MOOSE JAW — People who attended this year’s gave two standing ovations to the , who posthumously received the Business Leader of the Year Award.
The first ovation during the Moose Jaw and District Chamber of Commerce’s April 17 event came after board president Michael Biette read a detailed biography of the deceased community volunteer and then announced her name.
The second ovation came after Boyczuk’s daughter, Vanessa Cowan and her daughter, Madisan, came on stage to accept the award.
A visionary
“The Business Leader award goes to a visionary. It exemplifies great leadership over a long period of time,” said Biette. “And tonight’s winner certainly … did that. And we’re honoured to award to this person.”
The chamber board president discussed most activities Boyczuk participated in over the decades, such as her time in education, her volunteerism, her support of literacy, her leadership with low-income, housing, seniors-focused and mental-wellness groups, and her devotion to St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church and the Catholic Women’s League.
“Her leadership was recognized nation-wide, having spearheaded over 50 provincial and national conferences focused on youth and early childhood development,” Biette said.
Boyczuk’s “extra-ordinary contributions” landed her many honours, he continued, such as the Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal in 2002, the Saskatchewan Centennial Medal in 2005, the Moose Jaw Police Service Community Safety Award in 2014, the PRISM Lifetime Achievement Award in 2016, the Moose Jaw Citizen of the Year Award in 2017, the Saskatchewan Volunteer Medal in 2019 and the Queen Eliabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal in 2022.
“Known for her vibrant energy, generous spirit and unwavering commitment to others, she was a true force of positive and purpose,” Biette said. “Her life was a shining example of what it means to lead with heart, serve with humility and uplift those around her … .
“She was, without question, a rare and treasured gem (who will be) deeply missed, fondly remembered and forever loved,” he added, with the crowd breaking into applause and standing.
Taking the stage, Cowan said she was honoured to accept the award for her mother, noting that Boyczuk would be thrilled that a group of community-based and community-minded people were recognizing her.
“She loved Moose Jaw. Moose Jaw was just the place she wanted to make better … ,” added Cowan.
Video tribute
A video was shown featuring members from various community groups discussing Boyczuk’s efforts, while pictures of her flashed on screen.
Mary Lee Booth said Boyczuk loved children, as shown by her work in bringing the Dolly Parton Imagination Library program to Moose Jaw.
Continuing, Booth said she would think about Boyczuk especially at Christmas since that was the latter’s favourite holiday and went all out in decorating her home, including with the toilet paper. Booth noted that there were allegedly six truckloads of Christmas items the woman transported when she moved to a new home.
Booth added that no one in Moose Jaw gave the amount of time and service to serving people — especially the vulnerable and children — like Boyczuk did.
Service above self
Lorne Calvert discussed Boyczuk’s time with the Wakamow Rotary Club, noting she inspired members to support literacy, education, youths in Moose Jaw and Guatemala, and marginalized people.
“Christine always brought laughter and joy, and she was a great tree salesman with the Rotary Christmas trees,” he said, pointing out that Boyczuk introduced him to others as “the guy who married her” — meaning that he had officiated at her wedding to Donald.
Calvert added that Boyczuk exemplified the Rotary’s motto of “service above self.”
Unconditional support
The chamber’s Rob Clark and Heather Bergdahl said Boyczuk was compassionate toward others, while they worked with her for over 10 years through her non-profit activities. They appreciated her mentorship, while they praised her willingness to lend a hand with projects.
“She gave (her time) unconditionally, and we do cherish all the work she did with the community,” they said, adding she was also full of energy and “a bright, bright light.”
A role model
Lynann Pethick with the Optimist Club described how Boyczuk chaired the social committee for years and thought the ideas the woman developed for activities were amazing. Moreover, the woman held most of the social events at her home and was a great hostess.
“Her ability to always put others first made her a great member, a great friend and a great role model,” said Pethick. “Our leader Christine, you are missed so much … we’ll continue to keep your legacy (going).”
Love of kids
Wanda Peakman and Kathy Knudson with the Early Years Family Resource Centre (FRC) said Boyczuk was filled with passion and energy and displayed those characteristics daily. Furthermore, she motivated the community to address identified needs and invited others to join her in addressing them.
“She would just spark us all into action,” said Knudson. “We would have fun, but we would work hard.”
Boyczuk also acted as a bridge between organizations since she knew so many people, which helped the FRC staff meet others involved in building up the community, said Peakman, adding this award allowed the community to “make a fuss” about her and her work.
Focus on education
Ward Strueby, director of education for Holy Trinity Catholic School Division, highlighted Boyczuk’s work in the industry and her “visionary” efforts to enhance education and student learning, whether as a teacher, education director or board trustee, and in Moose Jaw and across the province.
“Christine was more than a leader — she was a force for good … ,” he added. “May Christine’s legacy continue to inspire us all to … make this community a better place.”
Grace and finesse
Della Ferguson said she worked with Boyczuk on many committees — such as Square One and Journey to Hope — and appreciated her leadership, mentorship, efforts to treat others equally and desire to be friends with everyone.
Ferguson admired Boyczuk’s “grace and finesse” with facilitating action between community agencies, including bringing together groups during the pandemic to support the community, kick-starting collaboration on the city’s cold weather strategy and supporting mental health awareness.
Becoming emotional, Ferguson said she initially thought Boyczuk’s death would leave a big hole in the community. However, she realized that the woman “filled the gaps” in Moose Jaw since she saw needs and worked to meet them.
“I am forever grateful for having known, walked beside and worked with Christine and for calling her my friend,” Ferguson added.
