developing, obtaining approvals and completing Ill of IV block upgrades. During that time, he was appointed Director of the unit in addition to his duties as Project Manager, which in itself was a challenging position but Bruce took it on and excelled in this double role for approximately 6 years. The Aurora Update Program was the highlight of Bruce's career and he was so very proud of the men and women who supported and worked with him.
Bruce retired from the Canadian Air Force in October 2012 from which he had had an amazing career. Bruce went on to enjoy several consulting positions in private industry.
Although our hearts are heavy with grief, we take great comfort in the number of lives Bruce touched. We have wonderful memories to sustain us. Bruce will be greatly missed every minute of every day, and we will carry his happy spirit with us forever.
A Celebration of Life for Bruce and interment will be announced at a later date.
Digital Guestbook
Kurt Patrick
mark aruja
Our deepest condolences to Elaine and Amanda. I remember first meeting Bruce at RMC...we were in different years, but our paths crossed over fixing cars. It would not be the last time I took his advice. From those first meetings I remember Bruce for his lighthearted humour, and, his studious no-nonsense self. Both stood him well in life. Only a few could complete an Engineering Masters while having a full time job. When we were getting ready for the Gulf War, Bruce as CO HOTEF and I as CO 406 were the ones at Shearwater who probably had the best understanding of the technology we were going to put into the Sea Kings. One evening our first infrared system showed up, and it sat there staring at us. Bruce said to me, 'we'd better figure this thing out', got a bolt cutter, opened up the container...and we took it from there. Years later we would be working on the Aurora program, he has the project manager, and myself in industry. I enjoyed all of those moments, and cherish them. RIP my good friend.
I am so sorry to hear about the passing of Mr. Lewis and my deepest condolences to the family. I first met Col Lewis in 1994 when he took command of 407 Sqn. He was a fantastic CO, he would come down to the servicing desk almost every morning and talk to us techs to see how things were going. He and I had a jovial relationship, he played a prank on me when when he presented me my IPS and said I was going to Winnipeg if didn't accept. I had the pleasure of working for him in PMO Aurora where we always chatted about our families especially our daughters! It was a great honor working for and with Mr. Lewis, I will truly miss Bruce.