STEPHEN (WILLIAM) BOYLE

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STEPHEN (WILLIAM) BOYLE June 26, 1936 - September 2, 2010 It is with deep sadness that we announce that Stephen Boyle, with his family by his side, passed away peacefully on September 2, 2010 at Grace General Hospital. Stephen was predeceased by his wife of 47 years, Diane this past June; his sister Carole Handford, also this past June; his brother-in-law Walter Sparkes; his father Reginald Boyle and his mother Evelyn Boyle (Pinkerton). Stephen is survived and deeply missed by his sons, Michael (Donna) and his grand-dog Shazda; and Dan (Vicki) and his grandchildren, Kaitlin, Matthew and Mikaela; his sister Lyn Sparkes (children, Pam and Janice); his brother Larry (Lis) and his brother-in-law Lyall (children, Patti, Peter, John and Jim), as well as many other relatives, cousins, friends and co-workers. Stephen was born in Dryden, ON and moved to Winnipeg with his family in 1948, settling on Doreen Street. Dad attended Gordon Bell High School, where he left after Grade 11 to work for the Canadian Pacific Railway Telecommunications. Eventually dad became a telegraph (Morse code) operator, and was one of the last operators in Canada. Stephen and Diane were married on February 16, 1963. They built their first and only house in 1965 in St. James. Dad went to work for Manitoba Telephone Systems and enjoyed a successful sales career until his retirement in 1995. Stephen enjoyed fishing when he was younger; often heading out with his father or Auntie Babs to one of their favourite spots. He played football at Gordon Bell and was quite a good golfer who played as much as time would allow. Running was another of Stephen's pastimes and he would go from the St. James Y on Ferry Road and run through Assiniboine Park, no matter the time of year. Dad was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis when he was 39 years old, forever changing his life. Dad confronted and handled his illness with such selflessness, rarely complaining or looking for sympathy. Dad was an avid reader; of novels, magazines and his Mayo Clinic updates. He loved to go to Salisbury House or elsewhere for a cup of coffee and catch up with friends. Visits from his grandchildren were especially important to him and he could never get enough. Dad enjoyed the events he and mom would have with family and friends, the regular Trivia night being one of those, especially since he was very good at Trivia. We would like to extend our thanks to the doctors and nurses at Grace General Hospital for their care of Stephen. We would also like to extend a special thank-you to Dr. Mike Stephenson and his assistant Leslie at the Assiniboine Clinic. Dad, you will be missed forever. A celebration of Dad's life will be held on Tuesday, September 7 at Sturgeon Creek United Church, 207 Thompson Drive at 3:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Stephen to The Arthritis Society.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 04, 2010