2014 Inductees

Boyd Lutz

Boyd Laverne Lutz was born in Berwick Nov. 18, 1937. During an active and busy life, he was well-known as an athlete, coach, builder, professional scout and even team owner.

As an athlete, ‘Boydie’ played for the Berwick Apple Kings the year they won the Maritime championship, and was one of two Berwick-born players on the team.

Later, he played softball for the Berwick All-Stars, playing shortstop in an era when infielders, other than the first baseman, played without gloves. In 1959, the All-Stars were runners-up to Cape Breton for the Nova Scotia championship.

Boyd was also a talented hockey player – talented enough, in fact, to be invited to the Montreal Junior Canadiens’ training camp.

Once his playing career was over, Boyd never stopped supporting local sport, and especially minor ball and hockey. He was co-founder of the Valley Summer Hockey School, and at one time owned the Valley Select Senior Hockey Club.

Boyd served as a professional baseball scout for the New York Mets, and was also affiliated with professional hockey teams at a number of levels, including the Montreal Canadiens, the Quebec Nordiques, Nova Scotia Voyageurs and Halifax Citadels.

In the early 1990s, he was co-owner of the Halifax Windjammers, Nova Scotia’s first professional basketball team.

During his many years as a funeral director in the Valley, he guided and mentored hundreds of young people, both in sport and the Funeral Services program at Kingstec.

Boyd’s other passion was his family. “As children, “Kim, Karen and Kevin say “we enjoyed Dad reminiscing with stories of his early days in hockey as a young teen-ager. The stories were always enthusiastic and accompanied with a true spark in his eyes.

“Now, as adults, we can proudly say that we were able to witness as an everlasting mark – with love, pride and his commitment and perseverance for the game of hockey, which continued for many, many years.

“As a family, we believe Dad would be both humbled and proud to join the others who share this great recognition.

“His combination of class, competence, emotional intelligence, grit and skill brought him unforgettable experiences and lifelong friendships. Now, with this respected award, the acknowledgement of his success will live on forever.”

Boyd Lutz passed away September 4, 2013 at the age of 75. It is our pleasure to induct him, posthumously, into the Berwick Sports Hall of Fame as an athlete and builder.