BOYD
William (Bill) Melvin Boyd was born on March 14, 1930 at the Gadsby Cottage Hospital, Bockerville, Alberta the only child of Charles Melvin Boyd and Elvira Samuel. Bill's Aunty May was the matron of the Hospital where he made his first appearance. Bill died on Saturday, September 21, 2013 at Heritage House in Stettler, Alberta. Bill grew up on the family farm south of Gadsby and attended Grade 1 at the old Shooting Lake School. The rest of his schooling took place in Gadsby and Bill attended Grade 12 at the Red Deer Composite High School boarding in the former army barracks. After completing Grade 12 Bill returned to the farm and built a mixed farming operation with his parents.
He married Audrey Bignell on April 15, 1955 at the Stettler United Church and there were three daughters born to this union: Donna, Gloria and Ellen. Bill and Audrey continued to farm with his parents until 1977 when they sold the farm. They moved to Stettler and began a construction company. Bill's son in law Robin became a journeyman carpenter while working for him. His grandsons Matt and Lewis both worked with Grandpa and they are both involved in the construction industry in Calgary.
Bill and Audrey enjoyed camping with the grandchildren, hunting trips and attending the Ponoka Stampede. Bill loved to visit and coffee and he had several stops a day throughout Stettler. He continued to grow a huge garden after his dad (Melvin) passed and enjoyed bringing produce to both of his girls. Bill loved his family and will be missed.
He is survived by his daughter Donna Boyd-Stadelmann and her husband Markus, daughter Gloria LaRose; grandchildren Joe, Kim (Willie), David (Trisha) and Beverly Stadelmann, Tara-Lee, Matt, Lewis (Lindsay) and Meghan LaRose; his sisters in law Marian Blackmore, Joyce (Bill) Hansel, Betty Stotz and their families, other family members and friends. He was predeceased by his parents Mel and Vi, wife Audrey, daughter Ellen, parents in law Victor and Izetta Bignell, son in law Robin LaRose, brothers in law W. Jim Blackmore and H. Ed Stotz.
Funeral services were held at the Heartland Chapel of Stettler Funeral Home on Saturday, September 28, 2013 at 3:30 PM with Rev. John Crowdis officiating. Musician Elaine Hennel played for the service. Grandchildren Tara-Lee and Matt LaRose presented loving tributes. Granddaughter Meghan LaRose sang several songs on the pictorial tribute that was lovingly made by all the family. Interment was held at Gadsby Omega Cemetery at 7:00 PM. where he was laid to rest beside his wife Audrey. Following the service family and friends gathered in the Heartland Reception Centre for a time of fellowship and a luncheon by the Gadsby District Hobby Club. Memorial donations may be made to Omega Circle or the Stettler United Church c/o Box 1780, Stettler, AB T0C 2L0.