Jack Boyd’s family knew the longtime Ironton resident’s battle with congestive heart failure was nearing an end last year as the charismatic family man began to lose to the disease.

But, through it all, Community Hospice was there to offer comfort, so now Boyd’s friends and family are hopping on their motorcycles, ready to “Ride for Hospice” Saturday to give something back.

“Hospice came in and they were there from July until September (2005). The things they do are unbelievable,” said Jack’s daughter, Beth Boyd Wilson. “They helped us take care of him physically and emotionally. They took care of the family as well. They helped us understand the process of death.”

Though nothing will bring the Matlack retiree back, his friends and extended family are coming together for the motorcycle and car ride set up for a cause. All proceeds will go to Community Hospice in Boyd’s name.

“We just want to raise awareness and do something special in Jack’s honor,” said Rick McKnight, one of the event organizers. “He was just a great guy. Everyone in Ironton knew Jack. Everyone across river knew Jack.”

Organizers are dreaming big, hoping to attract hundreds of motorcyclists and car enthusiasts looking to have fun on the 30-mile ride and drive. McKnight has a little experience with benefit rides since he and others hosted the Erin’s Aid ride last year to benefit a local man who was severely injured in a motorcycle accident.

Registration starts at 11 a.m. Saturday at the Laidback Bar & Grill, 2704 N. Second St., Hanging Rock. Cost is $10 a bike or $15 a couple. The ride starts at 1 p.m. and will go to The Swamp bar in Oak Hill before returning to The Laidback at approximately 4 p.m. for more fun that includes music, food, split the pot, raffle tickets, a corn hole contest and more. Dinner will be served at 5 p.m. for $5 a plate and organizers emphasize that everyone is welcome.

It started with a small idea from Jack’s son, Monty Boyd. The support started to snowball, something that blew the family away, Beth said. It culminated recently when Kentucky resident F.P. Bailey outbid Beth on a basket full of Harley Davidson goods then, without knowing why she wanted it, gave them to her simply because it was apparent the cause must have meant something to the woman. That basket will be auctioned along with an Amish-made swing and other items at 6:30 p.m. Saturday.

“We just want to educate people, raise awareness and give Hospice all the financial support we can,” Beth said. “We feel like we needed to do something for them since they did so much for us.”

In addition to Beth and McKnight, volunteers include Ed Whitworth of Spriggs Distributing, Charlie and Mary Keller, Greg and Sharon Pennington, Rick Murphy, Louann Bartram, Mark and Nancy Howard, Beth and Tim Wilson, Steve Bartram, Pat Boggs and Rodney Whitt.

Anyone who would like to make monetary donations can make checks payable to Community Hospice and send to Linda McComas, 1910 N. Second St., Ironton, OH 45638. The community is also welcome to donate items for the auction by calling McKnight at (740) 525-8011.