It is with great sadness that the family of Cathy Boxer-Byrd announce her passing on Wednesday, January 29, 2020 at 11:40 PM. Cathy passed peacefully, surrounded by her family, after complications from her cancer treatment. Cathy is the beloved wife of husband Steven Byrd, loving mother of Andrew and Meagan, and sister of older brother Craig (Lucan) and younger brother Jeff (Ottawa). Born in Montreal on March 6, 1960, Cathy grew up in Aylmer, Ontario. After graduating from East Elgin Secondary School, Cathy started work at the Ontario Police College, which signalled the beginning of her public sector career. Cathy later worked as the Executive Assistant to the Chair of the Ontario Police Commission/Ontario Civilian Commission of Police Services. Still later, Cathy became the Senior Advisor to the Commission providing a full range of advisory services to the Commission and its members. Cathy was passionate about, and was a strong advocate for, police oversight and accountability. After 34 years of service, Cathy retired from the Commission in November 2015. In retirement, Cathy focussed on supporting her family and actively participating in some of the more enjoyable aspects of life, including fitness, running, wine-making, travel, etc. We will always remember her smile and the sunshine she brought to our family … we will miss her greatly! In keeping with Cathy’s wishes, a cremation has taken place.
The family will receive their friends at the Egan Funeral Home, 203 Queen Street S. (Hwy. 50), Bolton (905-857-2213) on Saturday morning, February 15, 2020 from 10 o’clock until time of a Celebration of Life in the chapel at 11 o’clock.
Condolences for the family may be offered at www.EganFuneralHome.com
Jill Hooker
My sincere condolences to Steven, Andrew and Meagan on the loss of this bright light in our lives. She will be so missed. I will deeply miss our phone chats and her always positive spin on life. Lots of wonderful memories of my little cousin. Love and hugs. Jill
Jimmy and Luci Pountney
This news today was heartbreaking. Our deepest condolences to all of you. The world has lost one of the great ones. She will forever be in our hearts!
Lynda Bordeleau
To Steven, Andrew and Meagan – our deepest condolences on the loss of a beautiful wife, mother and friend. I will deeply miss our friendship but will treasure my memories of Cathy’s first marathon in Disney, her shopping prowess in New York City, her love of Fort Lauderdale and her willingness to attend any concert including Bon Jovi that would be offered up. She had a joie de vie like no other. The loss is immeasurable. Love to you all.
I will be out of the country on February 15th and I’m so sorry to miss seeing you all.
Lynda and Chuck Bordeleau
Norma Greswell
The loss of my beautiful niece has left me heartbroken. My deepest sympathy to Steven, Andrew and Meagan. She will be deeply missed by all her family ang friends.
Rod & Helen Sinclair
Steven please accept our most heartfelt sympathies for your loss…our thoughts are with you Andrew and Meagan during this difficult time. Cathy, was such a great person, she will live on in our memories forever.
judy
To Steven, Andrew and Meagan: I had the privilege of working with Cathy a long time ago. I recently had the opportunity to re-connect with her at Joanne’s retirement. I loved seeing her – her smile, laugh and positive energy. She spoke to me about how much she loved her new life in retirement and her love of all of you. I felt so grateful that I had the time to reconnect with her at that event. I am sorry I cannot attend the funeral on the 15th as I am out of the country. Sending you my condolences. Judy Pfeifer
Paul & Justin Levesque
We are very sorry for your loss and our condolences go out to your family
Lori Sullivan
Dear Steven and Family
I was so saddened to hear this news. Steven, my best wishes go out to you. Your family at OLG will be thinking of you.
Love Lori Sullivan
Cindy Harcourt
Words can’t express how saddened we are to hear of your loss. Sending Heartfelt condolences to your family from your family in Prince Edward Island.
Keith Sheffield
To Steven, Andrew and Meagan: I am so sorry for loss. We don’t see you and Cathy as much as we once did but she will be greatly missed.
the Reed Family
Steven and Family,
Please accept our deepest sympathies for your loss.
Kevin and Douglas Reed.
Linda Skoropad
I will always remember Cathy’s sparkle and how inclusive she was. My prayers go out to her family and friends who are dealing with this tragic loss.
Jacquie Castel
Steven, Andrew & Meagan,
I was so very saddened to hear of Cathy’s passing. Please accept my most heartfelt condolences.
I had the pleasure of working with Cathy while I served on the Ontario Civilian Police Commission. She was a wealth of knowledge about policing and so highly regarded in the field. We stayed in touch after her retirement and got together for coffee from time to time, as well as once at my cottage with another colleague. While she was very passionate about her work, she also seemed to be thriving in retirement. I always enjoyed hearing about her travels, home renovations and the accomplishments of Andrew and Meagan, whom she talked about frequently and always with such love and pride.
My thoughts are with you during what I can only imagine is an extremely difficult time.
K Rippey
Steven, Andrew And Meagan,
Cathy loved you all so much. It is true her smile lit up a room. Plus that wicked sense of humour. There simply aren’t enough words to express our sympathy. You are all in our thoughts,
Kathy and Frank
Orillia
Have McConnell Knapp
I am so sorry to hear of Cathys passing. We went through our schooling in Aylmer from Kindergarten to Grade 12. I also had the pleasure of working with her at OPC. Unfortunately, we lost touch to my dismay. She was a kind & caring person that I have thought about many times in recent years. My heartfelt sympathy to all family members
Penny Shackelton-VanKemenade
I am saddened to hear and read the obituary of Cathy’s passing. It is a beautiful tribute to her showing the love for her family and the passion she had for her career. I knew Cathy in high school and was hopeful she would be able to attend our reunion this summer. We will pay our respects to Cathy and other classmates who have had the greater calling in life. Sincerest condolences for the pain and loss your family is suffering at this time. Sincerely Penny Shackelton-VanKemenade.
Laura
I was very sad to hear this news. Our deepest condolences to you Steven, Andrew and Meagan. I met Cathy only once but she truly had a positive, and joyful presence.
My thoughts are with you at this difficult time.
Scott Bramwell
Hi Steven, Andrew, and Megan, I am sad and sorry to hear this news of Cathy and she is gone way before her time. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. God Speed
Scott Bramwell
Deirdre Doyle
We were so saddened to hear of Cathy’s untimely passing.
Our deepest sympathy to her family.
Mike and Deirdre Doyle
Fort Lauderdale
Roy Conacher
I am shocked and saddened by the news of Cathy’s passing. I had no idea she was ill. About a year ago she and I had lunch with David Gavsie, the former Chair of the OCPC, who was under treatment for cancer. Cathy said nothing about not feeling well at the time although she was awaiting a diagnosis.
She was an amazing source of knowledge about the operations of the Commission and great help to the members in providing wise advice and counsel. She was always welcoming and cheerful. All past members will remember her with fondness and great respect. We will miss her.
Don Cousens
My deepest sympathies go out to Steven, Andrew, Meagan and the entire Byrd family. I cannot fathom the pain you are going through on the loss of such a beautiful wife and mom. I only met Cathy once, yet her warm, friendly, personality is something I will not forget. I offer you my thoughts, prayers, and support as you move forward despite this immeasurable loss.
Don Cousens
Jerry Cooper
Steven,
My sincere condolences to you and your family. My friend Jacquie Castel knew of our OLG connection and communicated the sad news. May the memory of your time together help ease, over time, the grief and pain you are now experiencing.
Lynn Lysko
I am so very sorry to hear that Cathy has passed. We were dear friends in high school, standing up for each other in our weddings and having lots of fun times. I offer my deepest sympathy for your loss.
Kelly Tessier
Dear Steven, Andrew and Meagan,
My deepest condolences to all of you dealing with the loss of your beautiful and loving Wife and Mother. I know there are no words to provide comfort during this time.
I cannot imagine how extremely difficult this loss is for you and send my caring thoughts to each of you.
Kelly Tessier
Katie Roberts (Davis)
Steven, You and Cathy created a family and life that most people can only dream of. I always admired you guys for the strong family ties you shared. My thoughts are with you and your children during this life-changing chapter. May love and peace carry you all.
Sincerely,
Katie Roberts (Davis)
Thaya
Dear Steven and family!
We are very sorry for your loss. Our deepest condolences to you and your family
Marc and Leah Duval
Our deepest condolences Steven and family.
Wes Carrington
So sorry for your loss.
Yovanka
Steven,
My deepest condolences to you and your family.
Such a terrible loss.
Sylvia Ferreira
My deepest condolences to you and your family
Helen Giroux
My deepest condolences to you and your family.
Michael Burton
Steven,
My sincere condolences to you and your family. My thoughts and prayers go out to you during this very difficult time.
Mike Burton
Maurizio Sprovieri
Steven,
My deepest sympathies go out to you and your family.
Mike and Jennifer Morin
Steven, our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family in this most difficult time.
Michele Facciolo (from the wine store)
My Condolences to Steve,Andrew and Meagan, and the rest of the Boxer-Byrd family and all your friends
You will be sadly missed by all, but heaven has gained and Angel to watch over all of yous,
Larry Colatosti
Steven, My sincere condolences to you and your family. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this very difficult time.
Carole & Mike Smith
We are so saddened by Cathy’s passing. We met her in Fort Lauderdale when she visited her Aunt Norma and had lots of fun and laughs. Her smile lit up the room and her vitality and positivity was so prevalent. I was lucky to visit with her a few times in Toronto too. Sending our deepest condolences to you, her family, whom she cherished above all.
Carole & Mike
Ft. Lauderdale & Toronto
Frank Caprice
Dear Steve, Andrew and Meagan.
We send our deepest condolences. Steven, It was clear to me during the time that I got to know you, you and Cathy created a firm and wonderful family foundation of love, respect and appreciation. Steven you were a great boss and I loved how your eyes lit up when you spoke of your family. God Bless and be with you all. Our prayers and hearts go out to you and the kids.
The Caprice Family.
John Yoannou
I had the privilege of working with Cathy at OCCPS and later the OCPC during three different times in my government career. She was always nurturing and supportive, and generous in sharing her deep knowledge and insights into civilian oversight. Much of what I learned from Cathy I still apply today in my position that includes the oversight of police services.
I recall the day when she proudly brought Andrew into the office – if memory services, he was between walking and crawling on Murray (Chitra’s) office floor!
It’s often said that we get to where we are in life thanks to the help of others. I am fortunate and grateful that Cathy was there for me!
For Steven, Meagan and Andrew, my hope is that the memories that weaken and sadden you now, will strengthen you with smiles and fond recollections as you go forward with your lives, and continue to make Cathy proud!
John Yoannou
Jennifer
Meagan, Family & Friends:
Your in our thoughts and prayers. Our deepest and sincerest condolences.
John Carmichael
Steven, my deepest sympathy to you and your family at this difficult time.
Wishing you much strength and peace in the days ahead,
Sincerely,
John
Thomas Bell
My heartfelt condolences go out to Steven, Andrew and Meagan.
I had the pleasure and privilege of working with Cathy at the Ontario Civilian Police Commission, where I was Counsel and Cathy occupied a number of senior executive roles, including Senior Advisor. Cathy was unfailingly professional, a model of professionalism. When I joined the Commission, new to the world of municipal policing in Ontario, it seemed to me Cathy knew every officer in the province, and everything that was happening, everywhere. We spent countless hours together working on legal issues arising during investigations she was conducting with Margo Boyd and Kathy Rippey, strategizing with the Chairs – first Murray Chitra and then David Gavsie -, and assisting Commission Members in the due exercise of their many powers under the Police Services Act.
Cathy’s judgment was sought and respected on every issue of significance that arose during our years with the Commission.
Of course, in addition to being a valued colleague, Cathy became a dear friend.
A very special person has been taken from us far too early. My memories of Cathy relate primarily to our time together at the Commission, but I also see her running in the forest near her home, fit and strong and happy. I have been in shock since I learned of Cathy’s death. But I have also recovered many memories of our times together, and these memories will not fade. I am sorry I will not be able to attend the Celebration of Cathy’s life in person, but I will be there in spirit.
Tom Bell
Barbara Kelly
I am so sad to hear of Cathy’s passing. We shared some good laughs lifeguarding and cheerleading in our early years. Our paths would cross many times during our careers in the policing world. I offer my prayers to her family in this time of immense loss.
Barb Kelly
Don Breen
I was shock and sorry to hear about Cathy passing, growing up in Aylmer I got to know the entire Boxer family we all went to school together plus church. I can always remember Cathy great smile
She is in heaven now with the lord
Kim (Tuthill ) Wilcox
So sorry about about your loss of Cathy! Great neighbour on Rutherford street. We loved making jewelry together! She was beautiful inside and out!
Rita Rupar
Dear Craig and Nancy, Jeff and all of Cathy’s family
I was very sad to read of Nancy’s passing, in the Aylmer Express. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
With deepest sympathy,
Rita Rupar (Neukamm)
Deb Cassis
My deepest sympathies.
Tracey Murray
Dear Andrew and Family
There are no words to help in comfort – please accept my thoughts, prayers and condolences – might be a while to see that smile – enjoy all your memories – your mom will always be watching out for you! Tracey Murray
Allan Phibbs
Steven, Meaghan and Andrew. My sincerest condolences at this most challenging time. In all the years I had the privilege to interact with Cathy I knew her as a consumate, knowledgable, professional who exercised her responsibilities with an unsurpassed insight and skill. Cathy was always so proud of you, her family. She spoke of you often with great pride in each of your accomplishments. Always remember her smile and laugh and her joy in friends and family as I know I will. Steven my prayers and thoughts will remain with you, as you and Andrew and Meaghan move forward sharing and building from the memories of Cathy.
Joanne Hayes
My condolences to Cathy’s family.
I knew Cathy through my work in the agency community. Cathy was always welcoming. She was generous with sharing her knowledge and offered great counsel to her colleagues as we often faced similar challenges.
John Hamilton
Steven, It has been many years since Cathy, you and I last met, I am truly saddened to learn of Cathys passing that I observed in the Toronto Daily Star. I had to let you know that you are in my thoughts and although the years have passed without us seeing one another, in my own special way I am with you at this very difficult time.
The three of us met about 1990 at Policing Services, Toronto, when I was seconded to Policing Services from the Durham Reg. Police Service.
I have never forgotten Cathy and Steven. Cathy and I had friendly chats, yes a wonderful person indeed.
with fond memories of you both, sincerely, John Hamilton, Newcastle, Ontario.
Becky Hampton Piccinin
I am sorry for your loss. I worked with Cathy at the Ontario Police College back in the 1980’s. She always had a smile and she was always ready for an adventure. Girls road trip to Watkins Glen, New York, and ski trip to Mont Tremblant, Quebec. My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time.
Wendy Christiansen
Dear Steven,
I happened across this sad notice and wanted to extend my sincere condolences to you and your family. I have fond memories of working with you and Cathy in PSD, many decades ago now. Cathy was an inspiration to me as I always rememebered how much she was respected and relied upon by her peers.
I wish you and your family every strength to get through this painful time,
Wedy Christiansen
Joel Cadesky
I taught Cathy many years ago at Davenport senior elementary school in Aylmer Ont.
I found her so enthusiastic and an excellent student
It was a pleasure to teach her
My sympathies to her family
Wes Palmer
Cathy was full of life and energy. Socially adept and driven. Her passing is far too soon but she would not want anyone to be sad but instead to rejoice in the time that you had together. Miss her but remember the fun she brought to your lives.
Gillian Swanson
Dear Andrew and Megan, I am so sorry for your lose. I just lost my mom 2 months ago to cancer as well. I’m sending you both big hugs and an invite to talk if you’d like. Ms. swanson
Danielle belle-hopkins
Steven, Andrew and Megan, I wanted to extend my deepest sympathy to you. I remember your mom’s beautiful smile and enthusiasm for life but mostly for both of you! I am sad for all of you but remember that there now is an angel you can call by name.
Les
I had the pleasure of getting to know Cathy in the 80s during my secondment to Ontario Police College. Cathy was a vibrant lady with a very contagious smile and exceptional sense of humor. She made me smile and had the same effect on those around her. I knew she had a wonderful career and along the way built a beautiful family. In recent years I ran in to her while I was visiting a sick relative downtown Toronto. She was hurrying from one meeting to another and we recapped the last 30 years in about 10 minutes. She was an amazing lady and my deepest condolences go out to her family.
rosey colautti
I just saw the “In Memoriam” tribute to Cathy. I met Cathy in a cancer support group and was glad to see her every month. It was easy to compliment Cathy about how lovely she was. And she was positive about life with cancer, as positive as we try to be when we are daunted and determined. Our last conversation was about her family and how she would enjoy her time with them. I am sorry for your loss. I am grateful to have met her.