The Tribune

IAN Bruce, an internationally renowned sailor, boat designer and builder who spent periods of his life in the Bahamas, died last month from cancer aged 82.

Born on June 7, 1933 in Kingston, Jamaica, Ian Boyack Bruce moved with his family to the Bahamas in 1945 after his father had been asked by Eustace Myers to open the corporate headquarters of Myers Rum in Nassau.

He spent his teenage years here and made many friends with whom he remained in close contact throughout his life.

Ian lived a full life as industrial designer, sailor, ballroom dance teacher, Olympian and boat-builder and his achievements were considerable. At 20 he found a love of sailing that would become his life’s passion and work: he represented Canada at two Olympic Games (1960 and 1972) and won the Prince of Wales Trophy twice, marking him as the world’s fastest International 14 sailor. But for him it was never about winning; it was about the pure joy that came with being on the water, tiller in hand.

In 1970, following a boat design by Bruce Kirby with sails cut by Hans Fogh, Ian built a small sailing dinghy that would become known globally as the Laser and entered it into The America’s Teacup Regatta. The event changed his life: he soon began building Lasers by the thousands at Performance Sailcraft Inc in Montreal. The next 45 years were filled with designing and building boats, including the Finn, Fourteen, Fireball, 470, Laser II, Tasar, Laser Radial, Byte, 29er and Bruce 22.

In 2009 Ian was made an Officer of the Order of Canada for his contributions to the development of sailing in Canada and internationally.

He died peacefully on the morning of March 21, surrounded by loved ones, following a year-long battle with cancer. He was predeceased by his father William Douglas Bruce, mother Pamela (née Robison), wife Barbara (née Brittain) and brother-in-law Donald Brittain.

He is survived by his daughters, Tracy and Tobi (Greg), grandsons Will and Luke, sister-in-law Brigitta Brittain, nephew Christopher Brittain (Susan), grandnephews Patrick and James, niece Jennifer Brittain (Kate), his dear friend Lynn Pyfrom Holowesko, and her loving family.

A celebration of Ian’s life will be held on May 7 at the Royal St Lawrence Yacht Club, Dorval, Quebec, at 4pm and in Nassau, where he had recently made his second home, at a date to be announced. Donations to the Bahamas Sailing Association, c/o PO Box N 7776-348, Nassau, Bahamas, in lieu of flowers.