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
Bill Ricketts
John Preston
Sincerest condolences to Bruce's family on his passing. I remember Bruce for several reasons.
Very shortly after I arrived in Summerside as a green Lieutenant, we got launched on a search and rescue. We landed in Iceland, and I had not brought any civilian clothes. Bruce literally gave me the shirt off his back! That was the kind of person he was.
Our paths crossed again a few times, and I ended up working for Bruce in the Aurora Project Office. Keeping that diverse project on track and moving forward was a credit to his determination and vision. He was a great mentor to everyone there, and he developed a very loyal and proud team.
He will be missed by all who knew him.
Mike Hache
My sincerest condolences Elaine and Amanda. Bruce was a true gentleman, friend and professional in every sense of the word. He was a jovial and very engaged participant in so many aspects of life. I don’t recall him ever doing anything “half way.” Bruce’s contributions to the Maritime Air community served to maintain and advance their global superiority in their missions. He truly made a difference.
His love for his family was always easy to see. Equally, he always helped and inspired his friends when they needed it. Bruce will be remembered and missed by many.
Rest in peace old friend!
Chris Henneberry
When I joined the Swordfish on PEI, Bruce was quick to welcome me and a number of other newbies to the Squadron. At the time, we were away from family and living in quarters. I have never forgotten the many things he did to help us feel part of the team including hosting dinners and ensuring many of our needs were met. Later in our careers our paths would cross and the same kindness and camaraderie were ever present. What a great friend and colleague. My most sincere condolences to his family and close friends.
Steve Bannister
I was saddened to hear of Bruce's passing. My sincere condolences to Elaine and family.
He was my CO at 407 Sqn and my boss at DAR on the AIMP. He was a mission focused, but caring kind of gent who will be remembered fondly by many.
Bob Gaede
During my time as the Senior Military Officer at the Defence Research Establishment Atlantic (DREA), I was amazed how this bright young Captain Lewis consistently astounded the resident scientists with his knowledge, intellect and ideas. His subsequent promotion to Major was well deserved and proved to be a stepping stone on a great career.
Well done, Bruce! Per Ardua ad Astra.
Barb Weaver
So sorry to hear of Bruce’s death.
Our thoughts are with Elaine and Amanda.
Gerry Morey
Elaine and Amanda, please accept my sincere condolences.
Bruce and I worked together through our careers though never in the same unit. He was true to his education and his profession as a navigator- never unsure of his mission, always on track towards his destination, adept at dealing with the changes in the plans and laser focused on success. As a friend he could be brutally honest but never with malice. He was a complex man who I was honoured to know and work with on so many projects.
Linda and Kevin
Dear Elaine and Amanda:
Please accept our deepest condolences. Being neighbours for many years, we always could count on Bruce for his knowledge in plumbing, electrical issues and so on. He was an excellent handyman. He will be missed on our street.
Peter Kendell
Very sad to hear of Bruce's passing.
He was one of my students at the Air Navigation School in Winnipeg.
Years later he took over command of 407 Squadron in Comox from me.
Our paths continued to cross while I was a consultant to MDA on the Aurora synthetic aperture radar and Bruce was the Aurora Update Director.
Bruce made a very significant contribution to the Canadian Maritime Aviation community over a very long time marked by great advances in technology.
Rest in peace my friend.
Such a shock and such sad news to hear of Bruce's passing...I came to know and highly respect Bruce from many years working with him as Commanding Officers of Aurora squadrons at the same time, during the Aurora Upgrade Program, and for a number of years on support to the Cormorant SAR helicopter fleet. He knew how to get things done in Ottawa better than anyone else I ever met. I will remember him as a very dedicated professional whom I very much admired. Rest in peace, my friend...