A painting hangs on the wall above his bed where he was born and lived during the depression and dust storm years. "My father Earl painted it." said Boyd
This vibrant 97 year old is a man that has worn many hats in his life. He is a husband, a father, a grandfather, and a former military member.
Pictures and photo albums scatter his room which has become the foundation of an interesting conversation with Boyd. The well-positioned picture on his wall told of a home he grew up in that his father painted many years ago.
Born in 1919, He grew up in South Dakota and lived on a farm in the depression. He graduated high school in 1939 and went on to South Dakota State College, (SDSC), at the time. He was able to work his way through college in a band in which he made $2.50 a night playing his saxophone. Boyd was also honored to play for the National Corn Picking Contest in Winnipeg where King George and Queen Elizabeth attended.
He served in the Army Depot as the Quarter Master Commission and was the restaurant officer for 4 years as they served 1200 civilians one meal a day during WWII.
In 1942 he married the love of his life and they went on to have two daughters, Barbara and Janice. He now is blessed to have 5 grandchildren, whom are displayed on his ‘wall of fame’.
After the military, Boyd worked for 30 years in agriculture as a Poultry Scientist at SDSU, Federal Egg Inspector, author of many brochures, served as a guest on many radio shows, and wrote a poultry column for The Farmer for 25 years.
Hobbies:
Fishing – Lake Cottage: Clearlake SD for 40 years. With family
Favorite Car: Drove home a 1938 Chevy
Tid Bit: Dance tickets were .25cents
Home Town: Brookings, SD