June
02,
1926
02,
1926
November
23,
2013
23,
2013
A Life of Adventure
Thomas Edward Boyd , 87, son of William Henry and Alyce Boyd, passed on November 23, at Hines VA Hospital. He was embraced by family and love. As a musician, actor and teacher, he taught english, speech and literature at Madonna High School, Waubonsee Community College and East Aurora High School. He was a voracious reader of history, poetry and biographical accounts. In turn he would expound the knowledge to his captive audience with more than a touch of drama. He often said, “I can do anything as long as there is a book written about it.”
Thomas sought and fulfilled a life of adventure. His first solo canoe trip was from Aurora to New Orleans. With bedroll, bacon, and $40 in his pocket, he camped on riverbanks and barges, eating “flapjacks and canned beans” with the many friends he made along the way. He was heralded at Mardi Gras with a key to the city presented by the mayor. He then went on to bicycle and hitchhike through Europe and Africa and across the Sahara Desert.
“Life has been wonderful. Anyone can do what I have done. Fear of the unknown stops us. Well, I’ve never had that kind of fear.”
Tom inspired students, friends and family to seek adventure, take risks, and pursue their passions vigorously.
At 30, Tom married “Patsy”, and together, they created adventures and memories for their children, and grandchildren, celebrating 57 years together.
His passion was music, and culminated in inspiring fellow musicians in the “Indian Valley Community Band”, forming the “Talk Of The Town Big Band”, and his namesake, “Colonel Boyd’s Dixieland Band”. He owned and played over 20 instruments, from piccolo to bagpipes- consistently studying and practicing. Said Tom, “I can’t listen to music for more than 10 or 15 minutes before I want to do it myself. I can’t get enough!”
Thomas is survived by his wife of 57 years, Patricia (Patsy), Children; Brian Boyd, Jennifer Boyd and Brandon Boyd (Tammy Jeffery), Grandchildren; Melissa, Madeline, Maxwell, Alec, Austin, Cory, Autumn and Ashley; Sister, Martha Ann Voorhees; Sister-in-law, Toni Johnson and Family; Cousins and Family extraordinaire’ ;Lifelong friend, David Morris; Fellow Musicians; Close and caring pals; Dave Todd, Jim and Brad; and his beloved musician family, “Dixie”, “Big Band”, and “Indian Valley”.
Thomas’ greatest achievement was inspiring and loving his wife and children with passion and humor. We thank him for a life well lived. He loved as he lived - with passion... a true” Renaissance Man”.
He is now forever on Bark Bay in his sailboat, the “Patsy Too”.
Thomas Edward Boyd , 87, son of William Henry and Alyce Boyd, passed on November 23, at Hines VA Hospital. He was embraced by family and love. As a musician, actor and teacher, he taught english, speech and literature at Madonna High School, Waubonsee Community College and East Aurora High School. He was a voracious reader of history, poetry and biographical accounts. In turn he would expound the knowledge to his captive audience with more than a touch of drama. He often said, “I can do anything as long as there is a book written about it.”
Thomas sought and fulfilled a life of adventure. His first solo canoe trip was from Aurora to New Orleans. With bedroll, bacon, and $40 in his pocket, he camped on riverbanks and barges, eating “flapjacks and canned beans” with the many friends he made along the way. He was heralded at Mardi Gras with a key to the city presented by the mayor. He then went on to bicycle and hitchhike through Europe and Africa and across the Sahara Desert.
“Life has been wonderful. Anyone can do what I have done. Fear of the unknown stops us. Well, I’ve never had that kind of fear.”
Tom inspired students, friends and family to seek adventure, take risks, and pursue their passions vigorously.
At 30, Tom married “Patsy”, and together, they created adventures and memories for their children, and grandchildren, celebrating 57 years together.
His passion was music, and culminated in inspiring fellow musicians in the “Indian Valley Community Band”, forming the “Talk Of The Town Big Band”, and his namesake, “Colonel Boyd’s Dixieland Band”. He owned and played over 20 instruments, from piccolo to bagpipes- consistently studying and practicing. Said Tom, “I can’t listen to music for more than 10 or 15 minutes before I want to do it myself. I can’t get enough!”
Thomas is survived by his wife of 57 years, Patricia (Patsy), Children; Brian Boyd, Jennifer Boyd and Brandon Boyd (Tammy Jeffery), Grandchildren; Melissa, Madeline, Maxwell, Alec, Austin, Cory, Autumn and Ashley; Sister, Martha Ann Voorhees; Sister-in-law, Toni Johnson and Family; Cousins and Family extraordinaire’ ;Lifelong friend, David Morris; Fellow Musicians; Close and caring pals; Dave Todd, Jim and Brad; and his beloved musician family, “Dixie”, “Big Band”, and “Indian Valley”.
Thomas’ greatest achievement was inspiring and loving his wife and children with passion and humor. We thank him for a life well lived. He loved as he lived - with passion... a true” Renaissance Man”.
He is now forever on Bark Bay in his sailboat, the “Patsy Too”.
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