Robert Wright Alexander Boyd

Boyd, Robert Wright Alexander (Bob), 53, passed away Friday, May 4 surrounded by family after a valiant battle with cancer. The son of Jean and the late Earle Boyd, Bob grew up in Halifax attending Halifax West and then Saint Mary’s where he graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce and an MBA. Bob was employed throughout his career with the Nova Scotia Department of Tourism. Bob spent eight years managing the Nova Scotia Tourism Office in Portland, Maine. It was here wonderful friendships and memories were forged through coaching hockey and the many hockey trips throughout New England and Sweden. Charlie, Barbara, Jennifer, Sarah and Chad Drew of Portland became his second family. When Bob returned to Halifax he met the love of his life, Kim Jardine. Kim is the best thing that ever happened to Bob. Bob was also devoted to Grandma Jean’s third grandchild, Molly the cat who in recent months was his devoted companion. Throughout his life, Bob was always a sports fan. He played hockey throughout school and then coached teams in Halifax, Portland, Bedford, most recently assisting with the C P Allen High School team, “the Cheetah Family”. Bob had a love of travelling. He enjoyed frequent jaunts to Maine where with Kim’s assistance he honed his shopping skills. Visits to Kim’s family compound in Boularderie let him reconnect with his Cape Breton roots. His love of all things British made London a favourite destination. Bob’s other great passion was reading. Bob was rarely seen without multiple books and newspapers. While the purist in him preferred the joy of hard covered, lofty tomes, he did recently adapt to his Kindle. Bob was truly a gifted individual, one of the most intelligent people you could meet. He was a man of strong opinions who did not tolerate fools. He was deeply private and, at times, a man of very few words, as his family often found out when trying to find out what he was up to. Bob was a devoted son who always was there for his mother. Even when very ill, her health and well being were paramount. His dry wit, often tinged with a hint of sarcasm, kept everyone on their toes. Bob had a great sense of humour which allowed him to develop the ability to tease anyone. Most importantly, he genuinely cared about people and always acted on that with kindness and generosity. Bob had a rare ability to relate to children. He was always “one of the kids”. This continued throughout his coaching. Bob had a special relationship with his nieces and nephew, whether playing Lego, cheering them on at soccer and football games, calling to hear about their most recent adventures, teasing or just showing constant love and support. Uncle Bobby was always interested in all their successes and activities. He was the perfect uncle-fun, quirky, indulgent, supportive and always proud. Bob is survived by his wife Kim Jardine; mother Jean Boyd; sister Cathy Boyd ( Brian Warshick); niece Samantha Warshick; nephew Alex Warshick; in-laws Wayne and Doreen Jardine; brother- in- law Kyle Jardine and wife Sylvia; special nieces Lindsey and Lily Jardine and the Jardine family grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins. Special thanks to the VON, Palliative Care nurses and doctors, Dr. Mark Dorreen, Oncology nurse Lynn Shore, the chemo nurses, Peter and Maria Hayes, John Brennan and “the Tourism Family” for their incredible support during Bob’s illness.

Donations may be made in Bob’s memory to Colorectal Cancer Association of Canada, Diabetes Association or a charity of choice. Bob will always be remembered for the person he was. He will be loved and missed. Visitation will be held in JA Snow Funeral Home 339 Lacewood Dr. Hfx NS(455-0531)Monday, May 7, 2012 from 2-4 and 7-9pm. where a Memorial Service will be held Tues. May 8 at 2pm in the Chapel. For on-line condolences please visit www.jasnowfuneralhome.com