Harold Boyd

Harold Charles Boyd, 86, of West Liberty went to be with the Lord on Saturday.

Born on Dec. 10, 1926, in Pittsburgh, he was the son of Harry and Anna (Betty Jane) Fischer Boyd.

After being orphaned at the age of 15, he signed up for military duty and joined the U.S. Army. He was a proud World War II veteran.

After being honorably discharged, he returned to Pittsburgh and married Francis (Sergi) Boyd. They had two children, Barbara B. and Harold C. Jr. Both Francis and Harold C. Jr. predeceased him. Harold married Elmeda (Vogel) Boyd in September of 1966, and she passed away in October of 1994.

Harold was an active member in the Slippery Rock American Legion and was a member of the Chartiers Valley Lodge 725 as a 32nd Degree Mason. He was both an active member, board member and trustee of the West Liberty United Methodist Church, where he never missed an opportunity to share his endless memory of jokes and humor. In fact, this alone probably lengthened his stay on the board. He was involved in countless renovation projects at the church, which now bear his endearing memory.

Harold retired from Columbia Gas after over 35 years of exemplary service, receiving the “Outstanding Superior Service” award.

He was an avid hunter. His favorite bumper sticker was “I don't call 911, I dial 357.” He loved to surf fish at the Outer Banks, N.C., where he returned for many years. Barbara recalls her first vacation at the Outer Banks, with her brother, Harold Jr., when she was 12. Harold's last trip to the Outer Banks was when his granddaughters were 12. He enjoyed camping, taking both Harold Jr. and Barbara to Pymatuning Lake to fish and swim. He also enjoyed visiting Colorado countless times, soaking up its mountains and picturesque beauty. He loved boating, the pontoon boat was his favorite.

His charm, wit and humor were magnetic. Wherever he went, if he met a stranger, they left a friend. He was a neighbor and helper to anyone who needed a hand. He could literally fix anything. We had a special coffee cup for him, “Mr. Fix-it.” When Barbara was a teenager, he taught her to change a tire, change the oil and “gap the plugs.” He didn't want her dependent on anybody.

He is survived by his daughter, Barbara Boyd Postma and her husband, James, of Raleigh, N.C.; his twin granddaughters, Makenzie Boyd Postma and Delanie Nicole Postma; his only remaining sister, Ellie Grady; his special lady friend, Janet Steiner of Slippery Rock, who he loved; and her children, Richard and Carolyn Steiner, and their two sons, Ben and David, Doug and Linda Martin and Sandy and Bob McConnell and their children, Robert and Perry Christie; a wonderful caretaker and friend, Becky Gitzen and her son, Glen; and numerous other loving extended family and friends.

The family would like to thank the Orchard Manor Nursing Home in Grove City for the wonderful, loving and attentive care given to Harold.

We now surrender Harold to the care of our Heavenly Father, who we hope is ready for all of his jokes. His favorite prayer began with: “Our Father who art in Heaven, 'Harold' be thy name …”

BOYD — The viewing for Harold Charles Boyd, who died Saturday, Aug. 31, 2013, will be from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at the Smith Funeral Home, 421 New Castle St., Slippery Rock.A visitation will occur at the church from 10 a.m. until time of service at 11 a.m. Saturday.Funeral services will be at the West Liberty United Methodist Church, 135 Church Road, Slippery Rock, at 11 a.m. Saturday with the Rev. Loren McQueen, pastor of the West Liberty United Methodist Church presiding.Internment will be at West Liberty Cemetery with full military honors.