Obituary for Bruce Trueman Burgess
Burgess, Bruce Trueman OMM, CD, peacefully succumbed to cancer on March 28, 2018 at the age of 85. Survived by brother David Burgess and sister Jean Matthews. Devoted husband of Faith Burgess (deceased 2008), and dearest father to Wendy (Neal Stansby) and Clifford (Caroline Burgess). Cherished grandfather to Andrew, Matthew, Ian, Michael and Maxine. Doting great-grandfather to Maya and Theo. We miss you dearly, and will continue to hear the echoes of your laughter and your stories (there I was at 40,000 ft …) at family gatherings. Your ability to make a career of your passion (flying), your role at the core of a happy family and your deep love of jazz continue to shape all of our lives. Bruce Burgess was born in Amherst Nova Scotia in 1932, son of Clifford Burgess and Eva Trueman. He volunteered, at the age of 18, to join the Royal Canadian Air Force at the start of the cold war, serving from 1951 to 1987, as a jetfighter pilot. During flight training he was the recipient of the JD Siddley trophy for best performance, receiving his commission as a Pilot Officer in the RCAF in 1952. He served two tours in Germany, initially flying CF-86 sabres with 434 Squadron in Zweibrucken from 1953-54 and then returning to command 441 and 439 Squadrons flying CF-104 starfighters in Lahr and Baden-Sollingen from 1969-72. After his first tour overseas he married his high-school
sweetheart and lifelong love, Faith Marie Mill, in December 1954. Returning to Canada from Europe in 1954 he served in the Overseas Ferry Unit, flying small single-engined fighters across the Atlantic to Europe from Longeueil, Quebec. Postings through the late 50s and early 60s saw him training the RCAF’s (and NATO’s) growing cadre of pilots in Portage la Prairie, Saskatoon and Gimli. His experience with accident investigation within the Flight Safety Directorate in Ottawa from 1965-68 helped initiate safety procedures that dramatically brought down the accident rate amongst new jet pilots. After a year’s study in Staff College in Kingston and operational training in Chatham and Cold Lake, Bruce Burgess returned to Europe, commanding 441 and 439 reconnaissance squadrons flying CF-104s in Germany and studying with the Royal Air Force Warfare College at RAF Manby in 1972. Returning to the Air Requirements Directorate in Ottawa from 1973-77, he helped shepherd the acquisition of the next generation of CF-18 (hornet) fighter aircraft. Highlights of his later career include Base Commander at CFB Comox (1977-80), Defense Attache in London (1980-82), Chief of Staff Air Force Operations,
Winnipeg (1982-84) and Deputy Chief of Staff of Operations at Aerospace Defense Command in Colorado Springs (1984-87). He was awarded the Order of Military Merit in 1984, supplementing his earlier Special Service Medal (NATO-OTAN) and Canadian Decoration. He retired with Faith to Lancaster, Ontario in 1987. Bruce Burgess was a citizen airman who lived life with integrity, humility, humour, a strong sense of responsibility and a profound commitment to Canada. The warmth of his personality, his dedication to duty, his courage and his charm enriched us all. The funeral will be held at 11 a.m.
on Saturday April 7, 2018 at St. Andrew’s and Knox Church, 21102 Concession Road 2, S. Glengarry,
Bainsville, Ontario. The family will receive visitors on Friday April 6, 2018 from 2 to 4 p.m., and from 7 to 9 p.m., at the Munro & Morris Funeral Home, 46 Oak Street, Lancaster (613-347-3629).
Order Flowers
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Bruce Trueman Burgess 1932 2018.source
Décès pour la Ville: Lancaster, Province: Ontario
