Arthur George Boyle

Arthur Boyle (103) of London Ontario, passed away peacefully with family at his side, Friday November the 30th. at his home in the Western Counties Wing for Veterans, Parkwood Institute. Art was born November 2nd. 1915, in Gaspe Quebec. He lived a hard life during the depression years, “riding the rail” to western Canada, to make ends meet. In 1937 he thought that the army would provide him a better income, food and a dry roof over his head and so it was that his armed forces career began. Initially he signed up with the Royal Canadian Dragoons, a horse cavalry regiment but the beginning of the war changed everything. Still training with horses, swords and a lance in 1939 they were easily outmatched by enemy forces overseas. It was at this time that Art transferred to the 1st Hussar Tank regiment where he spent the remainder of his army career. Art trained in Canada, England and Scotland and would eventually go ashore in a tank, at Juno Beach, D-Day June 6th 1944. Art spent the rest of war fighting in France, Belgium and into Holland before being transferred back to England as an instructor. He survived many near death experiences being wounded a number of times. At the end of the war, Art settled in London where the Hussars were based and he met the love of his life Barbara, while delivering bread on a horse and wagon. It was soon after, he started two new roles; a long career in the construction industry as a Steamfitter and that of a parent. He was an avid Toronto Blue Jays fan and loved playing euchre and crib. Art is survived by his 3 sons, Don Affleck and his wife Pat, Kenneth Boyle and his partner Lynne Kniffen and Gerald Boyle and his wife Marggie; 4 grandchildren, Tim Affleck and his wife Vicki Brandon Boyle and his wife Amanda Zhang, Amanda and Thalia Boyle; 2 great-grandchildren, Mary Affleck and Alisha McLean. Art was predeceased by Barbara Boyle nee Clemas (1984) and Hazel Boyle nee Patterson (2011). At Art’s request, there will no funeral or celebration of life. Interment will be at Woodland Cemetery in London beside his wife Barbara. The family would like to recognize and thank the staff of the Western Counties Wing, 3rd floor of Parkwood Veterans Care, for their care and compassion over the last 2 years.