A few words from Gary:

Several years ago while we were performing, a man approached us and asked if he could sing with our music ensemble, the Collecting Consort.  Usually, when this situation occurs, I find an excuse not to honor the request, as it is very difficult to present a meaningful performance with no rehearsal.  

However, on this occasion, I trusted my feelings and granted the request.  This was our introduction to Joel Boyden and the beginning of a very important friendship.  His voice and presence became frequent additions to the Collecting Consort, and we valued Joel's spiritual contribution to our performances.  

After a meaningful (for Joel, his family and us) experience associated with cancer, Joel died in the fall of 1999.  

We are pleased to share this tribute to Joel from the Boyden family, and we wish to thank them for their financial support of The Caregiver Companion.  

From the family of Joel M. Boyden:  

Wife:  Jean Boyden 
Children:  Jackie Boyden, Kate Loukas, Dorothy Boyden & Joel M. Boyden, Jr.

Joel M. Boyden

4/18/37 - 9/11/99

Dad, you loved others with all your heart; and so we learned to open our hearts to love others deeply.

Dad, you loved God, sought to know God in a personal way, and sought to carry out God's messages of love in your life; and so we learned to seek God's path and listen for God's voice in our lives.

Dad, you believed in the triumph of the human spirit; and so we learned how to have faith in ourselves and others, and to strive to be heroes where it counts the most, in the everyday  struggles of life.  

Dad, you raised your beautiful voice in joyful, heartfelt song; and so we learned to express the beauty inside each of us by raising our unique "voices", each in his or her own way.

Dad, you loved to laugh and savor life's joys to the fullest; and so we learned the happy rewards of a zest for life, good humor and fun, and never taking oneself too seriously.

Dad, not only did you love us, but you also let us love you; and so we learned that giving and receiving brings true closeness of heart, mind and spirit.

All these loving lessons and so much more live inside us because of you, Dad.  We have learned that a beautiful life like yours goes on and on, as we receive your comfort and wisdom in new ways every day.  Following your example, we love each other deeply, and look for the magic in life.  We thank you, and we love you, Dad.

If you would like to honor an important person from your past who is no longer alive, you can SUBMIT your tribute to be included in the IN MEMORY OF . . .  pages.  We ask for a non tax deductible contribution to the Caregiver Companion to assist us in continuation of our work.