Mpls, Minnesota - Jeffrey L. Boyd, 74, died peacefully at home in south Minneapolis December 12, 2024, following a day of goodbyes to friends and family, love of his life Jeanne Blomberg at his side. It was pancreatic cancer, swift but painless.

Jeff was born and raised in Richfield, Minnesota. The middle child of Harold and Verna, he earned his mettle along with elder brother Terry and younger sister Diane. Growing up, he enjoyed math, debate, and neighborhood shenanigans. He was a standout student, studying psychology and humanities at the University of Minnesota before earning a PhD in clinical psychology at Florida State University.

Jeff would say he was never too adroit with the ladies. Thankfully he had the wherewithal to read the signs when Jeanne blew on the back of his neck in the lunchroom his senior year at Richfield High School. She accepted his invitation to prom and he spent the next 57 years cracking jokes and thanking the stars for his good fortune.

To know Dr. Boyd was to enjoy his kindness and humor. He made a career in public service. He worked for Hennepin County for over 30 years, was Chief Psychologist at Hennepin County Medical Center until his "retirement" in 2012, then Chief Psychological Consultant in Disability Determination Services at the Social Security Administration office in St. Paul. Jeff led with his knowledge, affability, and wit.

Outside of work, Jeff was active and adventure seeking. He took great pleasure in his yearly backpacking trips with friends and family. He hiked numerous parks and preserves, but year after year returned to the Grand Canyon, covering 250 miles of backcountry over more than 25 trips. He excelled in jokes and anecdotes, and he reveled in the retelling of his adventures. He enjoyed travelling the world, and could typically be found with a delicious meal and a bottle of wine or three to share. In August, he and Jeanne celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with their children and grandchildren in Tuscany, Italy.

Jeff was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Verna "Pete" Boyd. He is survived by his wife Jeanne Blomberg, son Cameron, daughter Caitlin, son Andy, daughters-in-law Kristen Larson and Tali Tiffany, son-in-law Dan Patterson, grandchildren Lachlan and Aurelia Boyd, Walter and Roscoe Patterson, and Charlie and Alex Boyd, brother Terry (Janet), sister Diane, nephew Chris, and too many other family and friends to count. We are so lucky to have had him in this world.

A celebration of Jeff's life will be held on Monday, June 9th, 2025 at Arneson Acres Park in Edina, 5:30-7:30 PM.