Carl Daniel Boyed

Carl Daniel Boyed was born to Louis & Belle Boyed November 9, 1922 in Arlington, Oregon. He was a graduate of Milwaukie High School. Carl worked as a Carpenter, and retired as Carpenter Supervisor for Juhr & Sons. He is survived by his wife Christine of Portland, daughters Karrin Garrison of Portland, Kimberli Rust of Warden, Washington, Step-children James Meade, Jr. of Portland, Judi Lincoln of Portland, & Timothy Meade of Silverton, 10 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

The Character of a Cowboy

Those of you who knew Carl know how much he enjoyed the Cowboy genre. When it was time to relax, you’d find him in his favorite chair, with his loyal dog on his lap, reading or watching a western. He read every Louis L’Amour book ever written…probably more than once and enjoyed all the great western films! He related to the Cowboy way. He was authentic!

From the “Cowboy Code of Ethics”

1.Live each day with courage

2. Take pride in your work

3. Always finish what you start

4. Do what has to be done

5. Be tough, but fair

6. When you make a promise, keep it

7. Ride for the brand

8. Talk less and say more

9. Remember that some things aren’t for sale

10. Know where to draw the line.

He wasn’t the fighting, tobacco chewing, cattle roping type. Being a cowboy, for him was an attitude that required respect for people and the environment. He didn’t talk about his ethics. He lived them. He loved nature, animals, wildlife and the outdoors. He believed in hard work and looking out for others. He was always willing to lend a hand and would give you the shirt off his back.

How do you honor a man with words, who used so few himself? A man of integrity, hard work, generosity and loyalty. If he were here today, he would not be listing his lifetime accomplishments. He would not tell you he did things that mattered. He would not share that beginning in 1942, he served in the US Navy for four years and was Chief Gunner on the USS Rolf. He did not boast of his contributions, like his participation in building Emmanuel & Providence Hospitals, or Reed College. He would not reveal that he was a charter member of the Milwaukie Elks Club. He didn’t brag of his catches or his tags! He simply enjoyed the experience of being out in nature. Although he didn’t talk of his accomplishments he was happy to share the results! You were lucky if you were able to taste his mincemeat pie!

He was the type of man, that if you lit the backyard on fire (like Judi did once), he would rush out and know exactly what to do…only later to find out he had been one of Oak Grove’s Volunteer Fire Fighters in the 1950s. After putting out the fire, he would realize the experience alone was punishment enough, and not be so harsh as to remind you of your terrible mistake. When teaching his granddaughter how to fish-and she was having a better catching day than he was, he seemed patient and proud, offering a deal: “For every two you catch, you clean one!” Helping her to own the experience fully! It was in those moments that his personality would shine!

The person who made him shine most was the love of his life, his wife of 42 years, Christine. They met when he was a patient at the clinic where she was a nurse. She describes him as “bashful” with the ladies. She had to “fight” for him, as she wasn’t the only nurse to have her eyes on him. However, she is the one who stole his heart! The other ladies “had fire in their eyes” when she got the diamond on her finger! They were married February 25th, 1972. Being a man of adventure, it wasn’t uncommon for them to go flying in his 1947 Stinson aircraft. They would fly up and down the coast to go clamming, or just fly up to Washington for breakfast on weekend mornings! It was so easy to see his devotion and love for her. He cherished and cared for her every day. They enjoyed dancing, skiing, camping, fishing, flying, travelling and laughing together. He was a wonderful friend and life partner. They just enjoyed being together! Simple things, like staying in the camper on rainy days at the beach, reading their books, side by side, were among simple joys shared. He always wanted to see her smile. If she wanted something-he would say “Oh, if you want it, go ahead and get it.” Every anniversary he always picked out the most perfect roses for her. One year, not so long ago…he thought he found the most perfect roses. He was so happy to bring these roses home to her. Now his eyesight wasn’t quite what it used to be, so upon presentation they both found out the roses were artificial! Those are still some pretty perfect roses all these years later!

Carl’s other passion was nature! He enjoyed time on the Deschutes River, Camping and fishing at Timothy Lake, and making his backyard his own personal sanctuary. Always willing to share with friends and neighbors his bounty of fresh vegetables from his garden. A lifelong outdoorsmen, he enjoyed camping, fishing, hunting & gardening and was always eager to share this love with his family! He passed on to his children and grandchildren the skills and techniques he had mastered and gave them a love for outdoor adventures!

It was in simple times with him that you subtly discovered one of the many interesting and good things he did. He had a quiet confidence that was reassuring-it made you feel safe. He was always willing to lend a hand, look out for others or help a neighbor with a building project! He believed we should live in a world where we help each other out. He had a strong work ethic-known to never miss a day of work. He believed any job worth doing was worth doing right and well, and would not tolerate halfway. He took pride in what he worked so hard for and went to great efforts to keep things in good working order. If you could keep it working with some tape or glue then it was good.

On August 10, 2014 we said goodbye to a decent, quiet, generous man…a man with the “character of a Cowboy.” He lived a testament of love, loyalty, and strength; he was honest and true to the task. He was not a showman or a braggart. He did not have to tell you what he did, if it needed doing, he did it. He may not have always told you what he thought or how he felt, but he would show you through his actions. Men like him are few… He has left us with a spirit of adventure, a love of nature, animals and your fellow man, and the appreciation of quietness. May we always remember to practice some of those cowboy ways in our own days.

So as the sun sets in the distance, we say to you…husband, father, grandfather, and friend…Happy trails...Until we meet again.

***In Liu of flowers, on behalf of Carl, consider a donation of pet food to the Oregon Food bank or your local vets office. Carl’s pets were among his best of friends, and he would appreciate you looking out for those in need-retirees and their pet friends.