Coupeville Sports

Courtney Boyd and daughter Ruby in 2013.

Cute picture or cutest ever? Discuss.

Courtney Boyd is the queen of feisty.

And sure, the onetime Coupeville High School basketball star may have mellowed a bit since giving birth to the most adorable baby in all creation, Ruby, but I have no doubt she can still reach down and find that fire.

As a fast-talking, gum-snapping child, Miss Boyd, who celebrates a birthday today, spent most of her time hanging out behind the counter at Videoville and Miriam’s Espresso.

She didn’t actually work there, but she still owned the place.

She and her traveling companion, Liz Tingstad, ate all the food, controlled what movies were being played on the in-store TV screens and stole my computer away from me every time they could.

Occasionally (say once or twice a year) they might deign to take out the garbage or go get the mail but only if they weren’t already busy harassing me.

Courtney was a pro, taking great delight in getting half the town to believe I was her father.

I retaliated by running out in front of the store whenever she walked by with a boy and screaming “Nun school! You’re going to nun school!!”

Then she would throw things at me.

Good times…

Courtney is now, and has always been, one of the sweetest, kindest young women to ever grace this planet. Just wrapped in a fiery shell.

Even as a young girl, she would help out her mom, Carrie, shepherding her younger brothers and sisters around town.

So, it’s no surprise that she has adapted so strongly to being a mom herself.

I expect as Ruby gets older, she’ll be a lot like her mom, and her grandma.

Feisty, independent, fiercely loyal and protective, sweet, caring women.

My 12 years behind the counter at Videoville will likely never be topped. It was my perfect job.

People came and went, employees, customers and hanger-ons. Some were memorable for good reasons, others for bad reasons.

Courtney will always hold a place in my heart, and I couldn’t be prouder of her and everything she has accomplished if I actually was related to her.

You are legendary, Miss Boyd. Never forget that.