Graydon Dougald Boyes

November 14, 1937 — August 4, 2024

Vankoughnet, ON

We are deeply saddened to announce that Graydon passed away at Andy's House Hospice, on August 4, 2024, with his loving wife of almost 60 years, and his three children by his side. 

His last days were full of love and laughter, stories and songs as he enjoyed the many visits and calls from his innumerable friends and family members.

Graydon is survived by his wife Irene, his children Jonathan & Shelley, Susan & Chris and Jason & Jeanette and his grandchildren Jordan, Victoria, Josh, Adam, Lila, Hannah, Charlotte and Graydon. He was predeceased by his siblings Faith, Trevor, Neil and Malcolm and will be greatly missed by the younger siblings Gwen & Jim, Liz & Garth, Ian & Bonnie, and his dear in-laws, George, Mary Jean, Betty-Kay and Lee and his many nieces and nephews.

Graydon grew up in Vankoughnet, attended Bracebridge High school and graduated from UofT with his Phys. Ed. degree. He pursued a career teaching high school and coaching football and basketball. Eventually he returned to his roots and began his construction, logging and saw-milling years, plus building and running a summer camp for children. In his “spare” time he and Irene owned and operated a campground for 43 years. His dream of a children's camp continues today as Camp Wenonah carries on his legacy. Thousands of children throughout the world have benefited from the ripple effect of Graydon's vision.

Graydon was renowned for telling somewhat tall tales and his savant like memory for names, local genealogy and poetry. He loved a good joke and was often known to quiz those in ear shot on niche Canadian and NHL trivia. He was an avid participant in family games, almost unbeatable at Scrabble and crokinole and the source of many highly contested Scattergories answers. He enjoyed music, calling at square dances, reading, jig-saw puzzles, riddles, making maple syrup, oil painting, answering letters on Santa's behalf, collecting logging artifacts and late night talks around the kitchen table.

He had a deep love of the outdoors and often hiked hours in search of the perfect Christmas tree, or to spot the first sign of mayflowers and wild leeks in the Spring. He knew every tree by its bark and never lost his way. He loved a good winter cookout in the bush, canoeing and every year maintained an unwavering faith in his beloved Leafs.

At Christmas he always took great joy in his many, many, many, decorations - only satisfied when every nook and cranny, indoor and out, was prepped for Santa's arrival. Only his sister Gwen can compete on that front.

Graydon was a man of great faith who served as an elder at St. David's for almost 50 years. He loved to sing the old hymns around the piano and knew them all by heart.

He was passionate about history, specifically regarding the Boyes family, local logging and his beloved St. David's church. To preserve this knowledge for future generations he wrote several books with the last one completed and at the printers now.

We would like to express our heartfelt thanks to Dr. Mittal for her constant and compassionate care over the years. Also thank you for the excellent care and kindness shown during his recent stay at SMMH. The doctors, nurses and aides were outstanding - special thanks to Dr. Jones and Joy.

We will be forever grateful for the incredible care provided by the staff and volunteers at Andy's House. They went above and beyond to make Dad and all of us, as comfortable as possible during a difficult time.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the St. David's Presbyterian Church Memorial Fund (for his dream of an accessible washroom) or to Andy's House Hospice.

Service details can be found on the Reynolds Funeral Home Website:

Graydon Dougald Boyes Obituary 2024 - Reynolds Funeral Home - Turner