2002 Reunion Memory Wall
If you would like to add a memory, please list the branch and mail it here.
Glenn and Wanda
Shortly after I was born, Uncle Glenn took one look at me and exclaimed, Now isnt
that the cutest monkey face! For years,
we shared monkey memorabilia with each other on special occasions.
Aunt Beth taught me many things about proper etiquette.
I remember sumptuous traditional turkey dinners for Thanksgiving served on
their elegantly set dining room table with linens, china, and hobnail water goblets.
Both Aunt Beth and Uncle Glenn taught me many things about the Gospel and helped my young
testimony grow. Uncle Glenn served in many
Church positions and was my Stake President during my childhood. Aunt Beth was my teacher in Primary. I especially remember the May Day celebrations we
had on the Berkeley Ward church lawn and going to her house with my class to learn to cook
wheat kernel cereal.
When I was fourteen I went to Grandma Boyacks funeral with Aunt Beth and Daddy. We spent the night in a motel along the way. Aunt Beth prepared a delicious dinner in the
kitchenette of in our motel room. I was
impressed Aunt Beth took the time and effort to make a nice meal and set the table. I remember her comment, which made a strong
impression on me. She said, I always
try to make things as nice as I can.
Susan Boyack Dahl
Uncle Glenn sealed Jerry and I June 30, '66 in the Oakland Temple and Aunt Beth did a
lovely wedding luncheon at their Berkley home after. Beverly Moffitt
The movie
it has to be the movie. That along with Grandmas genealogical stories
helped instill a sense of family. A connection with those who had gone before and brought
us to this place. Beth Thomas
Some of my first reunion memories involved going to Aunt Beths room and viewing
pictures and hearing her talk of each one. It really helped my learn more about this
wonderful family. Mary Boyack
I remember Uncle Glenn filling empty film canisters with candy corn and clipping them
slyly into the eager paws of great-nieces and nephews. Jerie Sandholtz
I first met Uncle Glenn when he came to our wedding at the Oakland Temple. Afterwards, we
went to Walnut Creek for our wedding breakfast. Someone made a comment to Glenn about
being left-handed. He looked up, flashed a big grin, held up his left hand in a fist,
shook it, and firmly stated "southpaw!" Bob Jacobs
Whilst everyone remember Glenn as "The original Outlaw" and him having everyone
sit for movies at each of the reunions, I remember Grandpa for the big blue Lincoln and
his office in San Fransico that was on Market Street (what an awesome view). I also
remember Grandpa for his love of music, always listening to something in their room off
the entryway. Lastly, although I always thought Grandpa was wearing a hearing aide, he was
actually listening to a Giants baseball game
and so was borne my love of baseball.
Grandma always had her hair braided or was in the middle of being braided whilst I was
playing in the little back corner of the room off the kitchen and dinning room. When we
were done playing there always seemed to be a jar of baby food with M&Ms in it.
John Knecht
Uncle Glenn, the original "outlaw" and Aunt Wanda kept the spirit of the Boyack
reunion going. With Uncle Glenns new fangled and very fancy home movie camera to
record everything from the start, he energetically created an irreplaceable continuity for
the reunion experience and also for the families who took part. Whenever the reunion was
close enough to Spanish Fork Aunt Wanda organized and was the tour guide for a visit to
the sites important in the "George and Jane" origins. It was fascinating for me
to learn of what seemed to be an ancient worldand to realize, in the mental fog of
youth, that it was actually my origin too. Jim B.
One of my earliest memories of Aunt Beth and Uncle Glenn were the wonderful Christmas
packages they would send. I especially remember when I was about eight, Aunt Beth sent a
copy of "Georgianna of the Rainbows" with a lovely note to me written on the
inside cover. Even more memorable was the beautiful crystal pendant she enclosed for me to
make my own rainbows. I had never seen such a beautiful thing. I think this was the first
book of my very own.
It was on a bed in one of the Harmon bedrooms in their beautiful Cragmont Ave. home in
Berkeley, surrounded by all the other girl cousins, that I announced my engagement to
Sandy with Uncle Glenn busy manning his movie camera. We were there for a reunion in
connection with Uncle Clif receiving his PhD. from Cal. Berkeley and I had just flown in
from Chicago and that momentous event of my life.
When we moved to the bay area in 1957 with our two little ones, Aunt Beth and Uncle Glenn
became like grandparents to Wayne and Signe and continued so through our additional four.
I remember the little film cans filled with candy corns she gave each one of them whenever
we visited.
Incidentally, we still hang the musical bell which they sent to Sandy and me our first
Christmas together.
I remember wonderful conversations with Uncle Glenn and the respect I had for his wisdom,
his understanding of gospel principles, and his quiet droll humor. I remember him
receiving a rocking chair at the ground breaking of the Oakland Temple.
I remember Sandy and I included as immediate family for Aunt Beths 75th birthday
anniversary celebration at Omar Khayams in San Francisco. George Mardihiam, the
famous owner, greeted Uncle Glenn warmly and by first name and presented each of us with
an autographed copy of his autobiography.
So many more wonderful memories fill me with love and gratitude for this noble lady and
the first and king of the outlaws! LaMyrl Sandholtz
George and Ethel
In the summer of 1959, shortly after I had returned from New Zealand to continue my
college education at Brigham Young University, I went to the Boyack reunion with Uncle
George and Aunt Ethel. Vicki and I sat in
the back seat enjoying each other and the treats that Aunt Ethel had provided. Those Pay Day candy bars kept us happy for miles!
Uncle George brought sparklers for all the cousins to the reunions. I remember standing out on Uncle Deans
hillside backyard, swirling sparklers in the night air.
I remember when they had a special dinner in their backyard as part one of
the Salt Lake reunions.
Then later in the summer of 1961, after I returned from Europe with my family, I stayed
with Aunt Ethel and Uncle George until Sheldon and I were married October 27, 1961. This was my first year of teaching and I
appreciated Aunt Ethels ever-available enthusiasm and support. Aunt Ethel herself was a great teacher and she
provided me with great tips on how to teach effectively.
I remember bursting through the door after several weeks of teaching, waving
my first check and exclaiming, Aunt Ethel, theyre paying me to do this!
Susan
Boyack Dahl
Im not sure of the yearperhaps 62Uncle George had sparklers he handed
out to all the kids. They were long onesalmost 3 feet! After the banquet and once it
was dark, we waved them aroundand I was sold on reunions! Beth
When I was a little girl, I had a friend named Paula. Paula would invite me often to go up
to Holladay to visit her Grandma Ethel. Wed go up to swim in her pool and hang out
with Grandma Ethel in her condo. I remember feeling completely at ease with Grandma Ethel.
She seemed so young and hip to me. Sometimes we'd go out to eat; other times go with
Grandma Ethel to visit one of her friends in the condominium complex. I had a great
fondness for Grandma Ethel and felt warm and accepted in her presence. I remember thinking
how cool it was that Paula had a grandma who treated her like a friend. Little did I know
that I would grow up to marry Paulas second cousin and that Ethel would become my
childrens great, great aunt! Carrie Sandholtz
I remember as a small child attending some kind of big barbecue in George and Ethels
backyard. I couldnt believe that someone could feed that many people! I also
remember that Aunt Ethel always looked like she stepped out of a magazinean elegant
lady. Jerie Sandholtz
I remember playing the marching gamedancing around the coffee table while
"Grandma Great" played "the marching song and then we would freeze
when the music stopped. Gary Sabin II
How many times did I stay with them during my BYU and teaching years. Such welcoming and
gracious hosts. Beverly
One of the greatest blessings of my years at BYU and teaching in Salt Lake City was
getting acquainted with George and Ethel and family. They were wonderful to me. I admired
Uncle Georges community activities and service through the Lions Club. Aunt
Ethel was a mentor teacher; so loving and creative in her work with her students.
Both George and Ethel were examples of the social graces; a wonderful host and hostess
smoothly relating in any group. I always thought George defined the word "suave"
and Ethel, the work "gracious."
Two highlights of my life took place in their homes. They hosted an open house for Salt
Lake City family, friends and even my high school students the night before Sandy and I
were married. Aunt Ethel was with us in the Temple.
Then, my 40th birthday "happened" in their backyard with the clan gathered for a
Salt Lake City reunion. I was presented a straw hat and as the big group sang "Happy
Birthday," I suddenly felt my first sensation of "growing older." It was a
genuine shock. That reunion included premier seats for the Pioneer Day parade as we
cheered from the balcony of the Newhouse Hotel.
Uncle George was the "sparkler man" for many reunions. LaMyrl
P.S. I just remembered another unique experience. When I was teaching at South High School
Jeanettes senior year, they had a Dad/Daughter dance. Jeanette took Uncle George and
I took Grandpa George and we double dated!
My Grandpa George was one of my best friends. We used to rock on his porch swing for hours
and talk about life and discover the magic in stars, the moon, and the constellations in
the sky. He would push me on the Big Swing out on the side of his house, and take all of
us out for "cream cones" every Sunday afternoon to the Shelgroves down the block
from his big, white, cozy house.
He was well known for cap guns, cowboy boots, sparklers, "Days of 42" parades,
and backyard BBQs. My grandpa taught me the importance of family loyalty and made me
feel special and important in his life. He really loved his family
his parents, his
brothers, his Ethel, his sister, his daughters and their husbands as if they were his
sons, and his grandchildren. He would do anything for them.
I really missed his influence in my life when he passed away. I want to thank all his
brothers and sister Wanda, for helping me stay close to him in spirit all these years by
sharing their love and memories with me. Debbie Sabin
Merrill and Lydia
I came home from the Minnesota Boyack family reunion in 1959 with Uncle Merrill and Aunt
Lydia. Aunt Lydia asked if I would be willing
to be a counselor at the Seattle Stake girls camp.
I had never been a camp counselor before, but she convinced me I would do a
good job.
Over the years, Uncle Merrill taught me how to speak in a Scottish brogue. He was very good at it. We had fun bantering back and forth.
Uncle Merrill said he didnt like to write a journal, and didnt have a journal. But I feel quite privileged that he wrote a whole
paragraph in mine with a bit of Scottish accent!
Susan
Boyack Dahl
My Grandpa Merrill passed away when I was only five, but I still can remember his kind
smile and loving eyes. I am so thankful to Lydia and Merrill for raising my mom and her
siblings to be such wonderful and faithful people. I look forward to the day when I can
meet my grandparents and express my gratitude and love for them. Jeanie (Moffitt) Anderson
Uncle Merrill would always dress in the Scottish "dress" and talk with the
Scottish brogue and tell such wonderful stories! Mary
Uncle Merrill had a special place in my heart. I was intrigued with his devotion to his
Scottish heritage. I can still hear him speaking in his Scottish brogue all dressed in his
kilt. I feel privileged that he was the Patriarch that gave me my blessing. While I was a
student at BYU, hed fly down from Seattle for conference. He got special permission
to give me my blessing since it was outside his stake boundaries. I cherish the words
recorded in my blessing every time I read it. It has been an inspiring guide throughout my
life. I thank him for being there for me especially after my own Grandpa George passed
away. Debbie Sabin
Our Dads sense of humor got him out of lots of tense situations. Moms songs
helped us on the way to the Berkeley reunion in "53. (original words to old tunes.)
She did poems and rhymes for many occasions. Their love and car of Gerry is a guide for
all our lives. Beverly
I only remember Merrill out of this wonderful pair and my fondest memory of Uncle Merrill
was his Scottish accent that matched his kilt as the best thing around. I always wondered
what he had on under his kilt, but I never found out. John Knecht
Merrill and Lydia, WHAT A PAIR! Merrill liked to say that he came to Chicago to bring me
west for a "shotgun" wedding to LaMyrl. Not quite true, but it made a good
story. He and I did drive west together; he, from a business trip, and I on a trip of
eternal consequence.
One cant think of the MWB family without remembering Geraldean. Our daughter Jerie
is named for her. Seeing the MWBs interacting with "Gerry" was a deep,
deep lesson in loving and caring. Sandy Sandholtz
My Grandpa Merrill always smelled like Old Spice. We both loved poetry and I would snuggle
up to him while we read or recited poems to each other. With my cheek on his chest I could
hear the whirring whoosh of his pacemaker. I had a profound respect for that piece of
medical machinery that let me enjoy my Grandpa. Jerie
We arrived in Seattle after a trek in the VW bus. Wed encountered a bear in
Yellowstone, but had finally made it to Seattle and my Uncle Merrills. He was the uncle
who traveled. He showed up at weddings and farewells and other important events in our
lives, and we werent even his grandkids! Beth
Ray and Kate
Aunt Kate was an excellent elementary school teacher.
When Sheldon and I got married I wanted to make sure that my fourth grade
class at Madison School would be in expert hands, so I asked Aunt Kate to substitute for
me.
Uncle Ray was concerned our financial security. As
newly weds we didnt yet know much about investing.
Uncle Ray introduced us to the Hamilton Fund, which we invested
in and had for years.
I appreciate the example of devotion to family that Uncle Ray and Aunt Kate demonstrated. When they went to New Zealand they took special
care to get pictures of the Church College of New Zealand to bring back to us. Susan
Boyack Dahl
Uncle Rays garden and Aunt Kates jam. My great Uncle Ray amazed me by
knowing my children. Not many great, great uncles know the names of their nephews and
niecesUncle Ray always greeted my boys by name! Beth
I have vivid memories of "camping" in Uncle Ray and Aunt Kates backyard
when my family traveled through Salt Lake City. We threw sleeping bags on the back lawn
and went to sleep surrounded by the smell of growing things from Rays garden. I
remember waking at the first light to see Uncle Ray moving through the garden, picking
raspberries, I think. We all trooped into Aunt Kates little kitchen for breakfast
before we climbed back into the station wagon. Jerie
Uncle Rays twinkly eyes and dimpled grin always warmed my heart. I loved and got a
bang out of Aunt Kates direct, tell-it-like-it-is comments. The classic in our
family goes like this:
When I was expecting 33 child and Bev was still single (and older than I had been when I
married and fully expecting to have a family), Aunt Kate said to her "I think
its so brave of LaMyrl to go ahead and have a family at her age."
I first tasted what we call "pancake enchiladas" at Aunt Kates dinner
table. That was my introduction to Mexican food, and Sandys, when they hosted us at
dinner a few days before our marriage.
Shooting baskets with Dave and Wally and picking Rays great raspberries were another
blessing of my BYU years and teaching in Salt Lake.
Ray and Kate were with us in the Salt Lake Temple for our marriage.
They were such a blessing to my Dad, Merrill, when they served a temple mission at the
Seattle Temple and were there for him through his last couple of rough years of
deteriorating health.
I think Dad felt especially close to Ray because of their proximity in the family. They
were basketball teammates and on stage in several plays together. LaMyrl
The first dinner I had in Utah was on Murphys Lane when Kate served us all enchilada
saucea recipe weve used in our family for 50 years now.
Kates birthday was the same as ours (my mothers and mineDec. 9th).
Beverly
Grandma always had a jar of raspberry/red current jelly set aside for me to take home to
BYU--raspberries from the garden that both she and Grandpa worked so hard in! Jozianne
Uncle Ray and Aunt Kate were always glad to welcome us into their home in Salt Lake City.
I remember the beautiful garden there at their place. John Knecht
Grandpa would play the banjo on each of the grandkids armpit. He would tickle you as
he was pretending to play the banjo. He would be singing and wouldnt stop until he
was finished with the song. It is a great memory of Grandpa.
Also, we would always love when he watered the garden. He would let us wade in the water
up and down each row. At the end everyone got to choose a carrot to dig up.
Grandma always had frozen chocolate chip cookies in the lift up freezer. She always made
sure that you only had one in your hand at a time. Ryan Boyack
Uncle Ray was my connection to gardening. My favorite visits to his house were late summer
when we could play hide and seek through the rows of corn and try out all the delicious
veggies from his cozy garden. My visits there became even more important to me after my
Grandpa George passed away. Uncle Ray was my connection to all of my fond memories of my
own grandpa. I appreciated him letting me be his surrogate granddaughter after that to
help fill the huge void I felt as a sixteen year old losing one of her dearest friends. He
always took the time to talk with me about George and let me know things would be okay. I
loved him for that. Debbie S.
Hal and Dorothy
Uncle Hal and Aunt Dorothy came for a visit to our house when Daddy received his doctorate
from the University of California, when we lived in Berkeley. Aunt Dorothys charming Minnesota accent
fascinated me. She was a refined, lovely
lady.
Uncle Hal and Aunt Dorothy worked very hard hosting the Boyack family reunion in 1959 at
their home in Sauk Centre, Minnesota. I was
the only one from my family that was able to come since the rest of my family was still in
New Zealand. I stayed with Uncle Hal and Aunt
Dorothy in their home for the four-day reunion.
Uncle Hal taught us kids how to shoot a Beebe gun. He
set up tin cans on a fence and we had fun trying to shoot them down. He also gave us the royal tour of his chicken
coops that held many chickens.
Susan
Boyack Dahl
During our birthdays, while Grandpa was lighting our candles, he would let the match go
too far and burn his fingers. He would always say "see, I burned my finger to
boot." Vicki Boyack
I remember every Christmas season getting a tin of yummy shortbread in the mail from Uncle
Hal. He always made some and sent it to my Grandma Ethel too. I have always been impressed
at how devoted he was to his family and made sure that they came to the reunion every year
even though it was always a long way to go! Debbie S.
Every time we used to go see Grandpa Hal he would always tell us, "youre my
pal!" Mandi Boyack
Every time Ive seen the movies from the 1957 Minnesota Reunion over the years,
Ive kicked myself for having not attended it. It looked so fun and my folks said how
great it was and that they felt bad being there without any kids. Beverly
Grandpa Hal would always have to relight the candles at our birthday parties so all of us
kids had a chance to blow them out. Sandi Boyack
"When its smokin-its cooking, when its black its done!"
Uncle Halchef par excellence. My Uncle Hal always made it to every reunion. He and
his family would come from far away, Minnesota! What a treat to be here in "his neck
of the woods!" Beth
Whenever we saw Grandpa, he always brought us M & Ms! Sandi
Uncle Hal had an incredible memory for detail. One of my favorite reunion memories as an
adult is finding Hal sitting alone one afternoon and pulling up a chair. I asked him a few
questions and he shared a treasure of stories about growing up with his brothers, and his
life raising the boys in Minnesota. That hour with him is one of my choice memories. Jerie
My first introduction to Uncle Hal was when he arrived at our home in Seattle in his
Merchant Marine uniform. He seemed like such a jolly man; very soft spoken with a unique
laugh, a wonderful storyteller. I remember sitting by him as he sang "The Isle of
Capri."
I always looked forward to visiting with him at reunions. Early in our marriage Sandy was
transferred to St. Paul. Hal and Dorothy invited us to come to Sauk Centre for a weekend,
which we did. I was 7 months pregnant with our first child and had never seen myself in a
full-length mirror. About the first thing I saw as I stepped into the hall at Hal and
Dorothys was the image of this rotund, bulging bellied girl. It was I! I
couldnt believe the sight of it.
It was fun to tour the chicken farm and to be spoiled by their TLC and wonderful cooking.
I admired Dorothy for her strong faith and her commitments to her church. She lived and
taught righteous principles of love and service.
The terrible irony was that after not quite two years in St. Paul, Sandy took a job in
California. The very next reunion was in Minnesota and we couldnt afford to come
back! LaMyrl
I never got to meet Dorothy but I heard quite a bit of her from her mother, Grandma
Steines and her sister Florence. I remember the first time I saw her on the
"Gathering of the Clan". She really came to life for me. I see much of her in
her sons. Dad was always so excited to come or to have us over. (It was only a 50 minute
drive for us to Sauk Centre.) He loved taking us to the Lions picnic or the Sinclair
Lewis Days or whatever was going on in town. He was so very proud of his grandchildren and
always let them know it. He would chuckle with pride when they would show him their good
report cards. Of course reunion time couldnt be missed and we loved driving out with
him, seeing the sights along the way and then so enjoying each reunion. He was a talented
cook and wonderful pie maker. I taught me how to make Boyack shortbread, oyster stew and
scalloped oysters at Christmas time. We still continue those traditions for Ken and Dick,
(theyre the only ones who will eat the oysters.) Hed tell me you could ruin a
good pie if you cut the pieces too close to the center (too close to the other cut making
them too small.) I totally agreed as his pies were so good.
He was such a good conversationalist. In his unassuming way, hed be able to strike
up a conversation with the next person in line or at the same table with us. He was a
storyteller and a humorist and we loved him dearly! Mary
Clif and Grace
For those of you who werent lucky enough to listen to a story at the knee of Uncle
Clif, well, youve missed out on more than just a story. He would have all the kids
laughing so hard we couldnt breath with the adventures of the "Pee Thrillle
Ligs" or "Rindacella." Beth
I remember Clif and Grace as a wonderful caring pair that always shared with us. I
remember a family get together (81 or 82) that was on the same day as the Holiday Bowl and
we snuck out to the car to listen whilst others were inside parting. John K.
I remember Uncle Clifs twinkly blue eyes, even after his stroke when he
couldnt express himself easily. My mouth still waters when I think of Aunt
Graces incredible catered affairs. I also loved her laugh. Jerie
"Camp Ceezaderowe love you!" This is the first line of the camp song of
the Berkeley Ceezadero Camp where Clif served as Camp Director for many years. One summer
he took a flyer "and hired me as Girls Camp Director and Al Everett as
Boys Camp Director." Nepotism? Probably. It was also my opportunity to get to
know Clif and Grace and family. I saw those two wonderful people in every possible
situation and circumstance. My love and admiration for them was and is deep and lasting. I
think, next to my parents, they were my image of a happy marriage and family; a
successful, contributing career; and constant faithful service to the Lord.
Clif had a never-ending sense of humor. (A Boyack brothers consistent trait!) His were the
"Bowen blue eyes" in their highest degree and never without a twinkle. Those
eyes coupled with the quizzical look he could give them and his big smile always made me
feel good.
Clif and Grace were living in the bay area and preparing to go to New Zealand when we
moved to that area in 1957. We became the beneficiaries of their move as they gave us all
kinds of things from garden tools to Graces precious African violets with the
"violet tree" stand; to the rocking horse which Clif had made for his kids some
years before. All of our kids enjoyed that unique steed. Sandy refurbished it and we
passed it back to Clifs familyto Don. Were still using the tools.
Grace had a wonderful green thumb and always had beautiful houseplants and yard. She was
such a fine organist and a wonderful executive type secretary, a position she held in many
places in the church. She was a wonderful cook and hostess. I remember her having umpteen
sets of dishes to fit any theme for any dinner. I called her for recipes and advice when I
was doing important entertaining like Kurt and Carries wedding open house.
I have so many memories of them, times in their homes in the Berkeley area, in San Mateo,
and in Davis. Attending the dedication of their San Mateo home was very special. I miss
them! LaMyrl
When their family visited us in Seattle, about 1949, Uncle Clif finished a basketball back
stop that our dad had left half finished for several months because he ran out of scrap
lumber that would go clear across. Clif used the leftovers and had the backstop finished
in no time flat and we used it for many years. Beverly
Dean and Ginny
Aunt Ginny has always been supportive of the Boyack clan.
She has kept in touch with our family and her other nieces and nephews. Uncle Dean used to take the BYU students to lunch,
often in the Skyroom on campus, when he was in Provo on business. Since his death, Aunt Ginny has taken students and
other family members to lunch. In April 2000
at the time of Heathers graduation from BYU, she took about thirty students and
others who were in town to lunch at Macaroni Grill. I
was glad to be there and enjoy the gracious hosting of Aunt Ginny.
Aunt Ginny had a birthday dinner party for Uncle Dean and invited all the Boyack family in
Northern California to come for this special event. Though
this was at the time of the beginning of the advanced stage of his Parkinsons
disease, Uncle Dean remained cheerful and appreciative. Aunt Ginny was devoted to giving
him loving care in their home until he died.
Susan
Boyack Dahl
I remember Uncle Dean at the reunions, but also as the last surviving brother. He would
"spring" as did Glenn in the past, for lunch in the Skyroom or at the Brick Oven
(heaps) Pizza. John K.
I remember one of the first, if not the first, of the underhanded dirty-birds society (the
UDBS) at the Seattle Reunion in 1962. There were some rather impractical jokes played on
some of the grown ups, (short sheeting of beds, etc.), and for our part on "the
Program", we did a take-off on the exploits of Julius Caesar
Veni, Veti, Veci.
We might not of conquered much in that brief moment in time (save perhaps our own
adolescent fears) but in the ensuing years the UDBS has brought forth much of
irresponsibility in its succeeding generations. Doug Boyack
My first memory of Uncle Dean is as a debonair naval officer who visited us during WWII.
My dad had a basketball standard, uninstalled, for months. Dean set it up on the visit and
that was work like digging postholes--not todays ready-made kind. On that visit,
Dean and I played catch, with a hard ball and gloves. He didnt realize that I was my
dads first son and started throwing to me as a girl. Before we finished, he was
burning it in and I was proud as all get out that I could handle anything he threw.
I felt the same way about his wonderful "off the wall humor." We
"threw" it back and forth in conversation as well as catch, to our mutual
enjoyment.
One year Sandy got Rose Bowl tickets from a friend in Seattle to see his alma mater, the
University of Washington play. When we talked to Dean, he said he and one of the boys
would take us to the Rose Bowl Parade, which they did, to a prime viewing location.
I remember his gathering of the clan cousins for luncheons at BYU, a tradition Sandy and I
have tried to continue with MWB.
I remember when I was heading the reunion plans for the last MWB sponsored event at Snow
College. His health was starting to slip. We stopped to see him and Ginny in Valencia. He
just said "whatever you need in money, Im here. Ill back you all the
way." Nobody was a more generous or loyal reunion supporter than Dean. Ginny was
right with him all the way and has continued the tradition.
What a joyous addition to the family Ginny is! I cant believe her multi-talents and
outstanding professional career. It was such fun to see Uncle Dean so happy!
Most touching, however, was her total commitment to Uncle Dean; her selfless care of Dean
as his illness progressed. She literally gave her life, her health to his care.
Sandy and I stopped to see them a few months before our mission and knew then that we were
telling Dean goodbye. He left while we were in Australia. LaMyrl
The long walks I would take with Grandpa Dean, with my hand softly in his. He would
explain the world around me with creativity that only a 5 year old would understand. Megan
Boyack
I have two dominant memories of Dean
When we were poor students at BYU, Dean would periodically visit the campus. Word would
circulate among the Boyacks that all Boyack cousins and outlaws were invited to lunch at
the Skyroom. Wed all show up for lunch, and Dean would host us all for lunch. That
was impressive to a new family relative of modest means.
At the Boyack family reunions, Dean would always had out cookies from the cookie jar with
great energy. Bob Jacobs
Uncle Dean and Aunt Ginney were the first two "Boyacks" I met when I was dating
Dick. They had come to visit Dad in Sauk Centre and we were invited over to see them. I
remember how they made me feel so at ease right away. We laughed and talked and the hours
flew by that afternoon. Of course Dad made us stay for a wonderful supper before we left.
I also remember how Uncle Dean would participate in everything with such energy, throwing
himself at a line drive in the softball game or dancing up a storm at the square dance.
This seems to also be a Boyack trait, as I watched Beverly, Sandy and LaMyrl at this
reunion! Wow! Dad and he talked to each other almost every week on the phone so we were
able to keep up on things between reunions. Mary
Uncle Dean was amazingly generous and interested in all the second cousins and our spouses
and children. He kept track of our educations and careers and always remembered our
kids names. I remember his tennis challenges in long ago reunions. He seemed to me,
when I was a child, an irresistible and dashing older gentleman. Jerie
Grandpa sneaking all of his grandkids ice cream in the middle of the nighteven when
the parents said "no more." He was an expert at hiding the evidence. Megan
So kind to me when I came to Los Angeles to teach school in 1955. He loaned me $300. To
buy a car and would accept no interest on the payments. I babysat the twins and Doug a few
times. Beverly
Uncle Dean made everyone feel so important. He knew eveyones name, even all the new
outlaws and what they did and were good at. Many of us remember fondly our lunch dates
with Uncle Dean all together at the Skyroom on BYU campus. We poor students looked forward
to that special lunch from Uncle Dean every semester. WE all loved to listen to his great
stories from the farm in Delta
And we all loved to eat the cookies that he passed
out every reunion to us from Grandma Janes cookie jar. Debbie S.
Uncle Deanhe was never too old to join the kids in the pool. Hed swim, throw
us around and act just like one of the kids! Beth
Uncle Dean caught by sister and I trying to pick-up on an entire soccer team at the San
Diego Reunion. Every time he saw us thereafter he related that incident, and we were
amazed by his memory. Deborah T.