BOYD COHEN

In loving memory of Boyd "The Skipper" Cohen, LL.D., honoris causa (July 15, 1930 – June 22, 2025) - With profound sadness and love, we announce the peaceful passing of Boyd Cohen, a beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, friend, mentor, and pillar of the Grand Falls-Windsor and greater Newfoundland and Labrador communities, who left us at the age of 94. A man of integrity, wisdom, loyalty, humour, and quiet determination, Boyd lived a life defined by hard work, vision, and devotion, not just to his family, but to his town, his province, and its people. Born in St. John's in 1930, a first-generation Newfoundlander and the son of Eastern European immigrants, Boyd was raised in a family of entrepreneurs. His grandfather founded S. Cohen's and Sons, a general store that opened in Windsor in 1919. He was shaped by the sudden death of his father when Boyd was sixteen years old and, though he began post-secondary studies at Mount Allison University, he returned home after only one year to join the family business. He quickly demonstrated significant business acumen and a passion for community service. In 1953, he began selling furniture out of the store, and by 1956, Cohen's Home Furnishings was born. Under Boyd's leadership, the business flourished by expanding throughout the province while becoming one of the largest shippers by rail to Newfoundland and Labrador, with boxcars arriving regularly from across Canada and the United States. When Boyd sold this business in 1986, there were 13 locations. Today, Cohen's Home Furnishings remains a proud part of his legacy. Boyd was a serial entrepreneur. His contributions extended beyond retail. He helped launch Central Cable Systems, invested in commercial and residential real estate, and co-owned a fish plant, as well as car and recreational vehicle dealerships, amongst a myriad of other initiatives. Boyd co-founded the Allied Buying Group, a consortium of Canada's largest privately owned furniture retailers. By 1987, their combined purchasing exceeded $300 million - surpassing even Sears Canada. Boyd was also a dedicated mentor to generations of independent business owners and professionals. His businesses employed hundreds, and he prided himself on knowing them all. He was enormously proud of the livelihoods he helped support and the communities his enterprises helped sustain. A CBC article celebrating the 100-year anniversary of Cohen' Furniture quoted Boyd Cohen saying that the company developed a bit of a reputation for hanging onto employees. "They stayed because we were honest with them, we treated them fairly," he said. "A lot of people had big dreams, we didn't let anyone down, but we told them the truth." A committed community leader, Boyd served as president of both the Lions Club and Rotary Club in Grand Falls-Windsor and was a founding member of the town's Chamber of Commerce. In recognition of his lifelong contributions, Boyd was the recipient of many honours, including: Doctor of Laws (honoris causa), Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador (2024); Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal (2012); Newfoundland and Labrador Seniors of Distinction Award (2012); Inductee, Junior Achievement Newfoundland and Labrador Business Hall of Fame (2006); Inductee, Grand Falls-Windsor Business Hall of Fame. Well into his 90s, Boyd still liked to "drop into the office," for a few hours a day, not out of obligation, but because he remained curious, engaged, and invested in the businesses and community around him, but his greatest legacy was not in business, it was in how he lived. With consistency, generosity, humility, and strength, Boyd cherished his family, stayed rooted in his values, and remained open-hearted and open-minded throughout his life. He loved Central Newfoundland, its people, its landscape, and its promise. He dedicated himself to seeing Grand Falls-Windsor thrive and was always grateful for what he received in return. Boyd was a passionate boater of Newfoundland's waters. Boating gave him great joy, a front row seat from which to view the island's breathtaking beauty and time with seafaring and coastal Newfoundlanders. To those who experienced his passion for the water and his leadership in business, he was "The Skipper." Boyd is survived by his four children and their partners, Dr. Michael T. (Carolann Cohen), Nancy Cohen (Robert Gallant), Margaret Cohen (Dr. Howard Zinman), and David Cohen (Sarah Cohen); his seven grandchildren and their partners, Michael J. (Donna Cohen), Emily Cohen-Gallant (Riley Croke), Adrian Cohen-Gallant, Isabel van der Ree (Jeffrey van der Ree), Clara Zinman (Terence Olsen), Ethan Cohen, and Samuel Cohen; and his four great grandsons, Jason and Pierce van der Ree and Finley and Cooper Olsen. Boyd was predeceased by his beloved wife and childhood sweetheart, Marie Cohen. The family extends their heartfelt thanks and love to Bev Willemse, her wonderful and kind family, including Bev's mother, Margaret; her sister, Lisa; and her partner, Tom Sargent, and all those who lovingly cared for Boyd in his later years. Boyd's life will be remembered in the values he lived by, the stories we carry forward, and the strong foundation he helped build for generations to come. A celebration of Boyd's extraordinary life will be held at the Exploits Nordic Ski Club, 35 Scott Ave., Grand Falls-Windsor, NL, on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, between 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Lionel Kelland Hospice (lionelkellandhospice.ca), for which Boyd cared deeply.