Tim F. Boynton

Timothy Boynton could be described by friends and family in many ways. He liked to get surprised, especially when the surprise was "goodies" and involved his favorite treats. He enjoyed placing a bet, whether in a poker game, on a horse, or playing his numbers in the Daily 3 and 4 digit lottery game. And, he loved fishing and camping, especially with his grandson by his side. In his lifetime Tim was many things, a meat and potatoes guy, a gambling man, an outdoorsman, and more, but above all else he was a loving father to his children and a dear friend.

Growing a family during the depression era was nearly unheard of as most struggled to make ends meet, but as the middle of the decade hit, President Roosevelt's New Deal was in full swing and Americans were finally catching a glimpse of the light at the end of the tunnel. Leeward and Grace (Hagstrom) Boynton of Midland, Michigan had plenty to celebrate in 1935 as the welcomed their fifth child into the world on November 8, a son they named Timothy. Tim, along with his four brothers, Dick, Jerry, Tom, and Lynn and sister, Carol, grew up just off of Highway 131 on the west side of Michigan in the small town of Freesoil. Living just north of Muskegon, Tim was able to take enjoy some of the advantages of bigger city living, such as the annual St. Patrick's Day parade, which he marched in for ten years as a leprechaun.

Tim attended Freesoil High School until the tenth grade when he left school to serve his country in the United States Navy. While in the Navy, Tim injured his back and was no longer able to serve. Soon after, he was medically discharged and returned home to Michigan where he found work in a furniture factory. He worked there for a few years until his injury forced him to quit and begin collecting VA disability. Over the years Tim had developed an addiction to alcohol, but he was able to conquer his addiction and rise above it. He became very active in Alcoholics Anonymous and even spoke at AA meetings for years, helping many others to overcome their addiction along the way. Although his back injury was still limiting, he was also able to work again. This time, however, Tim worked as a business owner for eight years when he purchased T.J. Appliance Store on Butterworth SW.

Throughout his life Tim had many things he was passionate about including eagles, poker, and some good country music, like Hank Williams Jr. or Willie Nelson. He loved both cooking and eating, and felt a good, satisfying meal consisted of meat and potatoes. As a special treat he liked to make fudge, but when it came to the main course he enjoyed a good steak. Tim was an avid outdoorsman; two of his favorite pastimes were fishing and camping, especially when he could take his grandson Jasper along. When it came to sports, he was a fan of football and liked to watch the Detroit Lions. However, in recent years he was probably less disappointed when he watched a good NASCAR race with his favorite driver, Jimmie Johnson, behind the wheel of the #48 car. More than anything, though, Tim was a loving father and good friend who in passing will be fondly remembered and greatly missed.

Mr. Tim F. Boynton, age 70, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, June 11, 2006. He is survived by his children, Sue (Mike) Bolks, Stan Boynton, Tim Boynton Jr. Robin Heintzelman, and Tammy Boynton; grandchildren, Michael, Jasper, Travis, Eric, Jessica, and Joshua; 7 great-grandchildren; and several siblings. A memorial service will be held at 2 P.M. on Wednesday, June 14, 2006 at Heritage Life Story Funeral Homes - Van't Hof Chapel, 851 Leonard St. N.W. Please visit Tim's personal memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you can sign the guestbook or archive a favorite memory.