OBITUARY FOR RUSSEL GORDON BOYLE
December 27 1943 – January 15 2023
It is with deep sadness and heartache that we announce the passing of Russel Gordon Boyle following a short battle of pneumonia on January 15, 2023 with his wife, Judy, by his side.
Russ was born on December 27, 1943 in Kelvington, SK and was raised in Lintlaw, SK where he took his schooling. Russ and his father, Arza, received certification, via mail, from RCA for radio and TV repair and following this the family moved to Preeceville, SK in the fall of 1962 so Russ and Arza could open Preeceville Radio & TV Repair; a shop that was later ran by his brothers, Edgar and Howard.
Russ relocated to Moose Jaw, SK in 1967, where he worked at was then known as STI (Saskatchewan Technical Institute) as an instructor in the Radio & TV Repair Program. In the mid-70s, Russ had the opportunity to live in Ghana, Africa for two years and teach this same program to the locals. After returning to Moose Jaw, Russ continued to work in the program and was then promoted to the Audio – Visual Department where he worked until his retirement on June 30, 2002. During his time at SIAST, Russ was extremely proud to be the key player in setting up an in-house studio where programs were broadcast for distance learning. This was a unique opportunity and experimental at the time; not what we know it to be today!
During his early adult life, Russ was an avid bowler and won many tournaments. He also enjoyed snowmobiling and could be found at a number of derbies back in Preeceville and area. Russ enjoyed hunting and fishing, frequently taking trips with brother Howard and friends up North to fishing camps and into remote areas for hunting. Later in his life, golfing was his passion. Following his retirement, he could be found on the course almost every day.
In October 1981, Russ began dating Judy. Along with Judy came her daughter, Angela, who Russ loved and cared for as his own child. Russ and Judy were married in their home on New Years Eve 1986. Travelling was something the family enjoyed; many Christmases were spent on beaches and at the Disney’s. Summers were spent camping in their 5th wheel; visiting family and sightseeing. Over the years, they travelled to all but two provinces in Canada and saw one quarter of the United States; including a road trip to Alaska with his brother, Dan and wife, Lil. Following retirement, Russ and Judy continued to travel; highlights being a trip to Thailand and spending their winters on Vancouver Island and Mesa, AZ.
In 2006, Russ and Judy decided to make Elbow, SK their home, thereby selling the home in Moose Jaw that Russ had lived in for more than 40 years. They bought a piece of property and over the next few years, Russ built them a beautiful home overlooking the 7th green of the Harbor Golf Course. Russ worked at the golf course for many years; being the go-to guy for anything that needed repair. He enjoyed lining up carts daily, working tournaments with Judy and speaking with golfers as they came and went. This was where he was truly happy.
In March of 2021, as his Alzheimer’s disease was progressing; Judy made the very difficult decision to leave Elbow and move to Saskatoon to be closer to family and the resources required to care for Russ. In May 2022 Russ moved into Oliver Lodge Special Care Home where he lived until his passing. The family wishes to thank the staff for their respect and care of Russ.
Their lives will never be the same without Russ; wife Judy (Hydamaka), daughter Angela Strand (Kirk Baillie) and, Russ’s true pride and joy, his grandson Sam Baillie. Papa & Sam were inseparable; they spent many hours on the golf cart, golf course and playground at Elbow.
Russ was predeceased by his parents, Arza and Mary (Rieberger) Boyle; his brothers, Howard & Edgar Boyle; a sister, Lillian Holman; brothers – in – law, Ernie Stefanyshyn, Sam Didluck and Dave Hydamaka; mother – in – law, Pauline Hydamaka; and great – nephew, Sam Didluck. The loss of Russ will be felt by: brothers Jim (Carole) Boyle of Kamloops, BC; Dan (Lil) Boyle of Williams Lake, BC; Ron (Cindy) Boyle of Preeceville, SK; sisters Shirley Day of Langley, BC; Judy Stefanyshyn of Edmonton, AB; Corinne Didluck of Spruce Grove, AB; Sandra Boyle, Sharon (Dale) Zubko, Anita Boyle all of Preeceville, SK, Barb (Henry) Malchuk of Winnipeg, MB; brother- in – law, George Holman of Moose Jaw, SK and sister – in – law, Eileen Boyle of Saskatoon, SK. Uncle Russ will be greatly missed by his 26 nieces & nephews, 39 great nieces & nephews and 3 great-great nieces and nephews.
Russ was a wonderful man that touched everyone he met. The twinkle in his eye, warm smile and dry sense of humor will be missed by many, many friends and extended family.
A celebration of life will be held for Russ on FEBRUARY 18 @ 1:30 PM at Mourning Glory – Acadia McKague’s Funeral Home; 915 Acadia Dr. Saskatoon. Private interment will take place at a later date. Those wishing can make donations to: Harbor Golf Community Center, Box 8, Elbow, SK S0H 1J0 or Oliver Lodge Special Care Home, 1405 Faulkner Cres. Saskatoon, SK S7L 3R5. Please make donations in memory of Russ Boyle.
Arrangements in care of Mourning Glory – Acadia McKague’s Funeral Home; 915 Acadia Drive, Saskatoon, SK.
