Here are some beautiful words by Pastor Kent Gilbert.

~ How heavy my heart is to share with you the death of Steve Boyce, stalwart member, environmental steward, consummate educator-mentor, thoughtful trickster, and beloved friend. After more than a decade of weathering the effects of chronic leukemia (cmml), he began a steeper decline in the last weeks and early this morning slipped into that deeper love and wider life. Patty, his wife for more than 59 years, was at his side when he passed. He was 82 years old…

Steve grew up in Indiana and attended Earlham College. He was a stellar “scholar-athlete” there, lettering all four years in both football and baseball. In football he played both offense and defense and was part of the longest winning streak among Quaker teams (21) in the 1964 season. Having gone to a Quaker school myself, I may or may not have teased that this could be the equivalent of being the very best surfer in Kansas, but the accomplishment was indeed notable. In addition, no one will be surprised to learn that he was simultaneously top of his class for 3 of the four years and won the top prizes in both mathematics and liberal arts.

Following Earlham, he proposed to Patty, and went on to earn his master’s degree and Ph.D in mathematics from the University of Wisconsin. In 1969 he joined the faculty at Berea College where he served with distinction, both in the Mathematics department and as Academic Vice President and Provost for the rest of his academic career.

Positions and prizes, however, hardly scratch the surface of the character, warmth, insight, and care he was truly known for. Whether counseling students, puzzling out a solution to a crisis, or plotting the overthrow of evil with good, Steve was reliably meticulous, thoughtful, and compassionate. He would not be rushed into a half-baked opinion, no matter how obvious the path seemed. The master of the “deep breath, pause-reflect, take another breath, and another pause before speaking” method of deliberation, his thoughts were worth waiting for.

He thought to the depths few others went to, and he brought forth pearls few others found. He strove to see the possibility and potential in others, even when they could hardly discern it themselves; and he would patiently, thoughtfully abide until it could be coaxed out into new life. He led others less gifted without condescension, and he educated others of every ability without arrogance. He was a truly gifted teacher, mentor, and colleague who much preferred to simply do the work well and with integrity, seeking no further recognition. Rapaciously inquisitive and intellectually gifted, his character was also beautifully tempered by his passion to build a better world and a compassion for all who live in it. My wife Diana described him as, “Mild-mannered mathematician on the surface; world-changing superhero all up and underneath.” He was a truly good man, exuding character with wit, wisdom with warmth, and humility with an open heart.

I know that your prayers join mine as we support all of his family and his many, many close friends who have surrounded him with care and company. Son Nathan (Heidi) and grandchildren Aidan, Maxwell, and Leo, daughter Kristin (Mariano), and son Anthony (Vicky) are in our hearts with Patty as they grieve. The family have not yet had a chance to think about memorial arrangements, but typical of Steve’s practical love and prayer, he donated his body to the University of Kentucky that others might benefit even in his death. I will of course share any news of a memorial for him when it becomes available.

When he and I spoke about his decision to enter hospice care he shared that he hoped to die with a “sense of readiness.” I hope and pray that he felt what others sensed: that he was ready, that he had prepared with a lifetime of caring, and that it was now good and right to lay this world aside in favor the great mystery to come. His absence, for those who knew and loved him, is glaring. His strong, steady presence even in illness was a force to be reckoned with and the haunting quiet is as when a great engine, running so constantly that we have stopped attending consciously to the power and thrum, finally rumbles to silence. The stillness of that force is now as deafening as it was ubiquitous. But—and typical of Steve Boyce—in the stillness is a part of the gift: the chance to pause, think deeply, and draw from the depths reflections on this pearl of friendship and service and love, who is and was our treasure to know….

~

See full newsletter with lovely pictures following the below link through union church facebook. Thank you pastor Kent

https://mailchi.mp/8e52a6348e…

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