"We didn't get to see each other much but when we did your quick wit and flair for accents made each family get-together memorable. The world became a little grayer when you left but I know we'll all be getting together again. Till then, Gloria"
In loving memory of
Michael Angelo Boyce
August 26, 1944 - April 18, 2023
Mike's adventurous spirit showed up early. Born and raised in New York City, he was always fascinated by nature and wildlife. As children, he and his brother walked all the way from the Bronx to New Jersey in search of open space to explore.
Once they reached New Jersey, they climbed trees and explored streams and ponds looking for their favorite creatures: fish, frogs, and turtles. Their parents were not always thrilled when the boys brought frogs and turtles home to live in their city apartment!
Mike was born on August 26, 1944, to James and Mary Boyce. He grew up in the Bronx with his sisters Cecilia and Gloria and brothers William and Peter. To keep those active kids busy, their father put up a chinning bar in the kitchen doorway. This led to boisterous chin-up competitions and also to Mike's interest in gymnastics.
Mike graduated from the Bronx High School of Science in 1962. In 1960, Mike had a wonderful time exploring the Southwest while he attended a summer geology program at the University of Utah.
He graduated in 1966 from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where he majored in Applied Mathematics and Engineering Physics and competed on the gymnastics team. In 1965 he married Judy Lawrence, a fellow student.
They moved to College Park, Maryland, where Mike studied computer science at the University of Maryland. Mike then worked for Sperry Univac as a software engineer at Goddard Space Flight Center. He was always proud that he had worked on NASA's Apollo moon missions.
In 1973, Mike and Judy moved to California, where Mike was a software quality engineer at Control Data Corporation in La Jolla. Mike enjoyed San Diego, the beach, and the marine life. His young sister Gloria visited in the summer, and she and Mike took a nightly motorcycle trip to watch the seals on the rocks at La Jolla Cove.
Mike's final job move was to Boeing in 1977. He remained there until he retired as a senior specialist software engineer for Boeing Commercial Aircraft Company. Mike and Judy lived in Richmond Beach and later in Bellevue.
Once in the northwest, Mike decided he'd learn to catch salmon. After buying a boat, he sought out advice from veteran Seattle fishermen. Later he and his friends fished all over Puget Sound and as far as 30 miles out on the ocean. Although Mike became proficient at salmon and halibut fishing, what he liked best was the camaraderie with his friends and the adventure of going far afield on the Pacific Ocean.
Because of Mike's love for boats as well as other vehicles, his family nickname was "Transportation Genius" or "TG." His nephew Erik Lillegard, with similar interests, became the "TG Navigator." Mike loved to take friends out on his boat, and he enjoyed introducing his nieces and nephews to Puget Sound's marine life.
Mike was good at all types of problem-solving. He prided himself on his logic, clear thinking, and ability to get to the bottom of an issue.
Mike and Judy traveled around the northwest, especially to the Oregon coast and to British Columbia. They went to France, the Caribbean, and Florida and visited relatives on the east coast and in Wisconsin.
Mike's humor was his trademark. He was proficient at accents and entertained friends and family with imitations of his Irish grandmother and Italian grandfather. He liked to discuss just about any topic and his curiosity and wide-ranging interests will be missed tremendously by his wife, extended family, and friends.
He is survived by Judy, his wife of 57 years, brothers William and Peter (Catherine), sister Gloria, and many cousins, nieces, and nephews. In his later years, he was especially close to cousins Dolores Michetti-Russo and Patricia Boyce. He is pre-deceased by his parents James and Mary Boyce and his sister Cecilia.
Special thanks to EvergreenHealth Home Hospice Care, the EvergreenHealth Hospice Care Center, Dr. Kentaro Nishino, and Dr. Blaire Burman.
Any remembrances are suggested to the Sea Turtle Conservancy in Gainesville, Florida, or the Wild Salmon Center in Portland, Oregon.
Tributes
"Remembering Mike is easy missing him is the hard part. I remember well as a child visiting him and my Aunt Mary and Uncle Jim in their Bronx apartment it was always an adventure . They had tanks with turtles and other small creatures and a story for each, it truly was an experience full of fun.
I?ll miss you Mike , your smile, your love of life and adventure . Rest in peace, Dolores Michetti-Russo "
"MIke was my older brother by 5 years. We grew up in the Bronx. As per the obituary anyone who knew Mike, knew he had a keen intellect, was very logical and well educated. Growing up, while he would be inside doing homework and studying, I would be in the street usually causing trouble. Sometimes my poor attitude would anger some older kid who would make the mistake of putting his hands on me. I would tell Mike how the older kid was bullying me and Mike would leave his studies to beat the kid up. He always came to my defense. Looking back, I think I tended to always exaggerate what the older boy had done. Anyway, it became common knowledge in the streets that right or wrong Peter was not to be messed with. MIke tried often to talk sense into me but it didn't take. God bless you Mike, you are sorely missed. Peter"