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 ls 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 "Grophers”. 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 Bruce1s 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 consuming 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.
Digital Guestbook
Dale Ross
Donna Moore
Dear Elaine,
I can remember the first day I met Bruce. He came over to make a call as your phone wasn’t connected. The fridge was too big for the opening!
I have so many good memories; the best neighbours ever, an adventure to Wales, England and Belgium to visit our guys away on sea duty, the birth of sweet Amanda, Bruce’s assistance in constructing our shed, Bruce in hot pursuit of very young toddler, Amanda, “streaking” to our yard, and so much more.
Bruce’s advancement in his career took you away from Tummell Dr. but not my heart.
With sincere sympathy,
Donns
Steve and Margaret Peach
Bruce, you were my friend. We met in 1972 and learned to support each other at Royal Roads and RMC military training for 4 years. We both took Electrical Engineering and during third year when I experienced a particularly difficult set of mid-term exams I was prepared to switch to an easier course of study. You encouraged me over that Thanksgiving long weekend to not make that choice and to carry on. I have remained thankful for that help. We celebrated our graduation from RMC both of us with our engineering degrees, our graduations from Navigation school in Winnipeg, and later your promotion and command of 407 Squadron in Comox. You have done well.
We recall that great story that it was Elaine’s cat that played cupid to bring you two together and start a new chapter of your life. Margaret and I looked forward to your Christmas card and letter every year keeping us up to date on your life, a love found in Elaine, and a loving dad to Amanda.
Forged in the trials recruit camp, academic and military studies and a sharing of life’s experiences you have been my friend.
I'm very sorry to hear of uncle Bruce's sudden passing. I know that he was a very decent human being to everyone he encountered and was a remarkable father and husband to my cousin and Aunt. I wish you both strength and I know that uncle Bruce will be deeply missed.