Gordon Stanley BOYINGTON

1935 - 2021

COLONEL GORDON STANLEY BOYINGTON (Stan) Colonel Gordon Stanley (Stan) Boyington took his last flight on July 25, 2021, surrounded by his loving family. Stan was born to Ernest and Reva Boyington on the family's kitchen table on January 23, 1935. He was predeceased by his siblings Marge, Bill, Flory and Ruth, and is survived by his loving wife of almost 62 years and high school sweetheart Joan (nee MacLellan), children Lauren, Jeffrey, Ryan and Curtiss (Judy) as well as his adoring grandchildren Rachael, Miles, Tristan, Quinn, and Callum. Stan always had his eyes to the skies, falling in love with airplanes from the time he could walk. His adventurous spirit took him from a small farming community in Agincourt, Ontario to the Royal Military College of Canada and University of Toronto, where he completed degrees in aeronautical and mechanical engineering, subsequently joining the Royal Canadian Air Force as a navigator. He spent almost 24 years in the RCAF, taking his family on many adventures that culminated in his last posting as Military Attaché to the Canadian Embassy in China. From there he moved into the aerospace industry working with De Havilland Canada, and SPAR aerospace, among other companies. By his count he travelled to 85 countries for work and leisure. Stan was a compassionate, loving and humorous man. He shared his love with all creatures great and small, and once rescued a kitten that he found frozen into the snow. Aptly named Lucky, the cat was dad's constant companion for many years. He was a diehard booster of his children and grandchildren, giving them his undivided attention, unconditional support, enthusiasm and love. He never wanted to miss out on a family conversation, and if he had to briefly run off he would say 'I'll be back in a flash!'. His positive spirit and sense of fun are dearly missed by all his family. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his name to the CEMF (Canadian Engineering Memorial Fund), which supports women training as engineers, or to the Alzheimer Society of Canada. A celebration of Stan's life will be arranged in the not-too-distant future.