Jack T. Boyd
1925 ~ 2023 (age 98)
Jack was born to Fred and Margaret Boyd, of Madison, SK. on Oct 25th, 1925. He and his 2 brothers, Chip and Harvey and his 4 sisters Margaret, Jean, Grace and Betty, grew up fast, as theirs was not an easy life. Times were hard and there were many mouths to feed. Jack tells stories of 3 in a bed and earning pennies for gopher tails. He attended the Madison 2 room school house, graduating from grade 8 and then out in the work force, he went. Jack and his brothers would shovel coal and load lumber off the train and deliver it, work in the family Café/Hotel and as a farm labourer to help out the family.
It wasn’t all work and no play. There were local dances, hunting, fishing, curling, workbees, fowl suppers and church on Sundays at Madison United Church, where his mother sang and directed the choir.
And a guy might sneak off for a “roll your own” cigarette with his best buddy “Bug” Lane, behind the bunk house or the chicken coop.
Jack met and courted a pretty, blonde, school teacher, Elma Jean Roemer, youngest daughter of Roy and Alta Roemer, of Amdawanda. They married Aug. 24,1946. The young couple worked long hours to facilitate their dream of owning their own farm. Elma spent many hours at the Boyd&Boyd Madison General store with Uncle Billy, while Jack helped at the family café/hotel and then worked a full shift at the UGG Elevator (his day job) and then off to work as a farmhand for whoever could afford to pay an honest dollar. In 1952, they moved to what was called the Downing Farm; NW7 27 22W3 in the RM of Newcombe, which they eventually acquired as their own. They raised their family of 4 girls Elaine (1952), Cheryl (1955), Jeaneil (1958) and Lana (1963).
Jack was ambitious and very hard working. He and Chip farmed together for many years. He had high expectations for everyone who worked with him. He continued to be very active on the farm as he passed it along to Randy and Lana. The family continued to prosper and grow. Jack and Elma celebrated their 63rd wedding anniversary before Elma passed in 2009. They have a legacy of 10 grandchildren and 23 great grandchildren.
Jack loved to grow his garden and then he would give it away to friends and neighbours.
When not busy driving around and checking out the surrounding area, he might be found in front of the TV watching the weather channel sometimes with his eyes shut.
Jack kept the home fires burning in Eston until Nov. 2016, when he decided to sell the family home in Eston and move to Caleb village in Kindersley. He made many new acquaintances and friends. He especially enjoyed “card night” and a challenging game of Bridge or Crib. He continued his frequent visit to the farm to check on the guys and what was happening, always wanting to lend a hand. He enjoyed drives with his special friend Linnea Black and going for coffee at McDonalds and watching the busy Kindersley traffic. He was a fan of the Eston Ramblers of all ages. He especially enjoyed his coffee row pals at DT’s restaurant and their antics. According to him, he always won on the VLT’s and at the Swift Current Casino.
In Oct. of 2019, he moved back to Eston to the Jubilee Lodge. He continued to enjoy drives in the country to check the crops and to see what was going on at the farm. Saturday Night was Bingo night followed by Polka Time.
He recently planned and celebrated his 97th Birthday with family and Friends.
Through the years, Jack’s generosity and friendship influenced the lives of many people.
Jack is survived by his daughters, Elaine (Glen) Conacher, Cheryl (Bob) Mullock, Jeaneil (Don) Mutch, and Lana (Randy) Aitken; Brother and wife – Harvey and Dorothy Boyd; 10 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by Elma Boyd (wife); Fred and Margaret Boyd (parents); Margaret Meyers, Jean and Bernard Young, Grace and Bill Madill, Betty and Barry Headly (sisters and husbands) Chip and Thelma Boyd (brother and wife).
Donations in memory of Jack can be given to Eston Caring Hands.