ALTONA — Douglas H. "Doug" Boyea, 72, died on Friday, March 1, 2013, at the CVPH Medical Center.
Doug was born on Aug. 4, 1940, the youngest son of James and Emma (LaBarge) Boyea. He graduated from Altona Central School in 1958.
Doug married Mary Smith on Oct. 15, 1966, at St. Mary's Church in Champlain, N.Y. Doug was a third generation, life-long farmer, having owned and operated Rand Hill Dairy. He worked for the Altona Highway Department for 15 years until his retirement. Doug also worked for ten years as a Councilman for the Town of Altona. He was a member of Holy Angel's Church. Doug served in the Altona Fire Department for 41 years. He was a member of the Ellenburg Knights of Columbus Council No. 4441 and the Altona Rockside Senior Club.
Doug was an outgoing and athletic man who was involved in sports and many activities throughout his life. He was a former Golden Glove Boxer, a basketball player, an Altona Fire Department softball player and avid horseshoe competitor. He watched NASCAR and rooted for his favorite driver, Jeff Gordon. Anyone who knew Doug will remember how he loved to play cards. With his mischievous laugh and a twinkle in his eye, he ruled the card table.
Doug is survived by his wife Mary (Smith); three sons and daughters-in-law, Terry and Connie Boyea, Michael and Martha Boyea, Mark and Karrie Boyea; and five grandchildren, Matthew, Sierra, Ashley, Jacob and Caleb, all from Altona; two sisters, Doris Barcomb of Altona, and Pearl Lashway and her husband Leonard of Ellenburg Depot; one brother, Curtis Boyea and his wife Rebecca of Altona; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Nancy and Roy Racine; many nieces and nephews and friends. He is also survived by a close life long friend, Bobby Lacey. Doug also loved and enjoyed his Boston Terriers, Snuggles, Angel and Jake.
Doug was predeceased by his parents; his sister and brother-in-law, Olga and Ralph LaPierre; and brother-in-law, Casper Barcomb.
Calling hours will be from 4 to 9 p.m. on Tuesday, March 5, at the Brown Funeral Home in Altona. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, March 6, at Holy Angel's Church in Altona.
Donations in Doug's memory may be made to the Altona Fire Dept. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Brown Funeral Home, 3123 Miner Farm Road, Altona, NY 12910. Online condolences and memorial candles may be offered at www.brownfuneralhomeinc.com.
