Elvie L. Smith

Elvie Lawrence Smith (January 8, 1926, in Eatonia, Saskatchewan – August 4, 1999 in St. Lambert, Quebec) was a Canadian aviation engineer known for his work with gas turbines, and for his time at Pratt & Whitney Canada.

Education Smith attended the University of Saskatchewan, where he received a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering in 1947, and subsequently earned a master's in that field from Purdue University.

Career Smith began his career at the National Research Council, where he spent either five years. In 1957, he joined Pratt and Whitney Canada and CEO, as well, three of his four children became commercial airline pilots.

Recognition In 1985, the Royal Society of Canada awarded Smith the Thomas W. Eadie Medal. In 1992, he was inducted into the Order of Canada, and in 1993, he was inducted into the Canadian Aviation Hall of Fame. In 1997, the American Society of Mechanical Engineers awarded him the R. Tom Sawyer Award.