Obituary of Howard Orvil Boyd
Boyd, Howard Orvil
Passed away peacefully at Freeport Hospital on Sunday, August 11th, 2024, at the age of 87.
Survived by his loving children, Sean, Neil (Marnie) and Heather (Dennis Baril) and grandchildren, Mackenzie (Matt), Kathryn aka Tamra (Thomas), Alexandre, Cameron, Lisanne, Aiden, and Ian Baril. Fondly remembered by his siblings-in-law and many nieces and nephews in Ontario and across Western Canada.
Being the son of a BA Oil salesman, Howard’s family moved many times throughout his childhood and finally settled in Calgary, then he moved on to Edmonton where he joined the RCAF in concert with starting university. Eventually he moved to Ontario where his exemplary skills at singing and dancing wooed the ladies, particularly a certain Marita Ann Cross who became his wife. Now reunited with Marita (dec’d 2015) and daughter, Kathryn (dec’d 1990); both taken too soon. Pre-deceased by his sisters Lorraine Orr (Bob) and Ilene Gilles (Gord).
Howard (Howie, Dad, Popa), served with the RCAF/CAF from 1954 through to 1981 (27 years) stationed at Camp Borden, CFB Bagotville, CFB Ottawa, Hill Airforce Base, Utah, CFB North Bay (where he was also part EOD team), Kitchener (1974-1976 he took sabbatical to obtain his degree in Mathematics and Computer Science from University of Waterloo), and finally returned to CFB Ottawa where he retired from the CAF. He continued his career with DND until 2013 (32 years) and earned his Masters degree in Electrical Engineering from Carleton University in 1991. His proudest moments in his career included working on the weapon systems designs and various other flight systems for the CF-18 and the radar guidance systems on the military and search & rescue helicopters. He loved his country and was very happy to serve it for so many years.
“Seriously”, he was a man who always had a kind word to say, was polite to everyone he met and visibly enjoyed all that life had to offer. He loved traveling, meeting new people, spending time with his family, and indulging in delicious libations and gastronomical delights. An avid sports fan, reader, and coffee enthusiast, he was at his happiest during family dinners, engaging with restaurant staff about world events, and cheering on his kids and grandkids in their athletic and academic pursuits. He had a particular fondness for singing and dancing, Single Malt Scotch Whisky, and suicide hot wings; he preferred his coffee piping hot and in abundance, and was often heard professing that “water rusts the pipes!”
A heartfelt thank you to all the amazing restaurant staff who made Howard feel like he was dining with family and took the time to befriend him after Marita’s passing. In particular, Neil Gardner and his partner Diane, La Cucina, Montana’s, Almadina, and Leslie, Gary & Cesar at The University Club at University of Waterloo.
Special thanks to the kind, caring and attentive staff at University Gates Retirement Residence, University of Waterloo Centre for Community, Clinical and Applied Research Excellence, Brain & Body Program, Dr. Benaroia, Grand River Renal Clinic, and Dr. Koke & staff at Freeport Hospital Geriatric Assessment Unit. Howard sincerely enjoyed his family, friends, food and fitness and his surviving family will forever be grateful for your contributions to extending his life.
Cremation has taken place. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
Condolences for the family and donations to UW Centre for Community, Clinical and Applied Research Excellence (CCCARE) Brain and Body program in memory of Howard Boyd, may be arranged at www.erbgood.com. or by clicking here CCCARE
His generous smile will be fondly remembered and deeply missed by everyone who knew him.