John BOYLE

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BOYLE: On October 6, 2013 we lovingly said goodbye to our father, grandfather and great- grandfather, John (Jack) Francis Boyle. Born April 30, 1924 in the Neepawa hospital to E.P. and Rose Mary (McHale) Boyle, he was the youngest of 6 children. Jack was predeceased in 2001 by his wife Berna (Hargreaves), wife of 52 years, and daughter Catherine six months later that same year. Also predeceasing him were his parents Edward Peter and Rose Mary, and all of his siblings - brothers Robert, Forrest (Bud) and Ken and sisters Irene and Winnifred. Jack received his early education at the Neepawa Central School and the Neepawa Collegiate. He then went on to St. Paul’s College and to the University of Manitoba in Winnipeg to complete his education. In 1943, he signed up with the Royal Canadian Air Force and trained as a navigator. In 1945, at the end of the Second World War, he returned to Neepawa to begin his life long work at the Neepawa Creamery, the family business started by his father. He was very proud of the family tradition of manufacturing quality butter and ice cream – its excellence recognized both provincially and nationally. He retired in 1993 after selling the business to Schwann’s Canada. In 1948, Jack married Berna Elizabeth Hargreaves, formerly of Kenton, Manitoba. They met as she was completing her nurse’s training in Neepawa. Together they raised a family of six children and saw each of them marry and raise their own children. Jack had priorities in his life -- his family, his faith, his business and his community. He was a fervent supporter of the quality of life in Neepawa and felt there was no better place on earth to live. Over the years he worked hard to give back to the town he loved. As well as being a faithful member of St. Dominic’s Church, he also served one term on the Town Council, two terms on the school board and took a lead hand role in establishing the first library in Neepawa. Dad also served on the executive of the Neepawa Golf and Country Club, the Neepawa Curling Club, and was a charter member of the Neepawa Junior Rifle Club. One of his most passionate pursuits was hunting – fostered by his dad and passed on to his sons. However, where one season ends another begins and he honed his curling abilities over a span of many winters and many bonspiels. He also enjoyed golf and spent many happy hours on courses in Neepawa, Sandy Lake, and occasionally in Palm Springs where mom and dad liked to visit in the winter. A few years ago Jack was presented with a memento from the Neepawa Golf and Country Club recognizing 60 years as a member. He was fortunate enough to still be “hitting the links” up until a few weeks before his passing. Left to mourn him are Terrence (Brenda), Dennis, Michael (Linda), Frances (Daniel), and Janet (Orv) as well as many grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. A celebration of life was held at St. Dominic’s Roman Catholic Church on October 10th with Father Mark Filips officiating, followed by interment at the Riverside Cemetery.

As published in Brandon Sun on Oct 26, 2013