A 37-year-old Shrewsbury man who drowned in a kayaking accident in East Providence, Rhode Island on Fourth of July weekend was remembered in his obituary as a kind soul who had a “heart bigger than the sky.”
Gregory Boerman and Joseph Fritz, 52, of East Providence, were found in Omega Pond on July 5 after they didn’t return home the previous day after a kayaking trip.
Boerman was born in Canton and competed on the wrestling team in high school. It was during high school that Boerman began playing the drums, which his obituary says he “loved and had such a talent for.”
After attending the New England Institute of Art in Brookline, Boerman lived “all around” Boston. He “loved meeting people and could easily rope you in with his contagious smile and positive energy,” the obituary reads.
“Everywhere he went, he made a friend,” his family recalled.
Before his death, Boerman lived in Shrewsbury with his girlfriend, Tanni Arif, and their dog and “most special companion,” Buddy. Boerman “shared his love and life” with Arif, according to the obituary.
Boerman worked for Revolutionary Clinics and loved his job as well as the team of people he worked with.
Outside of work, Boerman enjoyed playing darts, spending time outdoors, being with his family and friends and “just having a good time,” according to the obituary.
“Gregory will forever be loved and deeply missed by everyone who knew him. To know him was to love him. He was a kind soul, he had a heart bigger than the sky, and when he smiled, you couldn’t help but feel happy,” his family wrote.
A funeral service for Boerman will be held Sunday at Stanetsky Memorial Chapel in Canton. Internment will follow at Sharon Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, Boerman’s family asks donations be made to a charity of one’s choosing.