John Thomas Boyd
Born In: Glace Bay
Born: August 5th, 1935
Passed in: Sydney
Passed on: October 7th, 2017
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of an amazing husband, father, papa, and friend, John Thomas Boyd, 82, of Glace Bay. Surrounded by his loving family and holding the hand of the love of his life, his wife, Theresa (Jones) Boyd, John peacefully passed away to eternal Glory on October 7, 2017 at the An Cala Unit at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital. Born in Glace Bay, August 5, 1935, he was the son of Archibald and Mabel (Goodwin) Boyd. He is survived by his best friend and beloved wife, Theresa (Jones) Boyd, Glace Bay, and his devoted children, daughters, Nancy Boyd of Glace Bay, Deborah (Gerald Crowther) of Sydney and son, Donald Boyd (Ashley) of Sydney; his precious grandchildren, Evan Coole and Sarah Crowther, who were the stars of his life. Besides his parents, he is predeceased by sisters, Shirley Dale and Jean Zwarum (both of Ontario).
Dad had a strong sense of adventure and social justice, a wonderful trait he passed on to his children and grandchildren. In his youth, he served in the Canadian Armed Forces and subsequently worked with the Dominion Coal Company and Devco for 30 years. He was Production Supervisor at No. 26 Colliery and Phalen Mine at the time of his retirement. John instilled in us a strong work ethic, compassion, charity, personal respect, integrity and pursuit of excellence in education. He believed that one person can make a difference in the quality of other people’s lives. John was very active in the Union Movement from 1968 to 1987. He was president of Cupe Local 2046 and after his retirement, continued to champion the rights of workers. He was a member of the Royal Canadian Legion.
John will be remembered as a kind, loving and fair person who was willing to help anyone at any time. In his later years, he would often be seen sitting in his lawn chair in the front yard speaking to people passing by and giving sage words of wisdom to young and old. John left a positive and lasting impression with all who knew him. He was an excellent story teller and every story always had a life lesson in it, which we cherished.
John had a close relationship with God and drew closer to his Lord and Savior as he journeyed through life. He would share this good news with everyone around him and anyone who knew him will feel the loss of his passing. We are rest assured that John is a new creation in Jesus Christ and is celebrating the full bounty of God’s love and grace in heaven.
A special thank you to the nursing staff of 4C, 3B, VON, Palliative Care, Physiotherapists and Music Therapist, as well as the Doctors and nursing staff of An Cala Unit who provided excellent care to John throughout his illness. To the end, John made everyone smile and laugh around him. His spirit and love will forever live in our hearts.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of SW Chant and Son Funeral Home. Cremation has taken place.
In keeping with John’s wishes, an intimate graveside service with immediate family will take place at a later date.
Online condolences may be made to the family at www.chantfuneralhome.ca.
John 14: 1-3
Jesus said “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God: believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.”
