BOYD, Dr. George Eden
It is with heartfelt sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of our beloved husband and father, Dr. George Eden Boyd on Friday, November 3, 2017. Born in River Bourgeois, Cape Breton on May 29, 1939, George was the son of William Fraser Boyd and Mary Ellen (Bourque) Boyd.
He attended St. Francis Xavier University for his undergraduate degree and Dalhousie University for his medical degree. After practicing family medicine in Neil’s Harbour and on the Northside, he completed his surgical specialty in otolaryngology at McGill University. Dr. Boyd continued to serve Cape Breton in this medical specialty for over thirty years.
George was predeceased by his parents; two sisters, Monica, Casilda (Jack), and four brothers, Gerald, Infant Fraser, William Fraser and Blaise.
He is survived by his wife, Norma; three daughters, Suzanne (Bradley), Kerry (Matthew) and Heather (Alain); a son, Gregory (Amy); seven grandchildren, Sarah, Finn, Cole, Rowan, Félix, Seamus and Rebecca; three sisters, Lucille (Edward), Peggy and Betty (Wesley); a brother, Peter; two sisters-in-law, Kaye and Deirdre, and several nieces and nephews.
Very proud of his River Bourgeois heritage, George was the youngest of eleven children in a family with deep-rooted Christian values, providing him with a strong moral compass that guided him throughout his life. He always demonstrated conviction in what was right, and held himself to this high ethical standard in the way he lived.
George was dedicated to his profession, with deep respect for his colleagues, an extraordinary work ethic and a drive to provide the best care for his patients, demonstrating clinical excellence and kindness.
With a tremendous passion for life, George took great joy in his time with friends and family. He laughed easily and contagiously, filling all of us with the delight he felt, even in early anticipation of a punchline. He had great intellectual curiosity and a sense of adventure. Despite his impressive knowledge of history, music and culture, he engaged with such interest and wonder when friends would share their experiences, join in debate, or when other opportunities to learn presented themselves.
Those who knew George felt his enormous strength. He lovingly cared for our family, protecting us, supporting us and empowering us. Beyond his commanding physical presence, he had great kindness and empathy that he expressed through his relationships with family, friends and the community.
Never taking his blessings for granted, George was a man of strong faith, grateful every day for the many good things in his life. With the increasing challenges in his health over recent years, George demonstrated great courage and acceptance without complaint, adapting to his new realities with an optimism and selflessness to keep up the spirits of those who love him.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated by Father Frank Abbass at St. Mary’s Parish, East Bay on Wednesday, November 8, 2017 at 2 p.m. Interment will be in the St. Mary’s Cemetery following Mass.
We encourage friends and family to join us for a tea following the interment to celebrate George’s life. Friends and family are also welcome to share stories about George to enrich the legacy of his memory in the minds and hearts of his grandchildren. Please visit www.twcurry.com to share your stories and condolences.
The family truly appreciates the wonderful support from the medical care team at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital.
In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes expressions of sympathy in George’s memory to New Dawn Meals on Wheels or the Palliative Care Society of Cape Breton County.