October 11, 1949 - January 15, 2023
Donald George “Don” Boothroyd
Age 73, of Richfield, passed away January 15, 2023. Don was born and grew up in Moorhead, MN. He frequently boasted of having had the most wonderful childhood a boy could ever have dreamed of, enjoying many warm summer days of playing cowboys and copious hours of neighborhood baseball. He loved playing sports and played Babe Ruth, high school, Legion and college baseball. Don graduated from Moorhead High School, and NDSU with electrical and industrial engineering degrees. Don married Peg Gregerson in 1970 and started a family. He was employed at Super Valu, Our Own Hardware, Minnesota Power, Red Owl and retired from Soo Line Railway (Canadian Pacific Railway) in 2012. Don passed away
surrounded by love from his wife and three children. Don was many things: a devoted husband, loving father, and supportive grandpa. He enjoyed volunteering as a Cub Scout leader, girls’ basketball coach at St. Peter’s Catholic School, and a baseball coach in Burnsville. He loved spending time with his grandchildren and watching their many hours of sporting events and fine arts performances (baseball, hockey, lacrosse, volleyball, figure skating, dance, gymnastics, choir, band and theater). He was an enthusiastic sports fan (or tolerator depending on how his favorite team was performing), a mathematical wizard, and a wonderful storyteller (some stories were so good they were told many, many times). He was an avid reader who also enjoyed music and movies (The Quiet Man and White Christmas were among his favorites) and he usually had a movie quote at the ready to liven up a conversation. Family vacations included lectures on local history and geology to the amazement and chagrin of his children (and wife). He was one of the good ones and will be missed.
Survived by wife, Peg, children, Don (Jenny) Boothroyd, GaNé (Ryan Ferreras) Boothroyd and Anna (Ryan Berg) Boothroyd; grandchildren, Cassie, Jacob, Robin, Maddie, Joe, Jack and Grace, siblings, Judy Davis, Jim Boothroyd and Mari Boothroyd; and other loving family and friends. Preceded in death by parents, Howard and Jean.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Our Lady of Peace Hospice.
Visitation
Wednesday, February 22, 2023
4:00-6:00 PM
Morris Nilsen Funeral Chapel
6527 Portland Ave. S.
Richfield, MN 55423
Mass of Christian Burial
Thursday, February 23, 2023
11:00 AM
Visitation 1 hour prior
St. Richard's Catholic Church
7540 Penn Ave S.
Minneapolis, MN 55423
Don & my husband were lifelong friends. Played baseball together since they were in elementary school. The last time we got to see Don & Peg was at a Twin’s game & my Neal’s health was failing then. Don asked Neal to be his best man & Neal was best man at another wedding 300 miles away. He wished he could be in 2 places at once. Don was a groomsman in our wedding. I wish we could have gotten together more. I am sad to miss Don’s visitation & celebration of life. I have a long planned trip to Florida the month of February. What a beautiful couple & family Don & Peg made. He was another of those great guys from Moorhead. My sincere sympathy to Peg & family. Julie Horn
My sincerest condolences to the entire Boothroyd family. They were the most wonderful folks I’ve ever known. Dad Howard was a great man not only to his wonderful kids but hundreds of other kids in his life. Bless you all. Donnie and Jimmie were staples in our neighborhood baseball games. Love to all. David Torkildson
Completely Perfect In My Eyes
There are so many words that I could use to describe my “Uncle Donnie”. His voice was calming, almost soothing. It made you feel safe. His Smile was highly contagious. You couldn’nt help but smile right back. Growing up as child, he always made me feel safe, secure. He was so big compared to me as a child, he was like a gentle giant. For a Christmas gift one year, which I knew I knew he picked out himself, bought me a Beach Boys albumn. Little did he know later on in life I became a music geek. He was a wonderful Uncle to All of us. My mom, his sister, absolutely adored him. Her heart was completely broken to learn about his passing. Of course we would all rather have him here with us. But the choice is not ours to make. Uncle Donnie YOU will be forever missed. Because YOU ARE COMPLETELY PERFECT IN MY EYES.
Nichole Davis
TO MY BROTHER,
Dear Brother, I will miss you -our trips down memory lane, your laughter, your stories , your wit, forever and always MY VOICE OF REASON.
My heart breaks I will never forget MY IRISH TWIN.
IN MY HEART ALWAYS .. YOU WILL BE FOREVER MISSED…
Judy (Boothroyd) Davis