Sydney, NS
May 25, 1956 - July 2, 2024
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the sudden passing of Laurier “Scott” Boyd, 68, of Sydney, NS.
Born in Fredericton, NB, to the late Laurier Reginald and Nina Winnifred (Peters). Scott is survived by his only child, Ashley (Donnie), Sydney; sisters, Jan Beaton, Sydney, and Lynn Boyd (Fraser), New Glasgow; partner, Karen Lewis (Sydney); her children Jordan and Martina, and his handsome boy, Levi; as well as his nephews and nieces, Finnan Beaton, Nicholas Beaton, Lauren MacLean, Michael Antle, and Kelsey Antle. Besides his parents, Scott was predeceased by his brother-in-law and best friend, Edward Beaton.
Dad’s love of entertaining came from his parents and the Peters’ family. Whether it was drumming or performing song and dance in Rotary shows, he could do it all. These skills helped prepare him for his incredible years in music, broadcasting, television, announcing, and emceeing.
Beginning in his early teens, Dad played music. The first band formed with his friends, called Time Capsule, held rehearsals at his house with his father cheering them on. At the age of 17, he moved to Ontario with friends to make a living in show business and played in several bands. Cape Breton was always in his heart, and he always ended up finding his way home. Beginning in the late 1970’s until recently, Dad played in numerous bands; Pat Moore and the Bachelor Boys; Easy Listening, Exit, Tabloid, Transition, and Full Circle, just to name a few.
Dad’s first broadcasting job was with CHER Radio, beginning with the evening shows, moving to the afternoons, and then eventually the morning show. It was here that Dad also learned the ropes with production and programming. After CHER, Dad moved to Halifax for what would turn into his biggest opportunity, Breakfast Television. Dad loved being on BT; it allowed him to live life to the fullest. One day he could be learning karate with his daughter, and the next he would attempt climbing a crane (even though heights weren’t his thing). He always wanted to make sure that he gave the audience his all, and seeing him after a taping, I can certainly attest to him putting it all out there. He was extremely proud when he won his ECMA award for Media Personality of the Year in 2003. He was genuinely shocked when his name was announced because he never thought he did anything out of the ordinary. Dad never lost sight of his musical roots and would give a break to bands coming up by booking them on BT, including Aries Latitude, Mr. Crowe’s Garden, Mitchell Spencer, and Great Big Sea. His previous production experience came in handy when he also stepped behind the camera with BT throughout his later time with the show.
The pull of Cape Breton called again, and Dad found himself back on the Island in radio with 99.9 CJIJ “Little c” in Membertou, NS, before joining the Giant in 2008. Rob, Scott and Tashia made one of the best morning teams in radio broadcasting. He loved the banter between them and the strong friendships that developed. Always looking for a new challenge, Dad moved to New Glasgow to work at Q97.9, before deciding to retire back on the Cape. Never able to leave this life behind entirely, he would occasionally announce the races at Bud’s Speedway until the time of his passing.
With all his infectious energy, it only makes sense that he would need many outlets. Beginning in the 1980’s, Dad could be found at a football field coaching the Concords Football Team and helping with the Community Policing project. You could always depend on Dad to co-host the IWK Telethon, and of course, in some capacity on Christmas Daddies, whether it be in a band or as the co-host. In 2006, Dad threw his hat into the political ring when he ran for the MLA seat in Cape Breton South. While he wasn’t successfully elected, he was appointed by the Premier as manager of the Cape Breton cabinet office. He shared his love of motorcycles with me from a young age and would take part in many toy runs and the Wish Makers parade. In the late 2000’s, I was able to work with him in bringing the Cape Breton Bike Fest to Sydney and cherish the memories we were able to share thanks to motorcycles. As a drummer, it was only fitting that Dad would step in to do what he could with the International Drum Fest; he always wanted to showcase the talent that he saw in the world. The cause that was held nearest to my father’s heart was the Canadian Mental Health Association. He attended their yearly event, first as an emcee, and later as a guest speaker. He never shied away from his struggles and believed that talking about things was always the best way to move forward.
Cremation has taken place. There will be a celebration of Dad’s life on Monday, July 8, 2024, from 4pm – 8pm at the Center 200 Concourse. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Canadian Mental Health Association, Cape Breton Chapter, or to the Heart & Stroke Foundation.
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