Fred Boyden Obituary

Frederick Ballard Boyden, a loving husband, father and grandfather, 75 passed away on Wednesday July 11, 2018 after a long battle with cancer at his home in Cambridge surrounded by his family. Fred was born on September 10, 1942 in Burlington son of the late Winfred and Evelyn (Keith) Boyden. He and his wife Diancy (Montague) were married for over 53 years. Diancy has always been the love and support of his life.

Fred’s home, the Boyden Farm was purchased by his grandfather over 100 years ago. He grew up farming alongside his father and Uncle Stearns Boyden. When he was a little boy, he would pretend to have his own milk route around the farm and made maple syrup on the front lawn with local friends. He always loved farming. He lost his father and Uncle Stearns at a young age and was left to take over the farm. He grew the farm to milking over 100 cows and increased his crop acreage. His passion was planting crops and driving the combine at harvest time.

Fred was widely known for his infectious sense of humor and kindness. People would meet him and instantly want to be in his company. He was always open to change and had a wealth of knowledge. Fred has been extremely proud of his family with their foresight and business ideas to diversify the farm with the Boyden Valley Winery, Boyden Farm Beef, Boyden Barn for events, graphic arts and handcrafted chocolates.

Fred always took time to get off the farm. He was an avid boater with the love for the water. He started with small runabout boats when his children were young. Many Sundays were spent water skiing and cruising around Lake Champlain. As everyone became older, the boats became bigger. His boat of many years, The Udder Madness, was his pride and joy. Spending weekends on Lake Champlain with his wife, friends, children and grandchildren.

Fred enjoyed many years of skiing. He was one of the first to ski Smugglers’ Notch before it was a resort, blazing a trail from Stowe. He loved to ski, but his real passion was time in the woods sugaring and logging. He would find pure joy walking the woods, tapping, cutting trees and listening to the sounds of nature. He always treated the land with respect.

Fred was involved in the Cambridge community for many years as a school board member, Board of Finance for the Town of Cambridge and the Board of Management for the Second Congregational Church of Jeffersonville. He will be greatly missed by all those who knew and loved him.

Fred is survived by his loving wife of 53 years Diancy Boyden, his sons Mark Boyden and wife Lauri, David Boyden and wife Linda and his daughter Stephanie Campbell and husband Matteo, seven grandchildren Emily, Lucy and Rachel Boyden, Laurence Couture, Juliette Boyden, Ila and Reuben Campbell.

The family appreciates the wonderful care of Dr. Nunnick, Dr. Dunn, Lamoille County Home Health and Hospice and special caregiver, Tracy.

There will be no public visiting hours. Funeral services will be on Thursday July 19, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. at the Second Congregational Church of Christ, Jeffersonville. Burial will be private in the family lot in Mountain View Cemetery, Cambridge. There will be a celebration of life at the Boyden Farm from 3:00-6:00 p.m. on Thursday July 19, 2018. Please bring photos and memories of Fred to share at the celebration.

Memorial contributions in Frederick’s memory may be made to the Second Congregational Church of Christ, P.O. Box 40, Jeffersonville, VT 05464. The family also invites you to share your memories and condolences by visiting www.awrfh.com.