The Eastern Caribbean Civil Aviation Authority (ECCAA) paid tribute Thursday to veteran aviation professional Simon Lewis, whose death was announced on the same day the organization officially opened its expanded headquarters at V.C. Bird International Airport.

Staff members wore gold and black ribbons in Lewis’ memory and observed a moment of silence during the ceremony, which was attended by government officials, aviation stakeholders and regional representatives.

Lewis, who served as an operations officer responsible for aerodromes at ECCAA, died early Thursday morning after a career in aviation that spanned more than five decades.

“It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that we mourn the passing of our colleague, Mr. Simon Peter Lewis, who served the Eastern Caribbean aviation community with unwavering dedication and distinction,” ECCAA Director General Anthony Whittier said during a tribute delivered at the event.

According to Whittier, Lewis began his aviation career in 1971 and initially served as an air traffic controller and meteorological officer. He later became manager of the air traffic department at Maurice Bishop International Airport in Grenada, where he was recognized for his leadership and expertise.

His contributions extended beyond national aviation administration. Lewis served as chairman of the International Civil Aviation Organization’s Eastern Caribbean Working Group from 2001 to 2006 and played a role in advancing aviation cooperation throughout the region.

Following his retirement, he joined ECCAA on July 1, 2012, and continued to support aviation development across the authority’s member states. Whittier noted that Lewis remained actively involved in regional assignments up until his death and had participated in an ECCAA mission to Dominica just last month.

“He generously shared his vast knowledge and experience, providing comprehensive guidance and support that significantly contributed to the improvement of civil aviation across our member states,” Whittier said.

Colleagues remembered Lewis as dedicated, dependable and meticulous in his work. Whittier described him as a responsive and supportive colleague who remained engaged even while working remotely from Grenada.

Beyond his professional achievements, Lewis was remembered for his warmth and personality.

“Simon was known by his colleagues as dedicated, dependable, punctual, hardworking, and meticulous in all of the work that he undertook,” Whittier said, adding that he was also “jovial, approachable, and warm.”

ECCAA said Lewis’ contributions left a lasting impact on aviation throughout the Eastern Caribbean and that his legacy will continue through the many professionals and institutions he helped shape over the course of his career.