For me a true legacy is based on love and kindness.

When I think of Nigel I am filled with deep love and admiration.

I watched him grow and advance in his newspaper career – he was a great team player with a strong work ethic – he was a steady rock – someone you could always rely on – he was giving of his time – he was a true professional – so many folks have told me how they thought he was just the best.

At P4P his legacy is the company that we built together – now over 22 years old – Nigel is smiling from above knowing that he left everything in great shape for the next generation to take forward and flourish – Andrew, Gary and the team could not have asked for a better role model when it comes to core values, honesty and decency.

The lovely notes from past colleagues, friends and clients describe him as a gentleman, a good man, a lovely man, a kind man, one of the good guys, a man of integrity, his genuine enthusiasm – a man with a twinkle in his eye!

Nigel was a very unassuming man – I never once heard him talk about any of the great things that he had done, the people that he had helped or what he had achieved during his lifetime.

His favourite quote was “Life is too short for the indulgence of animosity” by Sir Walter Scott.

Our family remember the great times we shared together – when I asked them how they would remember Nigel – here is what they had to say:


Jill
I smile everyday I see his paintings in my flat and think how lucky I was to have had him in my life.


Paul
Nigel Boyd, a legend to my family and especially children, a true uncle – a man of impeccable taste and the highest morals which he passed on to all who knew him, he taught without teaching.


Georgia
There’s not really a scramble of words befitting of Nigel, so I’ll pick one. One I feel only just comes close.
Magic.
Far outstretching the talent of writing, painting and an eye for all things beautiful. A deeper magic, right down to the root of his soul. I’m grateful to have encountered it and I’m grateful to take it along with me...
What would Nigel do?
Keep calm, work hard and make mine a double.

Thank you for the magic.
Love you Nige.


Doreen
Nigel was not a father yet he was a true father figure (to 2 generations of kids) on 2 continents!
Vacation Nigel was so much fun.
Nigel was if nothing else-an adoring partner/husband to my sister Avril.


Ayla
Uncle Nigel was a man people not only looked up to but inspired to be. The legacy most would automatically think of is what would be written down on his resume. His resume was impressive: writer, business owner, artist, just to name a few. But that doesn’t even compare to the man he was in his personal life. Where I believe his true legacy lies.

A legacy, something that is passed on. When I think of uncle Nigel and the legacy he has passed on to not just me but my whole family: the first thing I think of is love. From a man who was not blood related to me and for the longest time not even legally related to me, I know he loved me with his whole heart. He year after year proved this to me in not only his words but more importantly his actions. He always showed up, especially when the other men in my life let me down. He never did. He truly believed in me and always pushed me to be the best I can be. He showed me what kind of man I deserve in life and how I should be treated. He made me believe it would happen and it did. And I will forever be grateful!

His creativity has inspired me to step out of my comfort zone and look into things I didn’t think I was capable of. Writing being one of them. His love of my children and time he put into cultivating their relationships is invaluable. I am grateful for the time they had but feel robbed of what could have been.

He loved, empowered, and inspired the people in his life, especially the women he held dear. Strong willed, powerful, outspoken women most men shy away from. He lifted up and he backed up. He even took a back seat at times. A true gentleman, kind hearted and loving. A man I hope his namesake will live up to. Someone who was truly cherished and is already wildly missed. A man I will always remember and will continue to keep his legacy alive each and every day.


Chris
I remember Nigel as a man of quality, and as a man who truly appreciated quality. He had a very deep appreciation for both people and things of substance and beauty, and he reflected that in all aspects of his life. You could see it in the people he loved, and in how and why he loved them. You could see it in his love of art, both in the art he created and in the art of others that he enjoyed. You could see it in his fashion sense. You could see it in his fishing kit. You could see it in the quality and professionalism of his work. You could see it in everything he touched. He had a depth of love for beauty and quality that words cannot really do justice to, and I think it truly enriched both his life as well as the lives of those who knew him.


Sean
Although it is difficult to put into words the impact Uncle Nigel had on my life, here are a few ways his legacy lives on with me.

I always appreciated Uncle Nigel’s desire to do the right thing without the need for any credit. He always put the interests of others, including mine, ahead of his own. His ability to be kind, courteous and generous without the need of praise instilled in me the desire to do the same. His humility and grace will forever be remembered.

In addition, many of my favourite interests and hobbies are a result of the time Uncle Nigel spent with me while I was growing up. He instilled in me a love for fishing, which I now share with my wife. I climbed my first mountain with Uncle Nigel by my side, and to this day I am still an avid hiker and have a passion for the outdoors. Lastly, Uncle Nigel introduced me to skiing at the age of 4 and for that I am forever grateful.

Overall, Uncle Nigel taught me how to lead by example, to do the right thing even when no one is looking and to spend time doing the things that you love with the people that you love.


Brandy
Things I loved about Nigel:

– His curiosity

– His willingness to research his curiosities whether it’s about efficient energy or what band his nephew was into. This brings a funny memory to me where Sean Nigel and myself were out driving and an Outkast song came on and we all jammed out

– Artistic abilities and vision. He gave us a beautiful painting for our wedding and then when I first visited their home I was captivated by his beautiful work

– For a fancy man of certain echelon and stature he was quite down to earth and easy to talk to

– Good listener

– Nigel always made me feel included and important in big family get togethers. He would specifically engage me and ask my thoughts

– He was truly a gentleman


Joe
Nigel was a great brother-in-law, a great uncle to his nieces and nephews and an amazing husband to my sister, Avril.

He was very generous, very funny and very talented and could talk about almost any subject with authority.

What I liked most about him was that he brought so much joy and happiness to my sister who he cherished more than anyone else on this earth.

He is sorely missed but hopefully we’ll all be reunited soon.


Joey & Hannah
The unexpected difficulty in expressing how wonderful a man Uncle Nigel was speaks to how a word like ‘wonderful’ falls so short of him. We didn’t spend nearly as much time with him as we wish we could have but his pleasant, warm and genuine demeanour made every occasion a rare treat. He showed honest love and respect for his family, friends, and co-workers in a way that’s getting harder and harder to find nowadays. It’s often said when someone passes away that there will never be someone like them, which is part of why we miss them so much. If someone were to ask us if there could be someone else like Uncle Nigel, I don’t think our response could be better put than with his own words, ‘there’s not a snowball’s chance in Hell!


Ian
One of my first memories of Uncle Nigel was when we were at a restaurant eating with the whole family, and he asked me what my dream job would be. I was around 9 so I said a video game designer, and everyone chuckled a bit but the way he talked to me made me think I really could be one someday. He was like that, a down-to-earth guy who made you feel heard and turned small talk into some of the best conversations you’ll ever have. Cheers, Uncle Nigel.


A few last words
Nigel would have been deeply touched by these words from the family.

And finally what legacy has he left for me – his undying love.

He truly was an amazing man!

Lots of love,