Obituary of R. Milton Boyce

R. Milton Boyce November 11, 1910 - August 12, 2008 R. Milton Boyce R. Milton Boyce: dies at 97, Danbury business and civic leader Born Robert Milton Boyce, most in Danbury knew him as "Milt". The second child of Harry Milton Boyce and Grace Belle Sayer, he used his financial and business skills to help local businessmen and community service groups better manage their businesses. He was a strong believer in the benefits of education and community service. Milt graduated from Danbury schools before studying accounting and finance at Bay Path College, Longmeadow, Mass. In June 2008, Bay Path College honored him with their Lifetime Achievement Award given to alumnae for extraordinary professional and lifetime achievement. After graduation in 1931, Milt had a difficult time finding an accountant's job in the depression period, so he worked for a Long Island road contractor, then a local hat factory before an accountant's position became available at Bard Parker. He started in 1933, now considered to be the peak of the depression, as a junior accountant. Once in his chosen field, he soon mastered a passion for cost accounting and the tax codes. By 1935, he became the Chief Accountant. In 1968, after 35 years of service, he retired from Bard Parker, which had become part of Becton Dickinson. He was their Director of the Bard Parker Operations. After retirement, he continued to provide financial consulting to the Parker family, as well as many others in Danbury. From July 1962 to November 1980, he was an active Trustee for the Union Savings Bank. Milt joined the Danbury Lions Club in 1943 and was their oldest member. In addition, he volunteered for the Red Cross and Community Chest (United Way) and was on The Salvation Army Advisory Board. He was quite proud of his years of service for the Town of Danbury and the Danbury Hospital. During his tour there was substantial growth in Danbury, and he was part of the planning process. He served six years as City Alderman and its Chairman for four years. He was on the Danbury Common Council, the former City Board of Estimate and Taxation for ten years, the Joint Tax Board and Fire Commissioner for the Danbury Fire Department. In 1962-63, he was appointed by former Mayer Thayer Bowman to Chair the City-Town Consolidation Commission. His leadership enabled the Commission to consolidate the Town of Danbury and the City of Danbury into a single modern government. From 1950 to 1980, he also served on the Danbury Hospital Board of Managers holding positions as Vice President and Trustee. In addition, Milt was a long term and active member of the First Congregational Church, having served several years as its Treasurer. He served as President of the former Danbury Club, and Treasurer and Board member of the Ridgewood Country Club. He was a Mason at the Union Lodge, an active member of the Odd Fellows and the Citizens Hose Company No. 6. Milt was married to Mildred Taylor for 68 years until her death on 1/5/07. They shared a history and love for Danbury, as many of their ancestors had lived in the greater Danbury area. They are survived by their three sons: David Milton and his wife, Dana Brough Boyce, and their children Sara Brigham Boyce, Alexander Milton Boyce, and his wife Natasha Foy; John Robert and his wife, Kathy Ocif Boyce, and their daughter Rebeca Boyce; and Alan Taylor and his wife, Carol Weniger Boyce, and their children, Christopher and his wife Amy, Alison Boyce Katz and her husband Aaron, and their son Benjamin, Peter and his daughter Chloe. Milt's brother Richard predeceased him. Funeral Information The funeral will be held at the First Congregational Church, 164 Deer Hill Avenue, Saturday, August 16, 2008 at 11:00AM. Burial will follow at the Wooster Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the Cornell Memorial Home, 247 White Street, Friday, August, 15, 2008 from 5:00 to 8:00 PM. Donations Information In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Danbury Lions Club or the First Congregational Church.