David T. (for Trouble) Boyer, 73, of Bath, PA died Friday, November 11, 2016 on the inpatient hospice unit of LehighValley Hospital, on his own terms, in his own way. His final days were spent surrounded by his family. He shared what was important to him, what his family had meant to him, and moved on.
David’s life took him over many miles and paths in his 73 years. Born on July 29, 1943, he was the youngest child of the late S. David and Dorothy (Buss) Boyer. As a Boy Scout, he received the Pro Deo et Patria Lutheran Scouting award, the Order of the Arrow and became an Eagle Scout. He was a college student who realized that college wasn’t for him. Not for lack of trying, more for lack of interest. He loved to read, just not textbooks. His extensive home library is a testament to his curiosity and love of reading. David met his wife Suzanne while they both were employed at the Dixie Cup in Easton. He was drafted into the Army during the Vietnam War and was stationed in Germany. Following his return, he began a long career with AT&T. He and Suzanne soon started marking the miles of parenthood. Their three daughters, Rachel, Jennifer and Sue were born in Pennsylvania. Their son, David S., was born in “Wild Wonderful” West Virginia, where David had been transferred. During their four years in West Virginia, the Boyer family logged many mountain miles during nearly weekly family rides through the hills of West Virginia in one of many Volkswagen buses owned by David and Suzanne.
In 1981, AT&T transferred David to New Jersey. He spent 19 of his 33 years with AT&T commuting from Easton to a number of different locations in New Jersey. Following his retirement, he took a job with, as he liked to call it, an “escort service.” He drove a truck that accompanied oversized loads that were being transported from one place to another. David and the two trucks he used for this work logged more than three quarters of a million miles “escorting” wide loads. This work also fed his curiosity about how things worked and how things were built. Often times, the loads he escorted were large pieces of construction equipment, helicopters and boats. A group was born from his escort excursions. David and a few friends would go on “OGRTs.” “Old Guys Road Trips” to explore places of interest that David had come across during his travels and wanted to share. But highway miles weren’t enough. David bought himself a speeder car, a vehicle that had historically been used on railroad tracks to move work crews and to inspect tracks, and joined a national club of fellow owners. This group would often gather together and ride the rails in their speeder cars. For many years, David was a member of the Delaware & Potomac Rivers Paddling Association. Over the course of his life, he paddled hundreds of miles in his canoe. David appreciated things that were more than just what met the eye. He took a second look at things that others might simply glance over. While stationed in Germany, he purchased a Volkswagen bug, installed a Porsche engine into it and went roaring down the Autobahn. The car was understated, but there was much more to it than met the eye. He enjoyed this modified car so much, he had it shipped home.
David loved a lot of things. He loved to be outside. He loved to find jobs to do with his tractors. He loved music. He loved to sing. He loved to learn and ask questions and explore. He was curious and he was interested. But most of all, he loved his family. He loved the inside family jokes. He loved to laugh and make others laugh. He loved his wife, his children and his grandchildren, each of them for who they were, not for who he hoped they would be. And his family loved him. For who he was: interested, curious and funny. But most of all for his unconditional support, love and sense of fun. And they love him for living his life on his own terms, in his own way.
David is loved and missed by wife Suzanne; daughter Rachel, her children Ryan and Colin, her husband Jeff; daughter Jennifer and her son Nolan; daughter Sue; and son David S. and his partner Lisa; in addition to many friends and family members and more than a few grandpets.
Services are private. Memorial contributions may be made to www.JimmyV.org or the Lehigh Valley Hospice, Inpatient Unit, Lehigh Valley Hospital, 17th and Chew Sts., Allentown. Offer online condolences go to www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.
Judy
November 14, 2016 at 4:59 pm
I absolutely love this tribute to and about David. Thank you Jen. We all are so sad and love all of you
Shelly J. Sowers
November 14, 2016 at 8:44 pm
Best tribute I ever read. I can feel the humor and love among all. You will continue to be in my thoughts and prayers.
Eileen Monroe
November 14, 2016 at 9:29 pm
Dear Sue and family,
I am so sorry for the loss of your father. I know what a difficult loss it is and please know you are all in my prayers and I am sending you warm, healing thoughts and love.
The Brown Family
November 14, 2016 at 9:46 pm
We are sad for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Cara Rutledge
November 14, 2016 at 9:48 pm
Such a wonderful tribute! I only had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Boyer a few times, while in nursing school with Sue but the fun and curiosity exhibited in this post is very evident in his daughter. Your entire family and loved ones are in my prayers. So very sorry for your loss!
Lester Ottenwalder
November 14, 2016 at 10:05 pm
I was only in PA for 12 years but early on I joined the Canoe club. I very much enjoyed the company & stories David use to tell. I liked what he stood for and respected the way he lived his life. I will miss him deeply God bless all h\who knew David
Janna
November 14, 2016 at 10:24 pm
This is perfect! I love and miss you all.
Kris kirchhofer
November 15, 2016 at 6:18 am
Sorry for your loss. He was a great guy and good friend of my family. My thought and payers with the boyer family.
Beth Tarbell Reilly
November 15, 2016 at 6:43 am
Dear Boyer Family, I am sorry for the loss of your dad/husband. I remember fondly, days of hanging out at your house during high school. Your Dad always made me laugh. What a wonderful tribute you have written! PRAYERS of strength during this difficult time.
Marsha and Joe McClellan
November 15, 2016 at 6:57 am
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Linda Haskins
November 15, 2016 at 10:12 am
All whom known David saw how he loved life and his family. He will be missed at family Reunion. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family.
Neil Boyer
November 15, 2016 at 2:46 pm
From a Boyer cousin on the other side of South 21st Street: The other comments are absolutely correct. This is a wonderful summary of Dave’s life and lifestyle. We will miss him. Our condolences to all of his family members.
Neil and Johanna
Gail Pysher
November 15, 2016 at 3:14 pm
D.ear Sue and Family,
So sorry to hear of David’s passing. The only contact I had with him was on the phone when I called for you, Sue. Even then I could hear his fantastic sense of humor. The tribute that Jen wrote was beautiful, touching and humorous. He sounded like a very interesting man!!! My condolences to all of you.
Linda and Joe Hennessy
November 15, 2016 at 4:05 pm
Suzanne, I hope you remember us. We met a few times long ago. I worked with Dave at AT&T for many years, enjoying his wonderful humor, readiness to help everyone, his great knowledge, and most of all-what a unique individual he was. I recall all the fun stories of you/him raising your children (and naturally, that meant everything to him!). I am sorry for your family’s loss. I wish you all the best.
Linda and Joe Hennessy
Jim Kirchhofer
November 15, 2016 at 5:35 pm
From grade school on I knew this man. Being one of the guys form the ‘OGRT’ trips and many runs with him in his speeder car he is going to be missed. The many nights sitting in his garage with a beer in hand going over the next project he had in mind. I spent many hours with him and also the kids and Sue. There is going to be a big void without him. Folks, my heart goes out to you all.
Kirch
John Schiro
November 15, 2016 at 6:18 pm
There will never be another “Double Trouble” Boyer. It was a privilege to know him and be included in the OGRTs. I will miss him. Condolences to Suzanne and the family.
John and Michele Shields
November 15, 2016 at 7:36 pm
As words fail to express our sorrow of David’s passing, so, too, they fail to express our joy of claiming him family. His life made the world a better place. And so, goodnight, David.
(goodnight,
Chet)
Gary & Mae Rapp
November 15, 2016 at 8:47 pm
David was one of Gary’s first playmates. Gary was also apart of OGRTs. We are so glad we were a part of David’s life and will miss him. Peace to you and your family, Sue.
Christina Kulp
November 15, 2016 at 10:49 pm
To the Boyer Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Although I only had the opportunity to know David for a few short days, he will remain in my memory and bring a smile to my face. His bravery, humor and clarity of thought made him seem larger than life. Thank you Boyer family for sharing David and yourselves during this most difficult time. I am sending lots of love and many hugs your way.
Frank and Eileen VanGrofski
November 17, 2016 at 7:54 am
Thanks for keeping Suzanne laughing. Thanks for your great kids. Thanks for singing with me in any garage. Thanks for dancing with Alice. You will be missed. Nobody else plays “hello statue” with me! We love you.
Phyllis McNevin Blanchfield
November 18, 2016 at 11:50 am
Suzanne, Have thought about you and Dave so many times over the years. So sorry to hear of his passing. My deepest sympathy to you and your family. Phyllis Blanchfield