Boynton, Laurel R., 81, November 4, 2011. Arrangements by Dunn Funeral Home, Houlton. Interment to be held in the Patten Cemetery.
STACYVILLE – Laurel R. Boynton, 81, died Nov. 4, 2011 at a Fort Kent hospital. He was born March 21, 1930 at Houlton, the 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, twelve of which were as chairman, and he served during the year of his daughter’s high school graduation, thus 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, Taylor and Elizabeth Boyd, all of Washburn; one much loved foster daughter, Deborah Rafford and her husband, Clark, of Bethel, Maine; their three sons, Robert Rafford and his wife, Stephanie, their sons Reilly and Cameron all of MD, Donald Rafford III of Portland, Andrew Rafford of PA; brother-in-law Rodney Harris of Patten; special niece, who was like a second daugther to him, Lynn Merry and her husband, Duane, of Sherman; several nieces, nephews and cousins, many close friends. Special thank you to Highview Manor in Madawaska for the great care, especially Paula Gendneau – if there ever was 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 on Jan. 29, 2000 and his beloved sister Esther Harris on Feb. 24, 2007.
Private family funeral service will be held on Saturday. Interment will be in the Patten Cemetery. Nothing would make Laurel happier than to have any donations made in honor of his grandchildren Tyler & Elizabeth Boyd c/o Dunn Funeral Home 11 Park Street Houlton, 04730. Online condolences and guest book: dunnfuneral.com.