John William BOICH

The world's biggest heart was silenced on Tuesday, March 15, 2011 at 7:45 pm. John Boich, after a two month battle with pancreatic cancer, died at Joseph Brant Memorial Hospital at the age of 77. John is survived by his beloved wife Arlene Miller, his brother Eli N. Boich and his wife Anne, their children Jeff (Pam) and their sons William and Eli, and Janice Boich (Michael). John was blessed with his extended family, and will be dearly missed by Faiza Tahalil, Priya and Gautam Mohan and their three girls, Nisha, Henna and Mira, truly John's sunshine. The devoted puppies, Winston, Molly and Buster are already missing him. After life as an Ottawa Rough Rider from 1954-57, John graduated from McMaster and U of T. In 1967 he began a long and dedicated career in education. After a decade spent as a teacher and principal at both the elementary and secondary levels, he served as a Superintendent in Peel, Halton, and Grey County. He taught in Canada, and worked with educational systems in the Eastern Caribbean States, Barbados, Guyana, Jamaica, Uganda, the U.K. and West Germany. A long list of appointments soon followed. Governor of the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education from 1988-1990, his resume is studded with associations, workshops, research papers and conferences he led over a distinguished career. Retirement saw this energy transferred to his community, where his tireless work as co-chair of the Shape Burlington campaign, the Burlington Inclusivity Advisory Committee and Rambo Creek Ratepayers Association, among others, all bear his unmistakable mark of inclusion, acceptance and engagement. Burlington will be forever strengthened for John's dedication, and saddened with his passing. Funeral service to be held Friday, March 18 2011, 11am at Wellington Square United Church, 2121 Caroline St, Burlington. Following the service all are invited to share their memories of John at a celebration that reflects the way he shared his life: with good food and good friends at Sotiris Restaurant, 3135 Harvester Road, Burlington, following the service from 1-3pm. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be directed to the Burlington Humane Society and The Carpenter Hospice. JOHN WILLIAM BOICH