"Dr. Patrick G. Boyle was my Major Professor when I joined UW-Madison in 1961 for Ph.D. in Extension Education. HJe was always gracious and helpful. Though I completed the dissertation under the able guidance of Dr. Burton W. Kreitlow when he was on sabbatical in Ireland, he was congratulatory and kind. Pray that his sould rest in peace and God give his children and grandchildren the patience to bear the loss of The Boyles."
In loving memory of
Patrick G. Boyle
July 29, 1928 - October 10, 2013
MADISON- Patrick G. Boyle, 85, passed away on Thursday, October 10, 2013. He was born on July 29, 1928 to William and Esther Boyle of Mauston, Wisconsin and raised on the family farm. He met Mary Ann Meffert while working at the US Armed Forces Institute in Madison and they married on November 5, 1955. They had two sons, Steven and James.
Dr. Boyle had a long and illustrious career in continuing higher education, in Wisconsin and nationally. He believed in an educated citizenry, earning a B.S. degree in education from UW-Platteville in 1950; a M.S. degree in Education/Meat & Animal Science at UW-Madison in 1954; and a Ph.D. in Extension Education from UW-Madison in 1957.
After college, he was hired as a county Extension agent in Iowa. This career was interrupted by the US Army. He served as a Master Sergeant from 1951-53 where he was an educational specialist at the US Armed Forces Institute. By 1958 he was a professor in the Department of Continuing and Vocational Education, UW-Madison. In 1966 he became Director of the UW-Extenson Division of Program and Staff Development. In 1969 he and his family moved to Ireland for a year where he was a visiting professor at University College Dublin; while there he established Ireland's first graduate degree program in extension education.
In 1983 Dr. Boyle was named Chancellor of the University of Wisconsin-Extension, a position he held for ten years until his retirement. In addition, he was Director of the Wisconsin Cooperative Extension Service. As head of the third largest institution within the UW System, he was responsible for statewide leadership of extension and continuing education activities within the UW System, including Wisconsin Radio and Television. As Chancellor, Dr. Boyle personified the "Wisconsin Idea" of outreach and continuing education.
Dr. Boyle served on many national committees promoting continuing education. Among numerous citations and commendations, he received the highest award of the National Cooperative Extension Service and the Friend of County Government Award. He authored numerous publications on continuing education and extension, including a book.
After his retirement from the Chancellorship in 1993, Patrick and Mary travelled extensively in the U.S. and Europe visiting friends and relations.
In 1996, Governor Tommy Thompson appointed Dr. Boyle to a seven-year term as a Regent of the University of Wisconsin System. He simultaneously served on the Board of Directors of the UW Hospitals and Clinics Authority, which he chaired from 2004-08.
As a young man, Patrick developed a love of sports. He often spoke of his experiences playing football for Mauston High School and UW-Plattville. He was, of course, a life-long Packer and Badger fan, he also enjoyed playing golf with Mary and his sons at Blackhawk Country Club.
Patrick Boyle is survived by two sons, Steven and James (Priscilla); three grandchildren, Erica, Clare, and Patrick, a sister Catherine (Tom) of Boise, ID, and many, many nieces and nephews. He was preceded by his beloved wife Mary Ann, parents, and brothers William and John.
Patrick Boyle thought himself a lucky Irish man -- he loved his family, his work, and his friends.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at OUR LADY QUEEN OF PEACE CATHOLIC CHURCH, 405 S. Owen Dr., Madison, on Thursday, October 17, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. with Msgr. Kenneth J. Fiedler presiding. Entombment will follow at Resurrection Cemetery. A visitation will be held at CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 3610 Speedway Road, Madison, on Wednesday, October 16, 2013 from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. and at church on Thursday from 10:00 a.m. until time of the mass.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Patrick's name to The Attic Angel Community.
Tributes
"My condolences to Pat Boyle's family especially his sons Steven and James. I am sorry that I am away from Madison and not be able to attend the visitation or Mass. I served as Associate Dean of UW Cooperative Extension and later as Vice Chancellor and Provost, UW-Extension during the last four years Pat was Chancellor. Pat was a generous mentor and supporter. He listened to my ideas and often gave them more credit than they deserved. He was a forceful advocate for providing Wisconsin's people with knowledge where they lived and worked. He never missed a chance to tell leaders across the state how important the extension mission was to their University and their state. Pat Boyle's service as a graduate advisor shaped many leaders in Cooperative Extension and Continuing Education across the United States and Canada. His service as Chancellor of UW- Extension and later on the Board of Regents strengthened the University of Wisconsin's contribution to our state like few others of his generation. He will be genuinely missed across our state and the broader Continuing Education community."
"Pat Boyle was a friend, colleague, and a mentor to me. I was fortunate to have him as part of my life. Palmer McCoy UW Extension "
"Pat was a great friend to all of us and to our great, public university. He was always willing to help and he did so with great grace and good humor. He did a lot of heavy lifting, complicated political work, always motivated by his life mission to help others. A humble man. A great man."
"Boyle Family: I am so sad to hear of Pat's passing. I served wit him on the UW System Board of Regents as a student representative from UW- Whitewater. Pat, was such a gracious, caring and honorable leader and public servant. I will always remember his smile and love of this great state. With deepest sympathy, Tommie Jones"
"I just heard of Pat's passing, he was so wonderful ...his son Steve and him would take beautiful care of the apartments we rented from them on Ascot Ln.. I remember Mary and Patrick and Steve always planting flowers, and keeping up everything in and outside the apartments. Thankyou for giving so much!. "
"I am so sad to hear of Pat's passing. He was such a great and wonderful person to work with when I was chair of the University Committee. We also shared his home town of Mauston, Wis. and he always asked how things were going in Mauston. My children had his sister as an elementary teacher and she was also great, so greatness must run in the family.
I will always remember Pat as a great mentor, colleague and friend.
Barbara Hug"
"Pat was my first cousin. His mother Esther and my father Bill Doyle were brother and sister. I have fond memories of visiting the family at the farm in Mauston. Aunt Esther always had cookies or bread waiting when we arrived. I visited Pat and Mary Ann many times when I was working in Madison in the 60s. I admired Pat and his work in education. He was an inspiration to many. My condolences to his family. As I am in Florida, I will not be able to attend the funeral. God bless everyone. Sharon Doyle Halsted"
"Uncle Pat was a wonderful husband, father and grandfather. We were blessed with his family and community contributions. May he rest in peace."