Tribute Wall
Plant a tree in memory of Ernest
An environmentally friendly option
Provide comfort for the family by sending flowers or planting a tree in memory of Ernest Boyd.
Guaranteed hand delivery by a local florist
Loading...
S
Sara posted a condolence
Monday, February 10, 2025
A message from Sara Gill (Ross)
While I had the opportunity to spend more time with Ernie and Kathy when I returned to Canada in 2015 and the kids have many memories of that time, when I think of Ernie I think about the summer of 2005 when I was in Ottawa for the summer, pregnant with Georgia. Ernie was so incredibly sweet with my young boys, Charlie and Leo and so excited about my pregnancy with Georgia. We had loads of fun all summer visiting many summer fairs and activities , including a Garlic fair, that Ernie managed to make less boring than it sounds and joined the boys on many little rides! When I think of Ernie during that time, I remember one day specifically, I was VERY pregnant with Georgia and we had gone to Ephen Acres for lunch and Ernie took us all into the garden to pick carrots form the ground , and I remember Leo just loving it. I got down on the ground with them and joined in when Kathy called us all in for lunch, the boys jumped up and followed Ernie towards the house, and I was left alone in the garden; unable to get up. I had to yell for Ernie and he just ran back for me and we both had a big laugh as he helped hoist me and my big belly up!!! We shared a sweet moment on our wobble back to the house and he shared sweetly with me how much he loved seeing me with my young boys and pregnant with my girl and being able to share in this very special time with me after wracking me grow up as a young girl. Uncle Ern was a special part of all of our lives and he will be dearly missed.
Sara
N
Nora Lee posted a condolence
Wednesday, January 29, 2025
I knew Ernie as part of the Ottawa Valley Rock Garden and Horticultural Society. He was a very generous and always good natured guy! In 2002, I broke my ankle on the first day of spring so I wasn't able to do my usual garden spring clean up. Ernie organized a group of members and they all came over to tidy things up for me. My carport and garden were never so clean! What a sweetheart!
My condolences to Kathy and the family.
J
Judith Ross posted a condolence
Sunday, January 26, 2025
A message from Judith Ross
We enjoyed many many family times with Kathy and Ern, beginning when their two children, Heather and Ken, were about 5 or 6 and then with the additions of Graeme and Arlys, and our three, Stephanie, Matthew and Sara.
There were summer backyard BBQs at their home in Stittsville, sometimes with less than pristine toddler pools and cups of Ernie’s home made birch sap wine on offer, and camping outings where Ern would usually swim across the lake after camp was set up. In winters there was ice fishing for the boys, and sledding and cross country skiing for all. We celebrated many holidays together - I remember a 6 year old Kenneth asking for more ‘gravy’ on his ice cream and cherries Jubilee at Christmas dinner!
At one point the Boyds, (probably Ern’s idea),decided that we should have a pet. So to remedy that, they bribed a taxi driver to deliver a white rabbit in a cardboard box to our door on Glen Park Drive, while they skulked nearby. Our kids promptly named her Amy, and Ern set up a cage for her in the garage. We had her for a few months until she ‘mysteriously’ escaped.
Ern was interested in everything and took it to the limit. He liked to grow plants and joined a Rock garden club (he became the president); he liked to take pictures and joined a photography club. His photos are lovely and all of us have one or two framed examples in our homes.
One year, he and Kathy joined the Kanata Players. Their production that year was the Pirates of Penzance, and Ern gave a very well received performance as ‘the very model of a modern major general’!
Ern was a man of many talents and interests and is especially remembered for his devotion to his family and friends. We were very glad to be counted among them.
Judith
J
Judith Ross posted a condolence
Sunday, January 26, 2025
A message from Stephanie Ross
Wait! One more thing. Ernie’s photography. I remember the beautiful pictures of flowers, birds, and trees that Ernie took. My favorite photo that he took though is of Dad and baby Luke. He came to Mum and Dad’s to take pictures just after Christmas in 2002. He captured a beautiful shot of Dad and Luke that hangs in my bedroom.
My favorite memory of Ernie was a Sunday night in the winter of 1990. Ernie and Darren picked me up at Ottawa U to take me to the Boyd house for Sunday dinner. During the drive to Kanata, Ernie was telling me of an accident that had happened the night before. Someone (Arlys, I think? I am not sure), had had and accident and hit and killed a deer. I was asking after the driver etc. We got to the house and Ernie opened the garage door. There was the deer, hanging from the ceiling. I had been given no warning. I was stunned. Ernie was wearing a toque that was sitting atop his head, rather than fitted to it. We were all standing there in silence. Then Darren said to Ernie “ you look like you have a condom on your head”. Ernie looked at me as he opened the door to the house and said “Anyway Stephanie, we are having stew for dinner”. One of the things that I remember so fondly of Ernie was how he greeted people. I remember him smiling, kissing me on the cheek, giving me a hug, and then holding my elbows and asking how I was. So many times. The way that he took a moment to truly greet people always made an impression on me.
Xo,
Stephanie
J
Judith Ross posted a condolence
Sunday, January 26, 2025
A message from Matthew Ross
Dearest Aunty Kath and kids,
It was with a heavy heart that I learned of your loss, Ernie’s passing.
My thoughts (and prayers) are with you during this difficult time.
I would like to share a story or two about Ernie and his impact on me as a child and an adult.
First of all, who orders two Llamas to reside with them!! We have fond memories of visiting your homestead and showing my daughters the Llamas! And we slid down the driveway on snowy trails Ernie made.
He was always so wise and informed. Once, walking in the “back 40” he pointed out a boulder sitting by itself in a field.
He said” That’s what you call an “eccentric”. He pointed out that the stone had no business being where it was and told us the boulder was transported via glacier and could be from hundreds of miles away. How cool is that!
His photographs and plant knowledge were always a delight to hear about and see. I think he took coffee beans from my Dad’s garden in Colombia and promptly grew his own Colombian coffee plant in Ontario!
He was a terrific uncle to us Ross kids. Full of stories to tell around a fire. His hunting escapades and run-ins with bears; also his time as an RCMP officer in Manitoba.
He will be sorely missed. He lived a fine full and fruitful life. With thanks to you (and family) behind him all the way.
With love and compassion,
Your inherent nephew,
Matthew
J
Judith Ross posted a condolence
Sunday, January 26, 2025
A message from Bill Ross
We met Ernie and Kathy in October, 1966 in Ottawa. We had moved to Ottawa from Winnipeg in June of that year, and they around the same time. We both had rented places in Bayshore in Ottawa’s Western suburbs. We soon became fast friends, and we remained so since that time. And during those years, he earned a university degree while working full time, and rose from constable to inspector in the RCMP.
Ernie was always a “different” friend for me. Perhaps more like a big brother or dad, a counsellor, a scout leader, a
teacher……always a mentor. He taught me oh so many things…about camping, fly fishing, plants, animals, insects, carpentry, science, photography, construction, mixing cement and laying concrete, you name it. He challenged our book club by usually presenting non-fiction tomes on a variety of scientific themes.
Bill
J
Judith Ross posted a condolence
Sunday, January 26, 2025
We enjoyed many many family times with them, beginning when their two children, Heather and Ken were about 5 or 6 and then with the additions of Graeme and Arlys and our three Stephanie, Matthew and Sara. There were backyard BBQs at their home in Stittsville with less than pristine toddler pools and Ernie’s birch sap wine; camping outings where Ern would swim across the lake after camp was set up. In winter there was ice fishing for the boys, and sledding and cross country skiing for all. We celebrated holidays together - I remember a 6 year old Kenneth asking for more ‘gravy’ on his ice cream and cherries Jubilee one Christmas!
At one point the Boyds (probably Ern’s idea),decided that we should have a pet so to remedy that, the bribed a taxi driver to deliver a white rabbit in a cardboard box to our door while they skulked nearby. Our kids promptly named her Amy, and Ern set up a cage for her in the garage. We had her for a few months until she mysteriously escaped.
Ern was interested in everything and took it to the limit. He liked to grow plants and joined a Rock garden club (he became the president); he liked to take pictures and joined a photography club. His photos are lovely and all of us have one or two examples in our homes. One year, he and Kathy joined the Kanata Players when their production was the Pirates of Penzance, and Ern gave a very well received performance as ‘the very model of a modern major general’!
He was a man of many talents and interests and was devoted to his family and friends.
Judith
R
Rob Stuart posted a condolence
Friday, January 17, 2025
Kathy and Family - I am truly sorry for your loss. Ernie was such an energetic and positive husband, father and friend. I will always remember Ernie's laugh and all the good times we shared as members of the OVRGHS. May you accept my condolences and may his memory support you in your times of need.
Best wishes,
Rob Stuart
L
Lynda & John Soper posted a condolence
Friday, January 17, 2025
Dearest Kathy.
My early memory of meeting ‘the Boyds’ (at a rock garden gathering) was of you, Kathy, smocking a dress for a ‘special’ little girl while Ernie participated in a plant discussion. Kind, warm, welcoming, enthusiastic are all descriptors that can be applied to Ernie. He was genuinely interested in people. A calm natural voice of authority with a passion for alpines and rock gardening. He organized an International Rock Garden Conference with military precision! A truly ‘wonderful man’ in all respects. John and I are fortunate to have crossed paths with both of you. Ernie is planning God’s garden now.
Our deepest sympathies to you Kathy and your family at this difficult time.
Lynda and John Soper
J
Jim and Donna Hurst posted a condolence
Friday, January 17, 2025
To Kathy, Heather, Ken, Graham, Arlys and Families:
Sorry to hear that Ernie has passed away. He will rest in peace now.
Sending our condolences to you all.
Jim and Donna Hurst
J
Josie Pazdzior posted a condolence
Thursday, January 16, 2025
Dear Kathy,
I have many fond memories of Ernie and you, as you were often working together at rock garden activities. The last years have been tough, I know, but your lovely family has no doubt been a great support and comfort. Ernie's enthusiasm about rock gardening and his adventurous spirit certainly helped inspire my interest in rock gardening, which is where I met you both, when you were living in the countryside and hosting social and trough making events.
Josie Pazdzior
E
The family of Ernest Henry Boyd uploaded a photo
Tuesday, January 14, 2025
/tribute-images/12286/Ultra/Ernest-Boyd.jpg
Please wait
B
The family of Ernest Henry Boyd uploaded a photo
Tuesday, January 14, 2025
/tribute-images/12285/Ultra/Ernest-Boyd.jpg
Please wait
Highland Park Cemetery
2037 Mcgee Side Road,
Carp, Ontario K0A 1L0
Telephone: (613) 831-4600
info@highlandparkcemetery.ca
