Gerard Boyd
elevated YX1in Designer, Singer, Actor, Artist and Lover of Life
elevated YX1in In his 95th year and in the early hours of August 21st, Gerard left this world peacefully after living a multi-faceted and rewarding life.
elevated YX1in Upon completing High School in Scotland, he entered a 5 year apprenticeship as a Bespoke Tailor and remained in this occupation for 10 years.
elevated YX1in Though skilled in tailoring, other passions included opera and acting which absorbed much of his free time. Upon immigrating to Canada he continued with tailoring but found himself increasingly drawn to the more diversified and exciting world of ladies fashions.
elevated YX1in After much research with established designers in Toronto, he completed an accredited Fashion Design Course and launched his new career under the banner of “Gerard Boyd, Couturier.” This chapter of his life included annual fashion shows at the King Edward Hotel and The Royal York Hotel. Despite these remarkable achievements, his love of opera drove him to increased study and learning with the Canadian Opera Company and the University of Toronto’s School of Music.
elevated YX1in Upon entering the world of opera, he travelled extensively throughout North America with the Canadian Opera Company. He auditioned in Europe and contracted for nine years with the Giessen Opera House in Germany.
elevated YX1in In 1979 he returned to North America where he married his wife Faith, took up residence in New York City and opened a fashion shop in White Plains, New York. Though music continued to play a major role in his life, the opportunity for wardrobe design for Broadway Productions gave birth to yet another creative chapter. Celebrity associations evolved into friendships not only within the Broadway Theatre but also the New York Met. Faith, a Concert Violist and an established artist contributed significantly to their world.
elevated YX1in For a quieter life and extraction from New York winters, he and Faith moved to Santa Fe, New Mexico until he returned to Canada in 1994 and took up residence at the Performing Arts Lodges (PAL) in Toronto.
elevated YX1in At the invitation of Richard Bradshaw, Director of the Canadian Opera Company, Gerard’s final opera performance was that of Emperor Altoum in Puccini’s Turandot in 1997.
elevated YX1in He held Professional Memberships with the Canadian Opera Company, ACTRA and SAG.
elevated YX1in Gerard is survived by his brother John and his wife Alma. Predeceased by his brothers Joseph and James as well as his sister Mary. Fondly remembered by his many nieces and nephews and their children. A special thank you to all the caregivers and staff of Agecare Wenleigh LTC Residence in Mississauga.
elevated YX1in A Private Funeral has taken place.
elevated YX1in
