Robert “Bob” George Boyce, of Stratford, passed away peacefully in his 97th year, at Greenwood Court on Saturday, October 17, 2020. Born in Kingston, son of the late Percy and Lillian (Diack) Boyce. Bob is survived by his best friend, true love and wife of 68 years, Ruth (Braithwaite). Bob was the loving father of Alan Boyce (Joyce), Lisa Yates (Ken Beadle), Jeff Boyce and Jane McKelvie and grandfather to Ian, Scott, Patrick, Johanna, and Jacqueline.
Bob is survived by his sister Helen (John) Backhouse of Calgary and was predeceased by his sister Margaret (Len) Scorrar.
Bob was a lifelong educator. He began his teaching career in Perth Road and North York, before moving to Cochrane as a School Inspector in the late 1950s. He took a similar role in Stratford in the early 1960s where he remained until he went back to the classroom at Juliet, Central Perth and Bedford schools, for his final years before his retirement in 1981.
After retiring, Bob and Ruth were able to engage in their lifelong passion to travel. With their Trillium trailer they drove to every province in Canada and most of the lower 48 states. They attended numerous Elderhostels (Road Scholar) around the world, to the point that Bob was invited to serve on the Board of Directors of Elderhostel International. They also took several trips around the world with Joe Cassone’s travel group and countless other trips on their own. Bob was proud to have visited all seven continents and over 40 countries.
Bob’s commitment to the Kiwanis Club of Stratford was immense. A member for over 55 years, he served in just about every role at the club and represented the district as Lieutenant Governor. He is fondly remembered for directing traffic in his orange vest in the middle of snow storms for the Annual Kiwanis / CJCS Christmas Basket Drive.
Bob’s tireless volunteer work earned him recognition from the City of Stratford as Senior of the year on two separate occasions.
He loved his morning coffee with “the Senate”, first at the Elizabethan and later at Joe’s. He was a regular at the Lion’s Pool, swimming a kilometer every summer morning until he was 87.
Bob also had a special place in his heart for his and Ruth’s “Grey Cup Gang”. For over 70 years, the same group of friends gathered for the Grey Cup or for whatever other occasion they could find.
Bob touched many lives and will be sorely missed by those who knew him.
In keeping with Bob’s wishes, cremation has taken place and a private funeral service will take place on Saturday October 24th, in accordance with Covid-19 limitations. Bob’s ashes will be scattered at God’s Holy Acre (St. James Church Stratford).
A Celebration of Bob’s life will be held at a later date, when it is safe to do so.
The family would like to thank the staff at Greenwood Court for their care of Bob.
In lieu of flowers and as expressions of sympathy, memorial donations may be made to Parkinson Canada, or to the Kiwanis Club of Stratford Charitable Foundation, through the W. G. Young Funeral Home, 430 Huron Street, Stratford, ON. 519-271-7411. www.wgyoungfuneralhome.com
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Robert “Bob Boyce 2020..
Death notice for the town of: Stratford, Province: Ontario