April 28, 1938 – January 3, 2023
Edward (Speedy) Boychuk was a caring husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend.
He left us suddenly on January 3, 2023 at the age of 84.
Eddy was born to Anne and Metro Boychuk on April 28, 1938, in a farmhouse in Saskatchewan.
He came from a family of 5 children. Mary, Eileen, Ted, Eddy, and Allen
He is survived and will be missed by his loving wife of 62 years Mary, their children Glenn (Nick, Alec, Grace), Todd (Allison, Ava), Lisa (David, Alissa, Kelsey) and Mark.
Eddy grew up and went to school in Hudson Bay, Saskatchewan.
It was there that his love for music grew as he came from a very musical family where they used to “jam” all the time in their family home.
As a classically trained and talented fiddle player, he could play any song by ear. His fingers would fly very quickly over the fiddle strings which earned him the name “Speedy”. His training and talents gave him the ability to play any string instrument.
In Saskatchewan, he formed a band with his two brothers Ted and Allen called “The Hometown Jamboree Boys”. They provided entertainment for many around the area.
Eddy played with many big-name musicians like Art Young, Ray St. Germain, Harry “Corky” Taylor, Wayne Link and even took the stage at the Grand Ole Opry at the Ryman Auditorium with Hank Williams Sr’s band.
Eddy met the love of his life, Mary, got married in 1960 and had their first born shortly after. At the time he was working for the CN Rail and got a transfer to Winnipeg. Winnipeg became their home for the next many many years.
Imperial was one of the first streets they lived on and many friends and camping mates were made on that very special street. When they found out they were expecting their 4th child and the house was bursting at the seams with 3 kids already, they then moved to their current home where they spent the next 48 years.
Eddy loved to camp. Every weekend he changed into his jeans, packed up the family and dog and off they went. So many great memories at many different campsites until Eddy and Mary settled in at RAM Camps where they spent every summer weekend for over 30 years.
Many great friendships, potlucks, swims in the lake and beverages were enjoyed there. At night under the beautiful stars, out came the guitar for the sing-a-longs at the huge campfires.
Eddy continued to play the fiddle in a band in Winnipeg called “On the Beat” where they would play all around the city.
He loved to write songs and wrote many for his children and grandchildren and even recorded some that were often played on the radio.
Playing the fiddle was a passion that he loved until he had a shoulder issue. It was one of his greatest loves, and we know he missed it dearly.
Most of his working years were spent in the sales industry. It started with Family Record Plan where he worked and earned many trips for him and Mary over the years. Then he moved over to Lawson Products where he retired in his early 70’s.
One of his earliest jobs was delivering milk by horse and buggy and he loved to share stories about those days.
Some of his favorite things to do was ice skating and playing hockey. He played many years with the “Glenwood Old Stars” at the Glenwood Arena.
Glenwood Community Club is where he spent several years on the board volunteering his time for all kinds of events. Eddy was also a trainer for the Mustangs football organization.
He loved and never missed the opportunity to watch a Jets or Bombers game.
The yearly drives with Mary to their hometown of Hudson Bay was always something they both looked forward to. They would stay with his brother Allen and wife Marge who always welcomed them into their home with great food and company. Their other brother Teddy would meet up with them there as well. Let’s just say the brothers jam sessions would go into the wee hours of the morning.
Eddy and Mary made many snowbird trips to Mesa where they would spend a couple of months enjoying the warmth of the sun and great friendships.
More recently, Eddy and Mary loved driving to St. Vital Park and going for their walk around the duck pond. They would then settle into their spot in the van, drink their tea and watch all the comings and goings. One of their favorite things to do.
Eddy was a lover of sweets. Frozen yogurt bars, licorice, candy….you name it – he enjoyed them!
He always said “you gotta have humour” and he had the best laugh. Often, he would laugh so hard that no sound would come out and his eyes would be dripping with tears…. that laugh will be missed.
Eddy was a smart, driven, hard working, funny, stubborn, fix anything and build anything kind of guy that would do anything for his family.
He will be missed so much and will be in our hearts always.
You only live once, but If you do it right, once is enough – Eddy lived life to its fullest! A celebration of life will take place closer to summer.
24 thoughts on “Edward (Speedy) Boychuk”
Mary, Glen, Todd, Liza and Mark, and families. What a wonderful eulogy to Eddy, pictured with his mischievous grin. It took me down memory lane. He had such a wonderful sense of humour. Helped raise a beautiful family with Mary by his side. He will be missed. Sincere thoughts and prayers are with all of you. From my family to yours. Beverley Bettens, Michael and Bridget, Randy and Daphne, Jamie and Cynthia and Kevin Bettens. 🙏💐
So sorry for your loss Eddy will be miss Jerry always look forward when Eddy came down condolences to the whole family From Jerry and Janet Zurba
I have fond memories of the 2 years (1959-61) I spent playing drums with The Hometown Jamboree Boys. Ed was our leader and would book the hall in Reserve, Etomami, Veillardville, or Prairie River and 5 people would get into Ted’s ’57 Chev along with all the instruments and equipment. The instruments included a set of drums and and a stand-up bass ! I was a beginner on drums but Ed treated me patience and always shared any benefits equally. I will always treasure these memories My thoughts and prayers are with the Boychuk family.
Mary & family, so very very sorry to hear of Ed’s passing. So many great memories of trips to Grand Forks with the Old Stars, great fun with all. And the annual Western Nights at Glenwood – just great memories. Our deepest sympathy & prayers are with you all.
Glen & Doris
Our deepest condolences to the Boychuk family on the passing of Edward. I had the pleasure of meeting your dad at a a few Jets games over the years when he was there with Glenn and Todd. He had a real sparkle about him and a wonderful sense of humor.
Thinking of you all-
Howard and Jane Kroeger
My mother (Lois) and I would like to extend our sincere condolences, thoughts and prayers to the family in this time of sorrow. I fondly remember Mr Boychuk laughing and teasing my mom back in our old Glenwood Arena days of the late 70’s and 80’s (hockey, baseball and of course those amazing Glenwood carnivals and socials). Everyone was smiling whenever Mr Boychuk was around.
Photo of mom and dad, Glenn, Todd, Lisa and Mark
played hockey with EDDY for a number of years with GLENWOOD OLD STARS .REMEMBERING the trips to GRAND FORKS for the hockey tournaments each year. the socials the hockey team put on with EDDY organizing everything . boy did we have a lot of fun. I still remember ED smoking his pipe after a hockey game fond memories
Our deepest sympathies to Mary and the whole family from Keith and Mimi Huntley from Apache Villa in Arizona.
I sure enjoyed his humor, and music talent on the fiddle, Eddy will always be a happy memory in our hearts. Our thoughts and prayers are with The families and friends. Cherish fond memories.
Very sorry to hear of Ed’s passing..Thought he would go on fore ever..Good man with a very big heart..Well liked in the community..Will miss our little talks at St.Vital Park..Rest in Peace Ed..
Condolences to the family.
Helen and Carl Hrechka (Helen Kirstein)
Our deepest sympathy to you Mary & all your family. Many great memories with you & Eddie – those Glenwood Old Stars hockey trips, annual Western Nights at Glenwood. Our thoughts & prayers are with you all. Glen & Doris
I remember so many good times and how happy we would all be when Uncle Eddy brought out the guitar or fiddle at our weekly camping trips. The memories keep flooding and will come back for awhile. He will truly be missed. Take care of Aunty Mary and may you feel comfort in all the memories.
We were very saddened to hear of Eddy’s passing. He was such a great guy with a great personality to match and a smile on his face. He will be missed by all of us.
Love and hugs
Pat, Rob, Will and James
Lisa, I am so sorry to learn of your dad’s passing. What a marvelous human being. His legacy lives on through you and all of your family. Sincere condolences to you and your family. Your guardian angel is watching over you. Hugs. 💙
Thank you so much Catherine – appreciate your love and kind words 💗
So sorry for your loss. MR. B was a great guy. Lots of laughs at the RAM camps. Many great memories and life lessons I learned from him.
Todd we have your family in our heart and prayers on the loss of you dad. Dennis and Brenda Adams .
What an amazingly lovely tribute to your father. It was an honor to learn a glimpse of him. Sincerely condolences to you all.
Sharon Dixon, friend of Glenn’s in Omaha
I have fond memories of the years I played old timers hockey with Ed at Glenwood. He was a fierce competitor and never gave up on the play but we had lots of laughs in the dressing room afterwards. He loved the French fries from Juniors along with a cold beer after the game. Ed often dropped in to see me at my workplace just to chat. Those were special times for me. I remember being in Walmart in Mesa several years ago and running into Ed. My wife and I had a great chat with him. He was such an easy guy to talk to. Our sympathies to Mary and the Boychuk family on the loss of a truly good man.
Always will have the great memories of Ed out at our Glenwood baseball games, working in the bar with Mary at one of the great old Glenwood socials, or playing against the Glenwood Old Stars being on the Glenwood No-Stars. Todd & the Boychuk family, may you find comfort in your memories.
With our deepest condolences,
Rick Siewert and family
I’m sorry for the loss of Eddy to your family .
He was a wonderful man and will be missed by anyone who’s met him . We spent many weekends at hockey for the Old stars and drinks .
It was in the Boychuk basement rec room in the mid 70’s that Eddy and I started the Glenwood Old Stars Hockey Team. We soon brought in Glenn Dieno and Andy Viallet , and the four of us managed as well as played for the Old Stars for many years. We had fun right from the start even in the planning and organizing. Ed had a business mind and an easy going fun heart. The hockey took us to most rinks in and around the city and to tournaments in other cities like Grand Forks and Brandon. We became regulars at the Grand Forks Mall tourney and Ed often ended up playing his wonderful violin at the Saturday socials. Ed was a gifted musician and the hired bands always looked in awe when Ed would join in. Ed would sometimes also coach the team and we won the Grand forks tournament many times despite some late nights prior to game days. Many of the wife’s would join us on the trips and Mary was a regular. Ed and I also served on the Glenwood Community Centre board together in those early days. Ed and Mary have wonderful children and I had the privilege of coaching Mark in baseball for many years. He was always one of my top players who led us to several championships and Ed and Mary were our teams best fans and supporters. Our deepest sympathy and prayers go out to you Mary and each of your children. Ed was and always will be a special friend and maybe one day the Old Stars will play again in God’s Heavenly Arena. With Love -Paul and Leslie and Darin Gentes .