Lieutenant Justin Boyes
Lieutenant Justin Boyes
Lieutenant Justin Garrett Boyes was born 6 February 1983 in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. He joined the military on 4 January 2001, serving with the reserve unit North Saskatchewan Regiment and later commissioned as an officer in the Regular Force on 10 March 2007. Lt Boyes was posted to 3 PPCLI on 2 September 2008.
He was deployed on his second tour in Afghanistan; the first in 2004 with the Police Operational Mentoring Liaison Team of Task Force Afghanistan 3-09 as a mentor to Afghan National Police. Lt Boyes was a quiet leader; considering all of the factors at hand, then taking deliberate and decisive action.
Close friends and comrades-in-arms describe him as someone who would always be there when needed, an easy going Prainie boy, one that enjoyed the simple things in life. He loved his wife and son more than anything in the world, and would spend every chance he had with them.
On 28 October 2009 Lieutenant Justin Garrett Boyes, 26, was killed by an improvised explosive device that detonated near their dismounted patrol. He was leading a platoon tasked with mentoring Afghan National Police officers at the time of the explosion. Two other soldiers were injured in the explosion.
He is survived by his spouse Alanna, his son James, his father David, mother Angela, his sister Lindsay Knox, and his brother Curtis Boyes who is serving with 2 PPCLI. He will be sorely missed and dearly remembered by his family, teammates, friends, and the Regimental Family.
Family Statement
Lt Justin Boyes, my husband, was a selfless, courageous man who loved his career in the Army. Justin was a respected, intelligent leader, a genuine friend, an unconditionally loving devoted husband, and most of all, the very best daddy.
He gave 100% in every decision he made. Before he left I told him he was a gallant warrior in the 21st century because whether it was leading a combat operation, doing house renos or changing a ‘poopy’ diaper, he knew what to do.
Our tall, dark and handsome daddy was wise beyond his years. He was a true gentleman, steadfast, sensitive, caring and the very best listener a girl could ever want. He was my confidante; my other half. Our son is lucky to have had a tender, loving daddy to read, cuddle, watch fireworks on YouTube with and go for special coffees out to Tim Hortons.
We will be strong for our daddy and continue his legacy of values and beliefs because we must continue in our lives without him. We are luckier than most to have had each other; we were very happy.
Justin and I believe in the mission in Afghanistan. One of the things that frustrated him was the lack of support from the Canadian citizens he lived to protect. He said recently, “we're not losing this war, but if we do, it's because we lost it at home first.” Please support our boys. They are making progress.
Justin you are irreplaceable in our lives. Solid as a rock, beautiful as a marble statue and warm and gentle as the sunshine on our cheeks, you are our daddy and best friend.
Sincerely,
The Family of Justin Boyes
Then let amorous kisses dwell
On our lips, begin to tell
A thousand and a hundred score
A hundred and a thousand more