Phillip Boyes

At the Ottawa Grace Manor, on the evening of December 1, Phillip Westcott Boyes, 81 peacefully snuck away. His care givers at the Grace, to whom he related his visits to their origin countries, regarded him with affection.  Born at Ottawa Civic Hospital, Phil was the son of John Wallace and Beatrice Westcott, and eldest bother to Barbara, Allan, and Margret.
Phil grew up in Westmount Quebec. After studying history and philosophy he graduated from McGill, married Jeannette Bennett, then moved to Ottawa to work for Canadian International Development Agency. Colleagues knew him for his big personality, particularly his sense of humour, tenacity to complete aid projects, and capacity to influence and engage his CIDA network. He was posted to the Embassy in Nairobi from 1972-74 and fell in love with Africa and its people.  On weekends Phil loved spending time with his friends interested in all things mechanical. He dabbled in Triumphs and Jaguars, but his true love was Indian motorcycles, buying his first one at 16. He collected many more, travelling far and wide in the pursuit of restoring life to these machines. During these journeys, he made a vast network of friends that swapped and exchanged critical components. For the last 20 years Phil lived with Parkinson's without complaint. It curbed his hobbies but still managed to see friends.  Phil is survived by his two children, JD (John Douglas) Boyes and Suzanne Boyes: daughter and son in laws Sarah Lerchs and Ron Maxseiner; four grandchildren, Alex and Sarah Maxseiner, Austen and Dryden Boyes.  We will miss his dry wit, keen observation of the human condition, creativity, sharp intellect, and generosity of spirit. Phil was a friend to everyone and was always willing to help a friend in need. An avid reader of science fiction books he often kept a second copy so he could lend it to a friend.  A celebration of life will be held at the Outdoor Garden Chapel of Tubman Funeral Homes, 3440 Richmond Road (between Bayshore and Baseline Road.) on Saturday, May 28, 2022 at 10 a.m. followed by a reception.  In lieu of flowers, donations in Phillip's memory may be made to the Parkinson Canada.