BOYER: Hap (Albert Ronald) Boyer (83), passed away in North Battleford, October 24th, 2012 just before his 84th birthday following a brief illness. Hap was born in a log cabin near Murray Lake on November 2nd, 1928 to Joseph and Helen Boyer. He was raised on a farm and at a young age, he picked up the fiddle and taught himself to play. He played at many dances and as a young man, then joined the army. There he continued to play and mastered his fiddle playing. During this time, he met his wife to be, Shirley Patterson in Winnipeg and they married in Wainwright, Alberta in 1952. Shortly after, he was called away to serve in Korea with the United Nations Peace Keeping Force and while there, he continued to play his fiddle with his band. It was there, he adopted the name Hap when they named his band Hap Boyer and His Homesteaders. He continued to play all over Canada with many professional musicians and always brought back interesting souvenirs on his travels. Hap spent 21 years in the army, most with 3 RCHA and was stationed in many bases including his year in Korea, 2 years in Germany, and 6 months in Cyprus. Hap received 6 medals for his achievements with the army. He and Shirley had two sons, Gary, Ronald and a daughter Sharon. He retired from the army in 1971 and continued to work at several jobs including mail delivery, cab driver and his favorite, playing his fiddle music and the many different bookings. In 1980, Hap's daughter Sharon died in a car accident in Ontario and at that time, her daughter Mandy was being cared for by Hap and his wife Shirley. They eventually adopted her and she became their daughter. So at middle age, Hap and Shirley started raising a 2 year old and watched her grow up. Hap played for many years at Batoche and was also a Metis Senator who was vocal on Metis issues and history. Hap was disappointed when due to his health he could no longer participate because he couldn't travel. He then focused on playing locally, still making and selling his recordings both tapes and discs and often playing at different nursing homes with his band friends for senior shut-ins. Finally, he could no longer do that and spent time at home with Shirley, dog Max and played his fiddle, watched sports, McDonald's coffee and enjoyed his telephone calls with friend and family. Over time, both he and Shirley moved into River Heights Lodge due to health reasons and were able to benefit from the care, first Shirley and later Hap. On January 24th, 2012, Hap lost his wife of 59 years & 6 months, Shirley to complications of diabetes. Following her loss, he spent his time watching sports, interacting with both residents and staff and always had a joke ready to go. Hap became ill and a short time later, he passed away peacefully, much like his wife did, months earlier. Hap Boyer is survived by his sons, Gary (Carmen), Ron (Loreen), Mandy (Gerry Bidyk), several grandchildren and great grandchildren, also one sister, Kathleen (Vince Converse), sister-in-law, Judy Heska of Winnipeg and several nieces and nephews. Hap was predeceased by his parents, Joe & Helen Boyer, one brother, Claude Boyer, daughter Sharon and recently, his wife Shirley. At his request, there will be no funeral. A family gathering and burial of cremated remains at the Battleford Cemetery took place Monday, October 29, 2012. If friends so desire, donations can be made to River Heights Lodge Recreation or Diabetes Association. Arrangements were entrusted to Battleford's Funeral Service. ____________________________________________________
