(ROBERT) JOHN BOYD

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(ROBERT) JOHN BOYD July 14, 1958 - September 23, 2008 Unexpectedly, yet peacefully, John passed away at the age of 50. Remaining to forever cherish his memory is his mother, Sheila Boyd, his sisters Debbie (Tom McLeod), Daune (Gary Staal), Susan (Wally Hergesheimer) and Maureen (Larry Ogden) along with numerous nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews. John was also blessed with his two care givers, Todd and Roy, whom were like his family. Without their assistance, patience and love John would not have been able to live his independent lifestyle. John was the only boy and middle child of five siblings. He attended River East Collegiate and Kildonan East Collegiate. At the age of 21 John moved to Alberta to work, where he was critically injured, leaving him a quadriplegic for 29 years. John was a fighter and proved to the medical profession that he would surpass their projected life expectancy. John never complained about his situation and made the most of his disability. His body may not have been willing but his mind certainly was! He was always coming up with some hair brain idea but some actually worked, like his hands free fishing rod and modified snowmachine. He enjoyed a full life and travelled to Super Bowl, Mardi Gras, Florida and Jamaica. His passions were snowmobiling, boating and spending time with family. His zest for life was second to none. The door was always open at Uncle John's Cabin - his dream home at Still Cove in Lac du Bonnet. John just celebrated his 50th birthday at his home surrounded by his family and friends. His health was unwell and was in and out of the hospital prior to this momentous occasion but he was determined to be there. We were so grateful John was able to participate in this milestone, as he was able to reconnect with friends he hadn't seen in years. Over the many years of John's disability, so many people have helped out and cared for him. To those people, (you know who you are) we would like to thank you so much. We would like to thank Dr. Mink for his years of care and also to the emergency staff at the Selkirk Hospital for their compassion. A celebration of John's life will take place on Friday, September 26, 2008 from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the East St. Paul Legion on DeVries (off the north perimeter). In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in John's memory to the Canadian Paraplegic Society at http://www.canparaplegic.org We love you John and we will always miss you. You are now pain free and free to run!

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 25, 2008