It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of George Boyd Grant
Aitken on January 9, 2025 in Gatineau, Quebec after a lengthy illness. Boyd was
the loving father of Abigail and Raphaelle. He will be sadly missed by parents,
Barbara and George Aitken of Kingston. Older brother to Frank Aitken of
Kingston and Murray Aitken (Chantal) of Harrowsmith. Dear friend to Helen
Hayward and adventurous uncle to Brandon Aitken and Emma Aitken.
Boyd was born November 12, 1969 in Kingston, Ontario. Boyd grew up in
Collins Bay and after graduating from Frontenac Secondary School, he
completed a Bachelor of Commerce degree at Queen's University in 1992.
During his time at Queen's, Boyd started and operated several entrepreneurial
ventures including a College Pro painting franchise, jet ski rentals at the Lasalle
Causeway, rental property and owned and operated several taxis. Boyd
graduated from Western University with a Bachelor of Laws, Common Law in
1996, then completed a Bachelor or Laws degree in Civil Law at Universite
Laval. After articling as a law clerk in the Federal Court of Appeal, he practiced
law for 26 years including 6 years at private law firms, BLG and Gibsons, and 15
years at the Department of Justice Canada before starting his own tax law
practice.
Before attending law school in 1993, Boyd joined the Canadian Armed Forces
Primary Reserve as an Infantry Officer. He would continue in the Canadian
Armed Forces for almost 24 years achieving the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. His
military career included deployments to Kosovo with NATO and the Democratic
Republic of Congo with the United Nations. For those deployments, Boyd took a
leave of absence from practicing law to serve. Boyd had the honour of
commanding soldiers at many levels including command of his Regiment, The
Cameron Highlanders of Ottawa, from October 2007 to September 2010. Those
Boyd commanded will always remember him as a fearless champion for those
he was charged with leading, particularly those serving or returning from service
overseas. He was passionate about ensuring members returning from overseas
deployments were properly cared for long before it became Canadian Forces
policy.
Boyd cherished the time spent with his daughters. Whether they were travelling,
sailing on the Ottawa River or camping in the Thousand Islands together, Boyd
imparted his wisdom and puns to them.
Our family would like to thank the medical team at Hull Hospital for their
compassion and support during Boyd's final days.
There will be a Celebration of Boyd's life at Beechwood Cemetery, 280
Beechwood Ave, Ottawa on February 1, 2025 at 10 am. Reception will follow.