STACYVILLE – Laurel R. Boynton, 81, died Nov. 4, 2011, at a Fort Kent hospital. He was born March 21, 1930, in Houlton, son of Leo H. and Damaris (Stewart) Boynton.
Laurel attended grade schools in Sherman Station and then went to Patten Academy, where he graduated in 1948. Being raised on a dairy farm, he joined his family and continued working the farm with his wife, Elizabeth (Harvey) Boynton, until their retirement in 1989. They also made a home for several foster children through the years. He was involved in many farm organizations including Farm Bureau, Maine Dairymen’s Association, New England Milk Producers, Inc., and was a community and county committeeman of Aroostook Agricultural, Stabilization and Conservation Service. Laurel spent the better part of his life doing everything he could to better the lives of the citizens of Stacyville. He was a member of SAD 25 school board from 1970 to 1988, 12 of which were as chairman and servicing during the year of his daughter’s high school graduation and being able to sign her diploma. He also served on the board of selectmen of Stacyville from 1990 to 2008. In 2007 Laurel moved to Washburn to be near his family and enjoyed life at Washburn Estates. The biggest honor in Laurel’s life occurred when Grampie’s little angels, Tyler Laurel and Elizabeth Mary, were born. He would loudly tell anyone they were his proudest achievements.
Laurel is survived by one daughter, Susan Boyd and her husband, Patrick; two grandchildren, Tyler and Elizabeth Boyd, all of Washburn; one much loved foster daughter, Deborah Rafford and her husband, Clark, of western Maine; brother-in-law, Rodney Harris of Patten; a special niece who was like a second daughter to him, Lynn Merry and her husband, Duane, of Sherman; several nieces, nephews and cousins, and many close friends. Special thank you to Highview Manor, Madawaska, for the great care, especially Paula Gendneau, if there ever a true friend in life she is truly that; and to Joanna Richards for being an honorary sister and most supportive friend. He was predeceased by his wife, Elizabeth, Jan. 29, 2000; and his beloved sister, Esther Harris, Feb. 24, 2007.
Private family funeral service will be held Saturday. Interment will be at Patten Cemetery. Nothing would make Laurel happier than to have any donations made in honor of his grandchildren Tyler and Elizabeth Boyd, care of Dunn Funeral Home, 11 Park St., Houlton, ME 04730. Online condolences and guest book at
www.dunnfuneral.com.