Bruce KEAN (O35614) joined the
RAAF as an
Apprentice Airframe Fitter in 1952.
[His apprentice intake was
code-named “
Pansies”!]
Bruce had transferred his
apprenticeship from being an Aircraft Sheet Metal Worker with
Australian National Airways (ANA, later TAA) to
the RAAF.
Following his graduation, Bruce went
on to serve in a variety of postings, which included: the Aircraft
Research and Development Unit (ARDU), Laverton; Butterworth
Malaysia (3SQN); Headquarters Support Command, Melbourne
(HQSC); and Amberley (482 SQN). In 1976, Bruce was commissioned
on posting to HQSC and set up home in Melbourne with wife Ros.
In 1982 Bruce ceased full-time service
with the rank of FLTLT, but continued as an Active Reservist
with 23 SQN, finally hanging up the uniform in 1990, on completion of
some 38 years of very valuable and commendable service.
Bruce is survived by his widow Ros,
daughter Michelle, son Wayne, Grandchildren and
Great-Grandchildren.
Bruce’s funeral service was held in St
Thomas' Anglican Church, Werribee VIC., on 16 September
2024. Seeing that Bruce had succumbed to the effects of cancer,
several generous donations were made in Bruce's name to various
cancer-research organisations by mourners attending his funeral.