Jack Boyd was born to George and Minnie Boyd on Sept. 27, 1903 in a log and sod cabin in the district of Lovell (later to be named Cee Pee), N.W.T.
His family moved to Radisson in 1905, and then to North Battleford in 1913. Jack attended King Street School, then Connaught and then North Battleford Collegiate Institute when it opened after the First World War. He then attended the University of Saskatchewan, obtaining a Bachelor of Arts degree. Jack grew up working in the automobile business under his father, George, and uncle, Andrew.
In 1924, Jack married his high school sweetheart and the love of his life, Mary Horning. Jack and Mary were blessed with three daughters, Mary Ann, Gretchen, and Catherine.
It was clear from the outset that Jack had inherited his father's ability and entrepreneurial spirit. He grew up working in the automobile business under his uncle Andrew. When Andrew passed away in 1938, Jack was required to take a more active part in the management of Boyd Bros. Ltd.'s business operations which had grown to three large dealerships.
When the Second World War broke out, the government needed large sums of money to finance the war effort, and for this purpose, it created the War Finance Committee. Victory Loans were the primary means of raising money for the war effort. Jack was appointed to chair the North West Saskatchewan Victory Loan drives. Under Jack's strong management, this zone was the first to meet and exceed its objectives of seven bond drives. It should be noted that Charles Hewitt was Jack's valued assistant. Hewitt replaced Jack as chair in the eighth bond drive, and it was also successful.
Jack also served on city council during the war years. In his capacity as chair of the Victory Loan drives, he attended one of the government's first war finance committee meetings in Ottawa where he learned of the government's plans to establish the British Commonwealth Air Training Program. On returning to North Battleford, Jack convinced city council to apply for an air training base. He and mayor Jack Deans were subsequently appointed to lobby in Ottawa for the base. Their efforts were successful. The British Commonwealth Air Training Program was located in North Battleford primarily to train pilots from the United Kingdom. The new training base provided a large economic stimulus for the Battlefords while the many young men in training had a considerable effect on the social life of our communities
When his father passed away in 1948, Jack acquired all of Boyd Brothers assets while still operating his own company - Boyd Automotive Wholesale with branches in North Battleford, Saskatoon and Prince Albert. Jack decided to make the city his exclusive residence and divested himself of his business interests to concentrate on his North Battleford operation. In 1951-52, he had the North Battleford garage rebuilt (for the second time) at 12th Avenue and 100th Street and enlarged the service station at 12th Avenue and 100th Street. And, he purchased a large modern sales lot in addition to many other properties and buildings. Jack was one of the largest employers in the area for many years.
Jack and Mary were heavily involved in the life of the community. Jack was a dedicated Rotarian and served a term as president. Although Jack and Mary spent many of their winters in Florida, and travelled the world, Jack seldom missed a club meeting. In recognition of his dedication, he was made a life member. Jack also served several terms on the school board, two of which he chaired.
Both Jack and Mary were active in the Third Avenue United Church. Jack chaired the fund-raising program for Logie Hall. He was also draw master for the curling club for many years and sponsored prizes for both the men's and ladies' grand challenges. In addition, Jack gave large donations to the curling rink, the Western Development Museum, the Kinsmen Band, many sports teams, and many other community charities and initiatives.
Jack was a good and kind and generous man, whose word was his bond. He was proud of his staff - some 60 employees - and proud of his community. He did not seek recognition for his generosity and contributions to the city. On the occasion of North Battleford's centennial, we pause to consider this remarkable man for his extraordinary abilities and selfless service to our community.
