26 Sept 1958 – 14 April 2025 (66)
2 PPCLI
Boyd Brander Brandson, age 66, of Red Deer, Alberta, passed away on April 14, 2025.
Born in Eckville and raised in the small community of Stauffer, Alberta, Boyd was the son of Marino and Mary Brandson, who owned the local Stauffer Store and Post Office. The store served as a vital gathering place in the area, and Boyd’s early years were shaped by a strong sense of community. He attended Condor Elementary and then David Thompson High School.
Boyd developed a fascination with the military at a young age—his favorite toys were the little green army men, toy tanks and guns which sparked a lifelong passion for anything military. In April 1981, it was no surprise to anyone who knew him, that he enlisted in the Canadian Armed Forces. He completed Basic Training at CFB Cornwallis, Nova Scotia, and Battle Training at CFB Wainwright, Alberta.
He proudly served with the Second Battalion, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry, and was stationed in Winnipeg, Manitoba. It was there he met his future wife, Joanne Hill. The two married in 1983 in Hamilton, Ontario, followed by a second celebration at Evergreen Hall near Boyd’s family home, surrounded by family and friends.
Boyd’s 20-year military career was both distinguished and demanding. Early in his service, he was deployed to Cypress as part of a peacekeeping mission. He and Joanne later transferred to Germany, where Boyd completed NATO training and traveled extensively. In 1994, during his final overseas deployment, he served on the Croatia/Bosnian border as a lineman, maintaining critical communication lines for four rifle companies under challenging and often dangerous conditions.
Following his deployments, Boyd continued to serve in Canada, splitting his time between Ontario and Alberta before retiring as a Master Corporal. His service left a lasting impression on those who knew him—he was steadfast, loyal, and deeply committed to his fellow soldiers.
After retiring from the military, Boyd made his home in Red Deer. Though he and Joanne divorced in 2004, they remained close. In his later years, Boyd enjoyed the companionship of his two beloved cats, who were a great source of comfort and companionship. He lived quietly, but never lost his love of history, or his deep appreciation for service and country. Boyd often took part in Veterans Day celebrations in full uniform. He was very proud to have served his country.
Boyd is lovingly remembered by his sisters, Twylla Piller and Sandra(Don) Schwartz, and by several nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends. He was predeceased by his father Marino in 1998 and his mother Mary in 2009.
A celebration of life will be set at a later date. Memorial donations may be made to Wounded Warriors Canada or another veteran’s charity of choice.
Condolences may be forwarded to www.rockyfuneralhome.ca.
Rocky and Sylvan Lake Funeral Homes and Crematorium, your Golden Rule Funeral Homes, entrusted with the arrangements.
https://www.rockyfuneralhome.ca/obituary.htm?service=hvw4fqzsqpc
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