Ronald Frank Boyce

1923 – 2016. Ron died May 3rd in Truro, Nova Scotia where he lived most of his life. Born August 24, 1923 on Copps Avenue in Amherst, he moved to the Truro area at age three. Ron joined the 2nd BN NNSH of the NPAM in 1940, transferring to Regular Army in October 1942. After attaining the rank of Lieutenant, he served overseas with the 1st BN NNSH as Platoon Commander. He was wounded during the crossing of the Rhine River at the Battle of Bienen on March 25, 1945 where he bravely led and protected his men. He was discharged from the army in August 1945. He was very proud of being a North Nova and was a member of the Memory Club until it was disbanded in 2005 when there were only a few members left. We believe Dad was the last surviving North Nova. On May 2, 1946, Ron joined the Canadian Legion of the British Empire Service League that became the Royal Canadian Legion in 1961. He remained an active member until his death, serving as President of Branch 26 in 1966 and being made a Life Member in 1985. He served on many committees including 43 years on the Grave Decorating Committee and as a trustee for five years. In 1995 he was awarded the Legion’s highest honour, the Meritorious Service Medal, and in 2005, the Palm Leaf was added. He was especially proud of his 70-year pin. The Legion was a part of his heart and soul. He loved to visit other Legions and encouraged others in their roles. He was a stickler for proper protocol as he considered respect for the uniform and the flag as very important. Thank you Ron # 2 for your dedication to and support of Dad over the years. Ron joined the Independent Order of Oddfellows in 1949 and, together with his wife Marg, they traveled to meetings and met other members from all over Canada and the United States. Their home was a stopping place for the many friends they met over the years, whether for a cup of tea or a place to lay their heads. Ron served as Noble Grand of Phoenix Lodge No. 50, PCP of Mount Seir Encampment No. 18, PGP, PGR of the Grand Encampment, and on the General Military Council of the Patriarchs Militant as Military Advisor for Canada attaining the rank of Major General. Ron was proud of his Grand Decoration of Chivalry (the highest award). He was also a member of the Rebekahs. Ron was a member of First United Church where he served on the Board of Stewards, Manse Committee, Tellers, Ushers. He served as the Boy Scout District Commissioner for Colchester County following the war and was awarded the Scouters Long Service Medal. He was active on many committees and served as President of the Douglas Street School Parent Teachers Association. Our home was often filled with people where much laughter, card playing, and sharing of stories happen. For thirty years, summers were spent at the Little Truro cottage in Marshville. Good times too many to count took place at the cottage. Ron is survived by his wife of 65 years, Margaret Florence (MacDonald), and their five children, twelve grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren: Son Ron and wife Susan (Grand Prairie, AB), their children Blythe Froh and husband Ian and children Liam and Katherine, Aimee Desiatnyk and husband Ryan and children Ella and Aliyah; Daughter Leslie Burrows and husband Jim (Green Oak, NS), their children Hannah, Catherine and partner Kevin, Alexander and partner Lacey; Son Jim and Barb (Onslow, NS) and their children Jennifer Harvey and husband Chad and son Valeryk, Michael and wife Sam and daughter Sierra; Son Peter and Lani (Victoria, BC) and their children Robyn Condron and husband Ian, Alex and partner Mariah, Cameron; Son Tom and partner Kelly (Valley, NS) and his children Rachel, Scott and partner Brandi. Ron is also survived by his siblings: Doug, Helen McNeil, Charlie and wife Dell, Flo Weatherbee and husband Vince, Ralph and partner Audrey, Grace, Sydney and wife Irene, George and wife Linda. Also, brother-in-law Lauchie MacDonald. Ron was predeceased by his parents Charles Hilton Boyce and Harriett Elizabeth Magdeline (Hay) Boyce; brothers Ernest (stillborn), Charles David (14 months), Robert (stillborn), Bill and wife Lillian (Toot); great-granddaughter Bryanna Froh; brothers-in-law Charles McNeil, Ron Moore; sisters-in-law Eileen Boyce and Vivian MacDonald. At the Colchester Community Funeral Home, 512 Willow Street, Truro, a Legion Memorial Service will take place on Sunday at 7 pm followed by visitation until 9 pm where A Celebration of Life will take place on Monday at 3:00 pm. Live webcasting of the service will begin at 2:58 pm (Atlantic time) where on-line condolences may be made at www.ColchesterCommunity.com Donations in his memory may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 26, the Heart & Stroke Foundation or a charity of your choice. Thanks are extended to Drs. Berghuis and Locke for their care over the years and to the amazing staff at Wynn Park Villa, especially to Shalene and her team. Your support, care, kindness and love will always be remembered.

At the going down of the sun, and in the morning, we will remember him.