MOOSE JAW — Square One Community Inc. officially unveiled the newly christened Christine Boyczuk Boardroom, honouring the late community leader and co-founding member ahead of its annual general meeting with a formal ribbon-cutting recently.
The boardroom dedication recognizes Boyczuk’s enduring legacy of service, compassion, and leadership in Moose Jaw.
Boyczuk died on Feb. 10 at the age of 78, leaving behind a profound impact on the community through decades of volunteerism and advocacy.
“Christine freely shared her wisdom and experience with the board and guided our efforts,” said Anne-Marie Ursan, vice-president of Square One, during the ceremony. “She taught us to proceed with heart and head.”
Ursan highlighted Boyczuk’s embrace of the organization’s wrap-around principles — family, faith, and friends — emphasizing her humble guidance and thoughtful decision-making.
“Her faith was shown by her actions,” Ursan added. “She brought hope to those in despair, light to darkness, and joy to sadness.”
The ribbon-cutting was performed by Boyczuk’s daughter Vanessa, granddaughter Maddie, and Square One co-founder Della Ferguson, symbolizing the continuation of her legacy.
Born in Moose Jaw on Dec. 17, 1946, Boyczuk dedicated her life to education and community service. She began her career as a teacher and later served as a reading consultant, superintendent, and director of education. Her commitment extended beyond the classroom, as she held roles such as trustee and vice-chairwoman of the Holy Trinity Catholic School Division’s board of education.
Boyczuk’s community involvement was extensive. She co-founded Square One Community Inc., chaired the Age Friendly Moose Jaw Committee, co-chaired the Community Mental Wellness Committee, and volunteered with organizations including the John Howard Society, Friendly City Optimist Club, Rotary Club, and the Moose Jaw & District Chamber of Commerce.
“Christine was one of the founding members of Square One Community and we will be forever grateful for the leadership, guidance, and mentorship she displayed while working to build this organization,” said Mary Lee Booth, president of Square One Community Inc.
“Though diminutive in physical size, Christine’s presence and her heart were huge. She was very responsive to community member needs and recognized the plight of individuals who faced housing insecurity.”
Her efforts were recognized with numerous awards, including the Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal in 2002 and the Saskatchewan Centennial Medal in 2005. She was named Moose Jaw’s Citizen of the Year in 2018 and was awarded the Saskatchewan Volunteer Medal in 2019.
“Christine led through example and her demonstration of citizenship and service to others,” wrote Mary Lee Booth in her formal dedication to Boyczuk.
“Her love for children and her heart for vulnerable groups was evident in her work and life. Our hearts and thoughts are with Christine’s family and many friends during this difficult time.
“She has left a tremendous legacy in the Moose Jaw community and we will all share in the loss of an exceptional light in this world.”
The newly dedicated boardroom stands as a lasting testament to her unwavering dedication to community, serving as a space where future initiatives will be planned in the spirit of her values and lifelong commitment to service.
The Christine Boyczuk Boardroom is situated in the Square One Community Inc. headquarters at William Milne Place, located at 138 Fairford Street West.
