Michael A. Boyd

Michael A. Boyd, 59, of Mason City, IA, died Wednesday, August 29, 2018, at his home.

I've always loved the smell of saw dust. They say scents are what trigger memories more than anything and I must agree, the smell of saw dust is what puts me right back into my Dads shop. I can still see him standing by his CNC machine, wearing his blue apron covered in paint and stain. His "tunes" playing so loud that the only way to get his attention was to flicker the lights. As kids we always flicked them off and on way more than necessary because on the other side of the shop door you could bet he was going to yell back in his loud and goofy voice which would automatically bring a smile to our faces. If you knew Mike Boyd-Raska at all then you knew his laugh without actually having to hear it. That deep, bellowing sound that echoed throughout whatever room he was in. At first sight one may think him intimidating for he was tall, proud, tattooed and loud. Behind all of that, though, was a giant softy with a heart of gold who hugged you just because you were standing there and nothing else. His love for his children and grandchildren came first but his love for wood working came in a close second. Dad went back to school late in life to achieve his dream of being an engineer. He was so intelligent and talented he built multiple CNC machines on his own and with his creativity and imagination alone he made things most people couldn't even dream of doing. Even after he couldn't work due to several back surgeries our Dad would stand in his shop and simply create because he knew it was going to make someone happy. But Dad didn't only have a passion for wood working, he was also very passionate about being a Veteran. Our Dad was lucky enough to serve during "peace time" but that didn't diminish his pride for serving his country and his willingness to defend to it.

In honor of our Dad we will be celebrating his life at our favorite place, his home. We are welcoming all who knew and loved Mike Boyd-Raska to join us at 730 4th St. SW in Mason City on September 15th at 3pm for an open house in his memory. Please feel free to stop by and share your favorite stories of a man who was adored by so many.

With love, his children; Casey, Tess, Taylor, Mykl, Davin and Brode.