Lyle Eugene Boyd's Obituary
Lyle E. Boyd passed away March 8, 2006 at Pioneer Place of Tacoma, quietly with his wife at his side. His family appreciates the patient, loving care he received there. Born in Kansas City, MO, Lyle had one brother and two sisters. He was in the U.S. Army for 23 years, serving in Germany, Turkey and Viet Nam and achieved rank of 1st Sgt. After retiring from the Army, Lyle worked for AAFES on the military base at Ft Lewis. Eventually, Lyle started his own Locksmith business. Tacoma has been LyleÂ's home since 1970. Most people knew Lyle as Â"Oppo the Clown,Â" marching in the Daffodil parades and playing tricks in the Shrine Circuses. Lyle served in the International Shrine Clown Association and traveled many places in the US and Canada to support the ShrinerÂ's Hospitals for Children. At Christmas, Lyle became Santa Claus for military department stores, Festival of Trees and private parties. Lyle was a member of Lakewood Presbyterian Church, Masons, Shriners, Elks, VFW, and Scottish Games, to name a few of his many interests.He is predeceased by his former wife, Ruth, and his sister, Jenny Lee Chappel. Surviving family include his wife, Geri Boyd (Tacoma); daughter Donna Lee Christeller (New Zealand); sons: Harry Boyd (Bremerton), Dennis Boyd (Gresham, OR), Robert Boyd (Tacoma), Charles Boyd (Kelso), Steven Boyd (Tacoma); brother, Roland Boyd (Klamath Falls, OR); and sister Mary Ann Method (Kennewick). Lyle also leaves behind 5 stepchildren and their families, and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Military services and internment will be held at 12:45 p.m., Friday, April 21st, 2006 at the Tahoma National Cemetery in Covington, WA followed by a celebration of life service at 7p.m. at the Scottish Rite, Shrine Center, 815 S. Vassault Street, Tacoma.LyleÂ's favorite charity: ShrinerÂ's Hospitals for Children.
What’s your fondest memory of Lyle?
What’s a lesson you learned from Lyle?
Share a story where Lyle's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Lyle you’ll never forget.
How did Lyle make you smile?