February 22, 1933 - July 14, 2022
On July 14, 2022, Bruce Giffin of Cobble Hill, British Columbia launched his final adventure.
The son of Florence (Trefry) and Robie Giffin of Sable River, Nova Scotia, he was the sixth of ten children.
He is survived by his three children: Rod (Emily), Laurie and Steve; five grandchildren; three great-grandchildren, and was predeceased by his life partner, Margaret Jane Robinson, several siblings and a great-grandson.
In 1957, Bruce graduated as a mechanical engineer from Nova Scotia Technical University. During his studies, he joined the Royal Canadian Air Force and qualified as a fighter jet pilot. After graduation, he flew the F-86 Sabre at CFB Marville, France and became a test pilot.
After completing training in aerospace systems, he was seconded to the US Air Force, where he worked on the Gemini program. Afterwards he was commander of an Advanced Flying Training Squadron at Gimli, Manitoba.
In 1973, he served as a peacekeeper in Viet Nam. Upon leaving the Air Force, he joined the public service and enjoyed various advisory and executive roles. He retired in 1992 and moved with Jane to Cobble Hill in 1993.
Bruce was an avid outdoorsman who planned his adventures so that "nothing could go wrong." Whether he was travelling in boots, on wheels, or on the water, the events of a journey and the people he met were all part of the adventure. In his twilight years, he enjoyed sharing stories and beer can-chicken with friends and neighbours.
The family wants to underline the professionalism and compassion of the medical team who supported Bruce during his long fight with cancer. In lieu of flowers, please share your stories with us at giffin@magma.ca, or make a donation to your local literacy program.
A Funeral will be held in Nova Scotia at a later date.