Tanya Hope Boyd passed away with family at her side unexpectedly but peacefully from complications following cancer surgery at the Ottawa General Hospital.

Tanya was born in Middleton Nova Scotia. She was predeceased by her father Eric Everett Boyd and her sister Bonny Denise Boyd. Tanya is survived by her mother Rosaline (Flynn), her son Dustin Egan, his wife Mifanwy (Cundell) and their children Avery, Everett, Emmerson and Olivia, her youngest sister Laura Lee Boyd (Allan Bourassa) and brother Kevin Boyd (Beverley).

Tanya will be sadly missed by family and friends.

Tanya had a strong independent streak from a young age. She led her siblings and friends on many adventures in the fields and woodlands of her home in Aylmer, Quebec. Animals; domestic and wild (goats and hawks) among many others, became part of her life and often accompanied her back to our house. Later she resolved to obtain a horse and with her first job at the local A&W and was able to make the purchase. The horse was boarded at a local farmer’s property on the Aylmer Road owned by Dalton Leach. Everyone was welcome at Dalton's and he eventually became a dear family friend to the Boyds.

To support her horse passion, Tanya embarked on a career in the federal public service specializing in Human Resources at several departments. Her first rural home near Stittsville with space for a horse was acquired with her then husband Don Egan, father to Dustin.

Several years later, in order to further her equine education, Tanya took a sabbatical from work and enrolled at Kemptville Agricultural College finishing her program in 1987/88. There she met her 2nd husband Rob Herr. By the mid 90s they found an old house with fifty acres on Paden Road that would be the ideal place for her to realize her dreams. Eventually known as Kindred Farm, it became a welcome refuge to all: horses, dogs, cats, cows, pigs and people too.

A small barn was eventually augmented by a large arena with stalls for up to 20 horses. Taking early retirement made it possible to invest the time necessary to transform abandoned fields into pastures, hay fields and riding rings and trails. Acquiring more horses led to offering riding lessons and eventually to rescuing horses otherwise destined to the slaughterhouse. With a tireless and unstoppable drive Tanya pursued this calling re-homing over 200 horses. A devoted team of like-minded volunteers who were ready to get down and dirty were essential to help make it possible. Donors too played a critical role in covering costs.

Here’s a link to an Ottawa Citizen article about Kindred Farm Rescue.

https://ottawacitizen.com/news/local-news/when-the-race-has-been-run-finding-homes-for-former-thoroughbreds

Another idea raised by her friend Liz Tompkins eventually led to the creation of an equine therapy program for distressed youth in the Ottawa area. Tanya and Liz, recognizing the naturally sympathetic demeanor of horses, knew they could make a difference in the lives of those in trouble. The program proved a huge success and carried on for several years. Unfortunately, in declining health, Tanya was forced to wind down the programs and sell the farm in 2024.

Tanya recognized that she was a very fortunate person in life. To have found her own personal cause and gather the resources to bring it to life to make a positive impact in the world was her dream. In her own words; she had a good run. She will be remembered fondly for those efforts by family, friends and the equine community in the Ottawa area.

There will be a Celebration of Life on Saturday October 10, 2026, at the Marlborough Community Centre, 3048 Pierce Road, North Gower, ON K0A 2T0. Family and friends. are welcome to drop by between 11 AM to 5 PM.

In keeping with her life long love of horses, donations may be made in Tanya’s memory to

Transitions Thoroughbreds (https://www.transitionsthoroughbreds.org)