Remembering Steve Loftus

June 17, 2025

It’s with heavy hearts we share the news of the passing of Steve Loftus, Vice Chair of Georgian College’s Board of Governors and a dear friend to our college and community.  

Steve served on the board with extraordinary dedication since 2021. His unwavering commitment to Georgian was evident in every role he assumed – employer, partner, donor and friend.

He served on several key committees, including: 

• Finance and Audit Committee, 

• Policy and By-law Review Committee, 

• Recognition Committee, 

• Steering Committee for University Partnership Governance, and 

• Advancement Committee (Chair). 

As the founding partner and Board Chair of Innovative Automation, Steve has championed student success through fundraising events and capital campaigns that supported financial aid and cutting-edge learning spaces, including the naming of a CAD/GIS lab in the Peter B. Moore Advanced Technology Centre.

Innovative Automation received a Board of Governors’ Community Partner Award in 2019 for going above and beyond in support of our students. 

“Steve was a visionary leader whose kindness and commitment to community will leave a lasting mark on Georgian. He believed in the power of education to transform lives, and that belief inspired countless students to dream bigger and achieve more. We’re deeply grateful for all he gave and shared with us.”  – Steve Lowe, Chair, Georgian College Board of Governors 

Steve and Innovative Automation have long been committed employers of Georgian students and graduates. In fact, one in four employees at Innovative Automation are Georgian alumni.

Earlier this year, Georgian’s Advancement and Alumni Relations team hosted a Connect and Reflect event at the company’s Barrie headquarters, where many alumni gathered to celebrate their shared Georgian connection – a testament to Steve’s enduring impact on education, innovation and mentorship. 

“I would love to be remembered as the person who created an opportunity for everyone to grow, primarily as people. Whether this is family, friends, employees, or anyone within our community. Creating an opportunity for people to step up, be able to grow and become better gives me great pride.”  – Steve Loftus, former Vice-Chair, Georgian College Board of Governors 

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Steve was an adventurous entrepreneur who loved life and helped others succeed. He grew up on a family farm near Barrie and lived in Apto with his wife, Leslie, and their children. A father of five and grandfather of five, Steve’s life was filled with family, sports and community. From coaching hockey and baseball to travelling the world with his family, Steve embraced every opportunity to give back and grow. 

Earlier this year, Steve joined community and college leaders to announce the expansion of the Barrie Campus’ Centre for Skilled Trades. At the event, he spoke about the importance of skilled trades in building a resilient economy and empowering the next generation.  

Steve’s legacy lives on in the lives he touched, the careers he helped launch, and the learning spaces he helped create. His generosity, leadership and unwavering belief in education and community will never be forgotten. Our thoughts are with his family and all who had the privilege of knowing him.  

The Georgian flags at all campuses are lowered in his honour.