Heather Anne Boyd

Heather Anne Boyd (Scotland) January 9, 1942 – May 16, 2022

“The trees are calling, and I must go.”

On May 16, 2022, tight in the arms of her family, Mom left daughter Becky, and grandchildren Justin and Abby behind at the field gate, and free from pain, headed across the open field of spring flowers to the beckoning, dappled woods, where her husband and soul mate Terry (2015) and son Christopher (2006) were waiting to embrace her, along with a lifetime of dogs.

Heather’s passion for trees, the outdoors, and adventures was surpassed only by her deep love for her family. With Terry, mom spent years travelling the world on adventures, at the cottage they built, and on biking and walking adventures in sun and snow. Often short walks ended up with trail blazing and discoveries. Those that were able to see them dance together knew they were witnessing magic. After dad’s passing, mom joined Probus, Third Age, Current Events, and Book Clubs. The groups, activities, discussions, and ‘gab chats’ touched her soul in ways she had been yearning for and were highlights of her weeks, with the discussions continuing at home; we will miss the blue folder with torn out articles to be discussed further, and we cherish our Iceland adventure. At a young age mom wanted to be an English teacher but was never afforded the opportunity. But her love for the English language could be seen everyday, everywhere – in the scrabble games where she did anything to get the red triple, in crosswords or word games, in discussions precipitated by something in the newspaper, Macleans, History, or National Geographic, or in her demand for proper grammar.

Work at the Burlington Library and as a ward clerk at Joseph Brant, Hamilton General, Henderson, and McMaster exposed mom to more opportunities. A long-time Girl Guide Leader, mom led and inspired many to aim higher, seek adventure, love nature, play games, and “try something new every day” – a phrase that will continue to guide us. The cherished daughter-in-law of Florence and Wallace Boyd, and daughter of Helen and James Scotland, Heather raised her brother James as the family moved continually, leaning on her church community for support.

Mom will be dearly missed by her chosen family: Arthurlyn Seager, Roberta and Bob McIsaac and family, Holly and Jamie Brathwaite and family, and sister-in-law Maggie Scotland. To the incredible group of supportive friends that wrapped mom and us in love and friendship, Mom cherished every moment at seminars, Saturday Opera and Sunday wine, and loved the phone calls and drop in visits in ways words cannot express.

A come-and-go Celebration of Life will be held June 4, 12 pm – 3 pm at 3003 Headon Forest Dr. Burlington. In keeping with mom’s passions, donations to “The Friends of Algonquin Park” to plant a tree in her name, or Carpenter House Hospice are appreciated. Online memories can be left at affordableburialandcreamation.ca. We will see mom when on a walk in the woods, see a field of pristine snow, hear a Cardinal sing, ride a bike, eat fresh fruit, or read a great book.