Michael Middlebrook Boyd

1939 - 2025

Michael Middlebrook Boyd
8/16/1939 - 10/15/2025
Michael Middlebrook Boyd passed away in Danbury, Connecticut on October 15, 2025, at age 86. Michael was born in Norwalk, Connecticut on August 16, 1939, to Frederic Eustis Boyd and Kathleen Whatley Jackson Boyd. He grew up in Wilton, CT with his half-brother, Leland Gerard Sterry (Lee), who passed away in 2014, and his four best friends, the Chelminski brothers: Duba, Rudy, Vic, and Mitchell. He attended Wilton schools before graduating from Proctor Academy in Andover, NH. He went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from University of Dallas and then served in the Army, stationed at Fort Sill, OK. In 1961, he married Judith Malone Paulk (Judy) in Dallas, Texas. They had two daughters, Kathleen Sinclair Boyd (Katsy) and Marian Middlebrook Boyd (Brook). He began his career as a much-beloved science teacher at The Hockaday School in Dallas and throughout his life stayed in touch with several former students who would regularly call him during their class reunions. In 1973, Michael decided to focus on his love of the outdoors and working with his hands and made a career shift to become a general contractor. He utilized those skills throughout his life to the great benefit of his family and friends.
In 1999, Michael left Texas to move back to Connecticut where he built his dream home in the woods of Roxbury. He loved those woods and served for years as a volunteer for the Roxbury Land Trust. Every summer, he would spend his evenings sitting on his deck enjoying the view and listening to the sounds of nature, which were often followed by impromptu home-cooked dinners with friends. In winter, he was always in his chair in front of a roaring fire which he declared "good company." He loved the Roxbury community and will be remembered for his fondness for all animals, especially raccoons, and his never-ending willingness to lend a helping hand to others.
A life-long car lover and a licensed pilot since the age of 16, Michael's prized possessions were his 1950 Willys Jeep, 1963 Porsche 356, and Cessna 152 airplane. He taught both his daughters and several of their friends how to drive stick shift in that Willys Jeep. He also loved to travel and was proud to have visited all seven continents. He took his daughters on innumerable trips around the globe and loved to share stories about his adventures, always concluding, "travel is the best education."
Michael is survived by his daughters Katsy and Brook, nephews Lee and Michael Sterry, longtime companion, Antonia Davidson, and dear friends, Vicky and Don Webb (Dallas), Holly Stark, and Susan Humphreys. Katsy and Brook are grateful for all the help given to Michael and the family, by the Roxbury community, these past few years.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Michael's memory to the Flying Fur Animal Rescue, PO Box 1, Kintnersville, PA 18930 https://flyingfur.org , AOPA Foundation 421 Aviation Way, Frederick, MD 21701 https://foundation.aopa.org , or Roxbury Land Trust, PO Box 51, Roxbury, CT 06783 https://roxburylandtrust.org . A gathering to celebrate Michael will take place at the Mine Hill Distillery on Friday, December 12th, 5 – 7 p.m.