Obituary of Donald George Boyce

Donald “Don” George Boyce, went to his heavenly home on Thursday, April 18, 2024 at the Dr. Everett Chalmers Regional Hospital in Fredericton, New Brunswick.

Don was born on May 8, 1936, in Marysville, New Brunswick to George and Madeline (White) Boyce.

He will be missed by his wife of 53 years, Gloria (Dines) Boyce; daughter, Deborah (Boyce) Grillo; son-in-law, Glenn Grillo; grandchildren, Savanna Potter, Seldon Potter, and their father, Tim Potter; grandchildren, Lauren Boyce, Claire Boyce and their mother, Patti Boyce; daughter-in-law, Olivia Engle Boyce; brother, Glendon Boyce (Norah Lynn); and his many brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews.

Don was preceded in death by his parents and his beloved son, Greg Boyce.

He was born, raised, and lived in Marysville for most of his life. A proud and true Marysville boy, he grew up splitting his time between baseball hill, the river and woods, swimming, skiing, hunting and fishing, and enjoying the serenity of the great outdoors. His memories of walking by a wooded stream enjoying the smells and sounds sustained him in his later years.

When he was 17, Don enlisted in the Royal Canadian Air Force where he completed his high school education and trained as an aircraft mechanic. During his ten years of service, he was stationed in Ottawa, ON; Greenwood, NS; Zweibrücken, Germany; and Sardinia, Italy. His decade in the Air Force gifted him with cherished memories and colorful stories that lasted a lifetime. After his return to Canada, he spent a few years in Toronto working at various jobs before returning to his beloved Marysville.

As an avid baseball fan, “Go Orioles!” he spent considerable time watching games on television and in person at the ball hill. He supported the Marysville Royals in various capacities. He coached little league for years and until the end he remembered and spoke of the players who were on his teams with fondness and humor.

He met his wife Gloria while they were working for the same local business. In 1976, Don bought Bens Trophies as a hobby, and as many hobbies do, with time, interest, and attention, it turned into a successful business. In 1981, both Don and Gloria began working the business full-time. Even after he retired from the day-to-day operations, Don’s expertise and consultation helped Bens Trophies to continue growing. Building a business from the ground up, to a thriving local mainstay that fills the awards needs of the greater Fredericton area, was a fulfilling accomplishment of which he was very proud.

As he lost his eyesight over the last few years to macular degeneration, he became an avid audiobook reader and enjoyed listening to mystery, action, and historical fiction. No matter what challenges life brought he always found a way to embrace his life and find joy in his days. He was an wonderful husband, father, and grandfather.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, April 23, 2024 from 7:00 to 9:00 PM in the fellowship room at Crosspoint Church, 4 Coronation Court in Marysville, Fredericton, NB.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Wednesday, April 24, 2024 at 2:00 PM at Crosspoint Church.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Chalmers Foundation, The Kidney Foundation or a charity of choice. Personal condolences may be offered through www.yorkfh.com