Obituary of Ernest Henry Boyd

Passed away peacefully on 12 January 2025, age 86, at Royal Ottawa Place, after a prolonged battle with Parkinson’s Disease. Beloved husband of Kathleen Boyd (nee Loughead). Survived by his brothers, Robert (Rosemay) and Daniel (Sharon), and sisters Jeanette and Juliette (Louis). Also survived by his children Heather (Darren), Kenneth (Sandra), Graham, and Arlys (David). Predeceased by his brother Dennis (Kim). Lovingly remembered by his eight grandchildren.

Ernie was born in British Columbia in 1938. He served in the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, 1957 to 1984, beginning his career in Manitoba, and serving in Ontario and Quebec. He achieved the rank of Inspector. He then accepted a transfer to the newly established Canadian Security Intelligence Service where he served until his retirement in 1990. In 1987, Ernie was privileged to join Class XLI at National Defense College, Kingston.

While on his first posting in Winnipeg in 1958, Ernie met the woman who was to become his lifelong partner. Kathy and Ernie were married in 1961, just in time for a transfer to Toronto that never materialized. Remaining instead in Winnipeg, Ernie and Kathy began their family and had two of their four children with them on their first family transfer to Brandon in 1965 and then to Ottawa in 1966. They remained in Ottawa until 1975, growing their family by two additional babies and were then transferred to Montreal. Their final family posting brought them back to Ottawa in 1979 where they remained until the lure of British Columbia became irresistible in 2008. After a fulfilling return to British Columbia, Ernie and Kathy ended up back in Ontario in 2017.

Ernie was an avid amateur photographer and rock gardener and was a member of the Ottawa Valley Rock Garden and Horticultural Society where he served as Secretary for 2 years and President for more than ten. He also volunteered to teach and mentor others in building troughs for alpine plants. Fishing, canoeing and camping were lifelong passions and activities he often enjoyed with his family.

Family and friends are invited to Cole Funeral Servies & Pinecrest Remembrance Services for a Celebration of Ernie's Life on Saturday, February 15, 2025 from 2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. 

As per Ernie’s instructions, no funeral will be held. Donations to Royal Ottawa Foundation or Parkinson Canada would be appreciated.