George Boyd was born on March 10, 1871 in Clark Township in the county of Durham, Ontario. In 1902, he and his brother Andrew came west to see for themselves a new and developing country. They liked what they saw. In 1903 they travelled by rail to Saskatoon and then west to Lovell post office (in operation from 1903 - 1906) district. It was here that the Boyd brothers chose their homesteads on the east side of the river, just east of the present day Borden Bridge.
Shortly thereafter, a large contingent of men arrived to build the Canadian Northern Railway bridge across the North Saskatchewan River. The site chosen was located near the brothers' homestead. A siding and elevator were built just south of the bridge and named "Cee Pee" from the Cree word "Sipiy" (river). George immediately saw an opportunity to supply the some 300 men with the basic necessities. George wired his wife, Minnie, who was still teaching school in Ontario, asking her to raise as much money from relatives as she could and send it to him. Minnie was able to come up with $330 (a large sum in those days), which provided the financing for George and Andrew to build and stock a small store near the foot of the bridge. There was no doubt that the brothers' entrepreneurial spirit was evident early in their business career.
At about this time, George and Andrew also operated a ferry on the North Saskatchewan to transport settlers and their effects across the river. The settlers were good for business since they purchased their provisions and necessities at the store prior to travelling west. Doukhobors from a nearby colony also purchased supplies at the Boyds' store. George and Andrew became good friends with their new Doukhobor neighbours.
The brothers also had a contract to supply the steam powered paddle wheeler that plied the North Saskatchewan river. But this venture was short-lived because the vessel had great difficulty navigating sandbars, caused by the bridge made of large timbers, and other obstacles. Predictably, this service ceased operating.
George's wife, Anna Minetta, came west from Ontario with her young daughter to join her husband when her school teaching term was completed. They settled into a log and sod cabin on the river bank. It was there that Jack Boyd was born with the help of a Doukhabor lady as midwife.
In 1905, the bridge had been completed. George moved his wife and family to Radisson where he and Andrew got into the lumber, machinery and carriage business. This enterprise was very successful and soon the brothers were looking for new ventures. In 1913, after dabbling in real estate in North Battleford, George moved his wife and family to the new community. The brothers acquired a Chevrolet franchise and set up a business in a large brick building located on the corner of 1192 Victoria Street (99th Street where Access Cable Vision office now stands). George and Minnie soon found opportunities to contribute to the life of a young and growing community.
Having firmly established themselves in North Battleford, George and Minnie became actively involved in the new city. George had always been interested in sports and found ways to get involved in a tangible way. He was one of the movers in the building of the old curling rink which was located west of the Allan Sapp gallery above the subway. He was also involved in the building of the old arena which is now part of the Bowlarena. George also contributed to hockey and baseball teams. In addition, Boyd Bros. sponsored the men's and ladies' grand challenge curling trophies for many years.
George served on the public school board for several years. He was also a dedicated Rotarian and was made an honorary life member. In addition, he was a prominent member of the Masonic Temple. And, George contributed generously to many organizations in the city.
George and Minnie were dedicated members of the Methodist Church. When it united with the Presbyterian Church, they continued their strong support for the new United Church.
Mr. and Mrs. Boyd financially assisted Minnie's family, the Bready sisters, to relocate from Ontario to North Battleford. Since all but one of the sisters were teachers, our city has certainly benefited from their residency. In 1920, George and Andrew encouraged their younger brother, Johnny, who was working as an embalmer and assistant funeral director in Ontario, to relocate to North Battleford. They provided the financing for Johnny to purchase a share in Sallows and Convey's funeral home, which then became Sallows and Boyd funeral home. The company also operated a very successful furniture store for many years.
In 1920, George and Andrew acquired the Chevrolet franchise in Saskatoon. Andrew moved to Saskatoon from Radisson and managed it very successfully until his passing in 1938. In 1920 Boyd Bros built a new building at 1192 Main Street (100th Street) in North Battleford and the business continued to grow. In 1928 they acquired the Chevrolet franchise in Prince Albert and erected another large building. Fred Prasse, George's assistant in North Battleford, was sent to manage that operation and the business continued to grow.
After a long and extraordinarily successful life in business and in service to his community, George passed away on Oct. 10, 1948. At his funeral, the Reverend Dr. Clifford Elliot said of George, "He will be greatly missed." On the occasion of our great city's centennial, we remember this exceptional man for his selflessness, generosity and community building.
