(Jan. 23, 1962 - Jan. 19, 2022)
It is with broken hearts that the family announces the death of Randall Keith Joseph Boyd - their father, brother, uncle and brother-in-law, suddenly on Wed. Jan. 19 at the age of 59. Randy was a popular, well-liked, down-to-earth guy who was well-known in sports circles because of his years playing professional hockey and later for his longtime service in the Atlanta Fire Youth Hockey organization as a coach to hundreds of kids.
Randy is survived by his three children Brendan, Taylor (Callum Bond) and Connor and his ex-wife and dear friend Kathleen Gilmore. He also leaves behind his three sisters – Sandra (Coniston), Linda (Sudbury) and Karen (Saskatoon, Sask) and sister-in-law Nancy (St.Albert,Alta). He is predeceased by his parents Keith and Katherine "Kool Kat”, and stepdad Robert "Big Bob" Cresswell. As well, he is predeceased by his two beloved brothers Jim (JB) and Ron (Bubba). He leaves behind numerous nieces and nephews in Canada, Atlanta and Long Island, N.Y. who will miss his teasing ways as well as aunts, uncles and many cousins who will cherish their many memories of times spent together in Coniston, Ontario, Randy's hometown.
It was apparent early that Randy was a talented athlete playing for Coniston Minor Hockey. He received the overall MVP award of the prestigious Silver Stick Hockey tournament in Port Huron, Mich. in his Bantam year. At 15 he headed for North Bay to spend a year with the Trappers of the Prov. Jr.A, Tier 2 league and was drafted to the Ottawa 67s the following season. He was named co-captain of the team in his second year and won the coveted Max Kaminsky award for Best Defenseman of the OHL as well. In Ottawa, he forged a lifelong friendship with coach and mentor Brian Killrea. He was popular with his teammates and was always in charge of the tunes in the dressing room!
He was drafted 53rd overall in the 3rd round of the NHL draft of 1980 by the Pittsburgh Penguins and also spent time with the Chicago Blackhawks, New York Islanders and Vancouver Canucks as well as stints in the American and International Leagues during his professional hockey career. Randy was a hardnosed, old-school defenseman and he had a wealth of stories and highlights to share. Phase 2 of his hockey story involved many years passing on his knowledge and insights to the many kids he coached in the Atlanta Fire Youth organization. This provided him with much satisfaction and pride as he helped kids improve in the game he loved. Golf became one of his favorite pastimes after hanging up his skates for good and it seems fitting that he died hitting a bucket of those little white balls.
Randy was a good man who loved life and lived it large. He enjoyed nothing more than a great meal shared with family, followed by a good cigar with a glass of Crown Royal in hand and beating brother-in-law Bobby in a game of backgammon while listening to great tunes. Music was his passion, his kids were his joy and connecting with his many friends and family was the icing on the cake. His days on this earth weren't nearly enough for all those who loved him but he left us all with so many memories to treasure and lessons about the important things in life.
A celebration of his life will be held on Tues. Feb. 1 from 7:30 – 9:30 at the Marietta Ice Cooler arena where a Memorial hockey game will be played by many of the kids he coached, as a tribute to his service and commitment, along with a reception so friends and family can gather and share stories of his well-lived life. A Memorial Mass and reception will be held at St. Paul’s church in Coniston at a later date followed by burial in St. John’s cemetery in Garson.