Harvey Boyd
Harvey Boyd
Our hearts are hurting as we announce the passing of Harvey Boyd. Born on November 6, 1945 to Carmen and Wilson Boyd, Harvey passed away on November 11, 2023. Harvey was the dedicated and loving husband of Kathleen Boyd for the past 55 years. He was a brother to Melvin, William, JoAnn, and Charles. He was also a fantastic father to Michelle, Aaron, and Alison Boyd.
Harvey loved spending time with his family, whether it was simple gatherings, family projects, sports competitions, band performances, or vacationing. He was a mechanical engineer who enjoyed his work to EMD. Harvey liked fixing things at home, visiting Starved Rock State park, watching the Illini, reading and working in the yard.
He will be so incredibly missed.
A celebration of life will take place on January 6, 2024 at the Woodridge Community Center at 11:00 am.
Arrangements entrusted to Cappetta’s West Suburban Funeral Home, Downers Grove. Info 630-852-8000 or westsuburbanfh.com
Harvey was always one of the nicest engineers to work with. He was a good listener and had a great sense of humor at the same time. Plus, he was the kind of engineer you wanted to participate with on your team. He had nothing but kind words and always kept his smile. Harvey made a difference to success.
Harvey was the consummate professional engineer. I worked with Harvey for over 25 years. He was always calm and became a mentor to many of us who worked with him.
What hasn’t been said is that Harvey is probably the biggest contributor to the design and development of locomotive cabs in the USA. He worked tirelessly with all the major Railroads to not only reduce cab sound levels but also improve the operation and comfort for locomotive engineers. His work can be found on Metra F40PHM-2’s, Union Pacific SD60M, SD60M, & SD70Ace, Conrail, Santa Fe locomotives, to name just a few, He can also be credited with the design of both the Whisper and Comfort Cabs.
His mark on the design of locomotive cabs will be felt for decades to come and EMD was lucky to have had him on their team.
Personally, it was an honor to work side by side with Harvey.
My love and condolences to you all. Harvey was a good friend and a great neighbor to the Woody Family for many, MANY years. His walks down Crabtree Avenue (with Kathy, of course!) were always a welcome sight, and he was always ready to help my mom. I had no idea that Harvey had so much to do with the railroad – being somewhat founding and long time resident’s of Downers Grove, my grandparents always had a love for the clickety-clack and were also involved in the railroad industry. Crabtree Creek will never be the same ~ but our memories will live on forever. Thank you “Heff” for being one incredible man, friend, father and husband. You will be greatly missed.
xoxoxo,
Linda