Obituary of Oscar Otho Boyd

It is with great sadness that the family of Oscar Otho Boyd, announce his passing which occurred on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at the Saint John Regional Hospital, Saint John, NB. Born in Hatfield Point, NB on June 12, 1935, he was the son of the late Albert and Grace (Law) Boyd.

Oscar Boyd was a man who dedicated his life to others. His distinguished 32-year career in education where he served as both a teacher and a school principal began with a remarkably humble start. After finishing grade nine, Oscar began teaching on a local license at Land’s End School with grades 1 to 8 in a single classroom. After two years teaching at Land’s End, he went on to finish high school and Teachers’ College in Fredericton.  After Teachers’ college, he obtained a Bachelor of Teaching and a Bachelor of Education from the University of New Brunswick.  Early in his career he served as the Principal of Apohaqui Superior School and taught the future Premier of New Brunswick, Frank McKenna.  The majority of his teaching and administrative career he served as a teacher and principal at Norton Elementary School. Beyond the classroom, Oscar’s leadership extended into public service, where he served as the Mayor of Norton for 24 years where he worked tirelessly with the Village Council to improve the lives of the community.  He also served on the Sussex Health Centre’s Board of Directors and President of the Kings County Retired Teachers’ Association.

Faith and family were of great importance in Oscar’s life. He was a pillar of his church and served in a wide range of capacities including Sunday School Teacher, Sunday School Director, Missions Director, Board Member, and Secretary-Treasurer. When he wasn't serving his community, Oscar could almost always be found in his garden. He had a natural gift for growing things and maintained a beautifully landscaped yard with flowers of all shapes and colors. His vegetable garden provided hours of enjoyment along with food for his family.  Throughout his career he ran a successful flower shop and following retirement he purchased the Hampton Flower Shop and did the flowers for many weddings and funerals. 

Oscar accomplished much in his life but never lost his appreciation for life’s simple pleasures. He had a well-known sweet tooth, and few things brought him more simple happiness than a KitKat bar or a batch of chocolate chip cookies. He lived a full and meaningful life, leaving behind a legacy of faith, service and kindness that will be cherished by all who knew him.

Oscar is survived by his loving wife of almost 60 years, Marjorie Boyd of Norton, NB; children: Dwayne Boyd (Donna) of Grande Prairie, AB, Wanda McAllister (Troy) of Rothesay, NB and Nathan Boyd (Heather) of Riverview, Florida; grandchildren: Zachariah, Caleb (Gralyn), Tamieka (Victor), Kayla, Charla (Austin), Jazmine, Anthony, Shekinah and India (Shadriccas); great grandchildren: Juniper, Willow and Seth; sisters: Lottie Ricketts (Edward) of Oromocto, NB and Thelma McCullough (Warren) of Sussex Corner, NB; as well as many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Oscar was predeceased by his brother Robert Boyd; and sister Vivian Johnson; and infant sister Lillian.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Sherwood’s Funeral Home (506-839-2156), 18 Scovil Road, Norton, NB. Visitation will be held from 3 to 7pm on Saturday, April 25^th from Abundant Life United Pentecostal Church. The funeral service will be held at 1:00pm on Sunday, April 26^th, 2026 from Abundant Life United Pentecostal Church, 489 Main St, Sussex, NB. A private family interment will follow at Riverbank Cemetery.

Donations in memory of Oscar may be made to Abundant Life United Pentecostal Church or to the charity of the donor’s choice. Personal condolences to the family and charitable donations may be made through: SherwoodsFuneralHome.com