Bertie Reynold Boyce

Essex Jct., Vt. — Bertie Reynold Boyce died at home in Essex Jct., on Tuesday, Jan. 23, 2018, in the care of his wife Marilyn and beloved family after an extended illness as a beautiful winter rainbow shone on the top of Prospect Hill. His commitment, love of family, concern for others and sense of humor will be greatly missed by all.

Bertie was born in Groton, Vt. March 27, 1933, the son of Raymond Boyce and Anna (Hood) Boyce. He graduated from Wells River High School in 1951, BS University of Vermont in 1956, MS University of Vermont in 1958, doctoral degree Rutgers University 1961 then returned to the University of Vermont. He dedicated 47 years to education and conducting research to improve growing small fruits in New England, retiring in 1998 as Professor Emeritus. He took much joy in advising and working with hundreds of students over the years.

Bertie’s keen love of God’s creation, the outdoors, his family, working with his hands, antique car restoration, and genealogy are a cherished legacy for family and friends. He and Marilyn supported home and foreign mission endeavors especially those focused on medical and educational initiatives for children. Illness disrupted plans to volunteer at Maine’s Seguin Island Lighthouse and Give Kids the World in Florida.

Bertie is survived by his wife of 62 years; his sister, Arvilla Goss and husband, Sanford; sister-in-law, Sandra Boyce; his son, Reynold Jonathan Boyce and wife, Kimberly of San Antonio, Texas; his daughter, Kimberley Boyce Paul and husband, David of Essex Jct.; his grandchildren, Kevin Boyce and wife,Tiffany, Erica Boyce Roberts and husband, Scott, Christopher Boyce and wife, Brogan, Matthew Boyce and Alexandria Villarreal, Rebekah Boyce, Zachary Boyce, David Paul and wife Jennifer, Timothy Paul, Seth Paul and wife, Margaret; great-grandchildren, Damien and Niko Cummings, Marnet Roberts, Lukas and McKenna Boyce. He was pre-deceased by his parents and his brother, Stanley.

A private internment service will be held in the Boltonville Cemetery in the spring.

Thank you to the friends, relatives, SDA Church Family, Dr. Stephen Baad, and VNA staff for supporting our beloved dad and family.

For those wishing to honor Bertie’s memory, contributions may be sent to The Fold Family Ministries, Box 1188 Lyndonville VT, 05851 or the Brownell Mountain School, Seven Day Adventist Church, St George Rd, Williston, VT 05490.