Obituary of Donald (Don) Boynton

July 21, 1953 - Valcartier, Quebec 
December 11, 2021 - Calgary, Alberta

We are incredibly devastated to announce Don Boynton’s sudden passing on Saturday, December 11, 2021 at the age of 68 years.

Born to John Boynton and Dorothy Chitty in Valcartier, Quebec on July 21, 1953, Don was raised in Upper Gagetown and Ormocto, New Brunswick along with his brother Peter. After graduating with a public relations degree from Humber College, Don’s career started at PIR in Toronto, where he had been a student intern, and quickly took him across the country, spending a few years in Vancouver before moving to Calgary.

While attending a party at a local ski club, Don met the love of his life, Wendy Yost, and they married on August 12, 1983 at a private ceremony in Kanapaali, Hawaii. On January 20, 1987, the couple was overjoyed to welcome their son Sean-Paul and the new family settled in Calgary.

It wasn’t long before Don accepted a new opportunity with the Beloff Group in Toronto, the family settling in Oakville and Don commuting, making for very long days, prompting another move in Don’s career to OEB and a new home for the family in nearby St. Catharines. Although Don loved his work at OEB and the family enjoyed new and long-lasting friendships in Ontario, they longed to be closer to family in Calgary and in 1996; they packed up a Ryder truck and moved themselves back to Alberta with Don’s ever-present optimism leading the way.  While Wendy was quickly back to teaching, Don set up his consulting office in the basement of their new house. He later enjoyed a long stint as director of communications at Travel Alberta before returning to private consulting.

Don’s talents as a writer, strategist and public relations consultant earned him clients and kudos, working for everything from 21 Century Realty to Canadian and Greyhound airlines to the 1988 Winter Olympics in Calgary. His work with Travel Alberta won him and the tourism agency several awards and made Don a sought-after consultant-for-hire in the last years of his life. Through it all, he retained connections with colleagues across the country and was a beloved member of the Public Relations Society, often mentoring other public relations practitioners.  

Outside of work, Don loved the outdoors and consistently dragged his wife and son into the woods for camping adventures. He passed down his skills as a Queen Scout to Sean-Paul and served as a troop leader for Beavers, Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts. Don and Wendy loved to ski locally and took many trips together to ski hills across Canada and into Idaho and Montana.  Don was thrilled to be able to get Sean-Paul onto skis and a snowboard, as family time was his favourite time.

Don loved to play the “Devil’s Advocate” and enjoyed a good debate on politics and the issues of the world. But underneath his bravado was a deep love and pride for his family and friends, including the family dogs Teddy and Milo, who he spoiled with pure affection. He loved a good glass of wine or glass of scotch, often while watching or reading the news.

In their later years, Don and Wendy became avid travellers, soaking up the culture of many countries in Europe, visiting different beaches in the Caribbean and Mexico, taking a self-planned train tour around northern Italy, a river cruise through Europe and a cruise to Alaska.  But they loved visiting Vancouver Island most of all, with Qualicum Beach becoming a favourite destination to unwind and recharge. This will become his final resting place.

Don leaves behind a wealth of family and friends who will remember him for his quick wit and outgoing personality. Stories abound of his ability to make friends and connections with anyone, and to have meaningful conversations with complete strangers. The number of lives he’s touched is truly incalculable. 

Don’s wishes were to be cremated and he did not want a funeral. The family encourages private gatherings to remember him. Condolences, memories and photos can also be shared and viewed here.   If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Calgary Inter-Faith Food Bank Society, 5000 – 11 Street S.E., Calgary, AB T2H 2Y5, Telephone: (403) 253-2059, www.calgaryfoodbank.com.  

In living memory of Donald Boynton, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Crowfoot, 82 Crowfoot Circle NW, Calgary, AB T3G 2T3, Telephone: 403-241-0044.