Thomas William Boyea

Tom lived most of his life in Dearborn, MI. He attended Sacred Heart Catholic Grade School and Dearborn High School participating in many team sports. He played hockey for Assumption College in Windsor Ontario, the All Star Ontario Team and Trois Riveires in Quebec. After his school time in Canada, he continued his education at Dearborn Junior College. When the Korean War was at hand Tom and a group of eleven high school friends decided to enlist in the U. S. Air Force. In 1951, after basic training and a stint in Madison, Wisconsin, he was transferred to an Air Sea Rescue Base in Bordeaux, France. Two of his major responsibilities were Radio Radar Observer and supervisor of shipping and distribution of food and supplies to area bases. Housing consisted of 6-man tents and coal fired pot-belly stoves. “While it wasn’t Eden, no one was shooting at us,” was Tom’s observation and gratefulness. When not on missions Tom was able to play hockey, football and manage the base basketball team. His high school French was greatly improved and made life enjoyable at work and play. Upon returning to civilian life, he pursued Joyce Martin, a young lady that he had corresponded with while in the service, and a friend of his brother Norm. They were soon engaged and married in 1955. He attended Lawrence Institute of Technology for a degree in engineering and worked at Ford Motor Company for 35 years. He started as a test car driver, purchasing agent and engineer, finishing his career as General Manager of the Michigan Proving Grounds. A significant aspect of the position at MPG in Romeo, Michigan was a beautiful on-site home for senior management. This would become a loved family home for close to 10 years.

Life for Tom was very fulfilling with 8 children and a demanding career. He wasn’t one to sit. Tom was a renaissance man who brought great passion and discipline to everything he did. A short list includes hockey, tennis, golf, fishing, sailing, cross-country skiing and racquet ball. When his daughter, Anne, traveled to Paraguay with her Peace Corps assignment he learned the Spanish language and spent a month traveling South America with Joyce. He loved to duck hunt and garden, and was by any measure an outstanding cook. All this while supporting his children’s pursuits and dreams and living his Catholic faith every day.

Upon retirement, Tom and Joyce built a new home on the site of the family cottage on the lake in Port Huron, MI. He sailed and competed in tennis tournaments. He put his Spanish skills to use in support of local immigrant children and in 1998 he went to Honduras to help with the recovery from Hurricane Mitch. He was compassionate, respectful and loving. He read books in Spanish and wrote poetry and beautiful letters to his family. Tom always knew what to say and when to say it. For many years in retirement, Tom and Joyce traveled all over the nation spending precious time with their children and grandchildren. They spent 38 winters very happy and content on Marco Island, FL near their daughter Lisa, son-in-law Rick Popoff and their daughters Sasha, Krista and Nikki.

Tom loved being with his family. When his children brought home new husbands, wives and grandchildren he shared his home and especially his time. He was a most generous and gracious host. One of his greatest joys was seeing his large family together enjoying his home cooked meals. Another was watching the Tiger games, especially when they won. He was loved and cherished by his family and will be missed more than words can express.

Tom is survived by his wife Joyce, brother Bill (Sally) Boyea and his children and their spouses, Theresa (Tom) Peot, Lisa (Rick) Popoff, Martin Boyea, Tom (Beth) Boyea, Marc (Teresa) Boyea, Melissa Wrench, Anne (Casey) Lockard, Micael Boyea: 21 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

Tom was preceded in death by his brother, Norm and sister, Marianne.

A Memorial Mass at San Marco Catholic Church will be held on Monday, April 15 at 4:30 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Tom's memory to:

Capuchin Soup Kitchen Feeding Bodies, Nourishing Spirits, Strengthening Communities

1820 Mt. Elliott Street, Detroit, MI 48207 or online at www.cskdetroit.org