Donald Boynton

Donald Boynton was an extraordinary man who was many different things to many different people; however, it was the role of a humble servant in service to his Lord that mattered most to Don. The Christian faith was engraved upon Don’s heart and his greatest form of witnessing to others was the example he put forth just by being who he was each and every day. Don was a dedicated family man with a tender heart and a compassionate spirit whose humble whispers spoke volumes to anyone within his reach.

During the beginning of the 1920s, our nation was paralyzed by the Red Scare which took place from 1917 until 1920 and was marked by a widespread fear of anarchism, as well as the effects of radical political agitation in American society. Clyde and Florence (Smith) Boynton, of Chelsea, Michigan were able to focus on an exciting time in their own family, however, as they were blessed with the birth of their third child, Donald, on October 3, 1923. Joining older sisters Mildred and Ruth in the Boynton family, Don spent his earliest years in a farming area.

As our nation became gripped by the Great Depression which began in 1929, many American families lived their days cloaked in hardship and Don’s was no exception. Children of this era did whatever they could do help. Don learned a spirit of contentment which followed him throughout his entire lifetime. When he was seven years old, Don’s family relocated to the west side of Grand Rapids where his work grew to include yard work for neighbors and peddling ice cream snacks from his bicycle. Don attended local schools and he recalled as a young boy wearing bib overalls to school and trying to trade his homemade bread for store bought bread instead!

During his high school years, Don attended Davis Tech but what was of great significance during this time was a young woman he met while attending church at Northwest Gospel Hall. Her name was Jeanne Versluis. Life was soon interrupted by WWII. Like so many other young men, Don answered the call to serve his country in the Army Air Corps, obtaining the rank of sergeant. He was an aerial engineer, assisting the pilot during flight, and literally flew around the world. He also once had to abandon the plane and spent three days in a life raft. Don never served in action and remaining true to his humble spirit, he never felt he deserved the same amount of respect that those in action did.

Upon his discharge, Don’s father encouraged him to learn a skill that would allow Don to find employment at Keeler Brass where he did indeed get not only a job, but a career too as it was the only place he ever worked. Don learned the trade of tool and die and was a dedicated employee who often worked Saturday mornings. Don was always amazed that he was able to earn a good living with only his common sense education. Also of great importance with his return to civilian life was the relationship he resumed with Jeanne. On March 13, 1947 the couple was united in marriage, deeply in love. The couple settled on Fairfield NW before moving to an old farmhouse on Jeanne’s family homestead. Although the farmhouse needed a fair amount of repairs and personal decorating, it was a great home where they raised their five children

Don experienced a rather strict upbringing and although he too was a firm parent, he treated his children consistently and fairly and they always knew they were deeply loved. His children have many cherished memories and fondly recall their father often spending his vacation time helping out at Bair Lake Bible Camp. There, Don was the chief cook and designed the meal plan and recipes in the most frugal way he could. As a family they also had special times camping at the beach, Don often commuting back and forth to work while his family remained there. He also shared his love for ice fishing with his boys when he taught them the skill and the Boynton boys spent time making memories together as well.

Faith was an important cornerstone in Don’s life and Northwest Gospel Hall was where his spirit was fed. He was an active part of the church although always in quiet roles that didn’t draw any attention since to Don, accolades and recognition were not important. In fact, Don spent his lifetime serving others whether it was his parents, or Jeanne’s parents, friends, or someone in need of a ride, if there was a need, Don would help in any way he could.

There were traits and interests that were unique to Don and that attributed to the man that his family and friends knew and loved. He was frugal, mild-mannered, nurturing, and loved having good times with his family and Jeanne’s family too. Don and Jeanne did a fair amount of traveling, especially after he retired from Keeler Brass and often to see their children. Their travels included destinations such as Germany and numerous states, even including several trips to Alaska where he made good friends in Barrow. Don loved being a grandpa and once the little ones were out of the infancy stage, he was always happiest with a grandchild on his lap.

About one-and-a-half years ago, Don became ill and hospice had prepared his family for the end, however, this was not in God’s plan at that time and Don was given a new lease on life. This “extra” time gave Don a chance to take another trip to Alaska to attend his granddaughter’s wedding and he also took a trip out east with his son’s family. More recently, Don’s body began to grow weary and being the devoted husband that he was, he was concerned about Jeanne’s well-being. After reassurance from his children that they would care for her, Don drew his last breath.

Whether he was working in his garden, playing with a grandchild, or driving to Alaska from Michigan, Don carried himself with compassion, humility, and tenderness. He possessed a genuine servant’s heart as he was always giving of himself to help another. Don leaves behind a legacy rich in both faith and love, a reflection of a life well lived. He will be dearly missed.

Donald E. Boynton died on May 22, 2009. Don’s family includes his wife of 62 years, Jeanne; their children Donna (A.C.) Reeves of Columbus IN, Tom (Sharon) Boynton of Wyoming MI, Ron (Connie) Boynton of Fairbanks AK, John (Anne) Boynton of Kinross MI, Jim (Michelle) Boynton of Carlisle PA; 12 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law Gerrit Wielenga, Madge Versluis, Frank (Clara) Versluis, Kathleen (Jack) Dykstra, Paul (Genella) Versluis, Don (Jayne) Versluis; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his grandchildren Courtney and Christopher Boynton, and by a great granddaughter Keely Boynton; and by his sisters, Mildred VanRyn and Ruth Wielenga. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, May 27 at 1 p.m. at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home – Alt & Shawmut- Grand Rapids, MI where relatives and friends may visit with his family on Tuesday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you may leave a favorite memory or make a memorial contribution to either Rest Haven Homes or Hospice of Michigan.