Obituary of James McAdam Boland

James McAdam Boland, 1930-2018 – much loved husband for 63 years to Joan Baxter Boland. Devoted father, brother, uncle, grandfather, great grandfather and friend, passed away after a life time of achievement, public service, support and dedication to family, friends and the community. Pre-deceased by parents and grandparents Joseph and Margaret Boland and Euphemia McRaild and James McAdam Cruickshank and brother in law and friend David R. Baxter. Survived by daughters, Barb Boland and Chris McDonell, Lynn Boland Richardson, Cheryl (Boland) Rowe and William Rowe. Grandfather to Matthew McAdam Richardson and Lindsay Shields, Ian and Kara McDonell, Heather and Spence Nichol, Becky and Mark Andre Turcotte, Suzie and Jordy Denny. Great grandfather to adored babies  Jovie Turcotte and Adrienne Nichol. Brother and friend to Hugh and Betty Boland and Margaret Boland and Brother in law to Norman and Shirley Baxter, David R. and Heather Baxter. Adopted father to Kathy McKirdy Norris and Mickey Norris and families. Loved by many nieces and nephews; Sarah, Jayne, Mary, Jill, Suzanne and Heather- Don, Dave, Steven and Peter. James will be deeply missed by the many cousins in Canada, the US, Ireland -Margaret Ford and Mary Carton and families and in Scotland - Jeannie and the Cruickshank families.   

James was an inspiration and an example in all he accomplished. He achieved professional success while putting his family and the needs of others first. He enjoyed an accomplished career spanning more than 45 years in print media and the newspaper industry. Starting work at a very young age for the Ayr news, James rose to the position of General Manager of Fairway Press, publisher of all local weeklies, before being promoted to Executive Director of Public Relations at the extant Kitchener-Waterloo Record. James served the Record and its owners, the Motz family, with great pride.   

James was a mentor to so many people throughout the course of his life and volunteered his time to many local associations, boards of directors and charitable organizations such as the American and Canadian Press Associations, Big Sisters, The Press Club, 25-Year Club, KW Probus, Oktoberfest Advisory Board, KW Counselling Services, past president of Dr. Schaman’s Healthy Heart Cardiac Association and the -Press, Radio and TV Benefit Hockey Association.  James was also the first Akela of the Waterloo 9th Boy Scouts.   

James’ musical talents mirrored the success of his professional career. He possessed a passion for music and proficiency with numerous instruments. In 1948 James joined forces with his future brothers-in-law (Norman and David Baxter), his cousin (Hugh Maus) and the Mitchell brothers to form the “in demand” Hay Seeds Band. As they tripped the light fantastic, the Hay Seeds became a hit at weddings and the house band for the Blue Moon in New Hamburg and many other locations in Waterloo County and beyond. 1954 the band’s name changed to “the Tartans” including the talented life -long friend - Bruce Reuel. A vinyl record was cut in the 1963 and the band and the music has remained a favourite well into the new millennium.  

James’ home was filled with love and music and all occasions were made special by these gifts now passed on to successive generations.   

James was a consummate adventurer enjoying his cottage at Sauble beach with many boat trips on the lake and down the river cruising in the Kingfischer.  Trips with family across Canada, the U.S., treasured travels to Europe, specifically Dieppe to see the grave of his fallen cousin George Cruickshank. Other travel included Scotland, Ireland and England.   

James McAdam Boland wasn’t just any man – He was the best man. He lived his life well - a life of example that inspired friends and family alike. All who know him – loved him and will miss him very much.   

We will remember you.

Thank you to the angels of care at the Freeport Palliative Care Unit. Thank you to the Grand River Hospital Emergency Team, Grand River Regional Cancer Centre Dr.'s McCarron, Junker-Anderson and Rachanconda. Thank you to Dr. Ron Fowlis, Dr. Robert Brown, Dr. Asche, Dr. Salasidis, Dr. John  Schaman, Dr. Chesney, Dr. Lau and Dr. Maura McKeown and Dr. Mickey Norris.

Friends are invited to share their memories of James with his family during memorial visitation at the Erb & Good Family Funeral Home, 171 King St. S., Waterloo, on Saturday February 3, 2018 from 1-4 p.m.   A Memorial service will be held at Park Minster United Church 275 Erb Street E, Waterloo, on Sunday February 4, 2018 at 3pm with Rev Heather Power officiating. Cremation has taken place, and there will be a private interment.  Reception to follow in the church hall.  

Condolences for the family and donations to Dr.Schaman’s) Cardiac Fitness Association, Breslau, Ontario,  St Mary’s Cardiac Care Centre or Grand River Regional Cancer Centre   may be arranged through the funeral home at www.erbgood.com or 519-745-8445.