Peter Boyd and Chris Cran re-enact "The Cheque" depicting an early purchase prompted by Boyd's desire for a Cran painting when none was available and his willingness to go along with Cran's project. 2016 (photo by Jordan Boyd)
What can be fully expressed when a community and a nation lose a beloved friend? Peter D. Boyd, born in Orillia, Ont., in 1957, died of a heart attack on Feb. 23. Peter was an entrepreneur and a skilled, successful business leader. He was an irrepressible dreamer, always planning, scheming and advocating for improvements for our world.
Principal among his personal passions was his steadfast dedication to contemporary art. His commitment to collecting began in earnest when he moved to Calgary in 1991. Peter frequented the commercial galleries and could be counted on to attend openings at artist-run centres as well as public museums He was an avid student of the arts, befriending gallerists, artists and curators. He surrounded himself with exquisite art at home and at work.
Peter co-founded oil-field services company Arcis and served as its president. He turned the office environment into a showpiece of stylish architecture, design and furnishings. The Arcis art collection was atypical of corporate collections. The company commissioned and bought works primarily by the rising talents of the current generation. They were selected to challenge and inspire, not simply to dress a room. It was clear that it was Peter’s hand that guided its creation. Many public receptions were held to showcase with pride important new acquisitions.
For the pleasure of his employees and guests, he employed a chef, not a cook, who prepared fine cuisine. It is little wonder Arcis was named the Best Place To Work In Alberta in 2009.
His love of exquisite things led him to purchase a vineyard in California. They produced and bottled a series of wines under the label Genius Wines, named as a tribute to those of creative spirit. Many entrepreneurs experience ups and downs; throughout Peter’s most financially challenging times he stuck steadfast with his belief in the importance of supporting art and artists.
Most people will remember Peter as an irrepressible force in the arts. He served as chair of the Calgary Arts Development Authority from 2009 to 2013. He co-chaired the bid committee that successfully secured for Calgary the title (and benefits) of Cultural Capital of Canada in 2012. From 2005 until present, he was a member of the National Advisory Board of the Canadian Art Foundation, which publishes Canadian Art magazine and promotes the visual arts in Canada. He had a long relationship with the Alberta College of Art and Design, serving from 1994 to 1996 as a member of the board of governors, chair of the finance committee and entrepreneur in residence for the 2015-2016 academic year. Peter was the founding chair and president of Calgary's Institute of Modern and Contemporary Art from 1994 to 1998.
Peter could always be relied on to support arts organizations and deserving artists across the country. Despite his dedication to the finer things offered by a cultural life, his aspiration was never to impress or mingle with high society. He felt more at ease with regular folks. Often, when I happened to be back in Calgary, Peter would treat me to a Calgary Flames game. He donned his official Flames jersey and was happily one of the crowd. Peter was a great patriot of Calgary, Alberta and Canada. He was one of the most gracious, generous and caring men I have known. He offered acts of kindness to countless people. His extraordinary presence and joyful character will be greatly missed.
UPDATE: A celebration of life will be held in Calgary on March 24 at the Big Secret Theatre, Arts Commons, at 3:30 pm. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Alberta Adolescent Recovery Centre. For more about Peter and his life, please go to PeterBoyd.com.
