1937
2017
5600 Carroll Canyon Rd
San Diego, California
In loving memory of
Mr. Larry Albert Boyer
(May 7, 1937 – December 11, 2017)
Larry Albert Boyer was born on his family farm in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, the third child of four, and the only son. Growing up, he had many responsibilities that helped to develop his character and integrity. From helping raise chickens and turkeys, to driving his dad’s mail truck in the early hours before school, Larry always did his work humbly and obediently. This dedication to duty led Larry to pursue a career in the Navy - even though he had originally wanted to become a dentist. At the Naval Academy, Larry excelled in both academics and in football. He played as a tackle, and even through a few broken noses - and even a broken jaw - he helped Navy win many games, including the 1959 Cotton Bowl.
Larry’s impressive stature and incredible physical strength earned him respect on many occasions, but it was his gentle heart that won him his real treasure. He met his blonde-haired, blue-eyed Hollywood beauty at a dance, and the minute he set eyes on her, he was smitten! It took a great deal of patience and persistence, but eventually, the lovely Holly agreed to dance with him. The rest is history! Larry and Holly were married in 1960 and soon had 3 children of their own: David Albert, Heather Louise, and Laurel Anne.
During the early years of marriage, Larry’s duty to the Navy called him away on covert operations during the Cold War and the Cuban Missile Crisis. As a Navigator and Executive Officer on a submarine, Larry was responsible for helping to track enemy subs. His career in the Navy led him around the world to places like Scotland, Brazil, and Hong Kong. He would bring home authentic treasures for his wife and young children, but it was difficult to be away from his family for months at a time. Larry retired in 1982 as a Lieutenant Commander, after serving 22 years in the Navy. He continued to work in the defense industry, as well as utilize his gifts in engineering as a consultant at Buck Knife.
Later on in his life, Larry loved devoting time to creating original artwork, including metal sculptures, beautiful birdhouses, and all kinds of characters out of rocks, kitchen utensils, and the most creative materials! Some of his favorite creations were his giant turkeys and “Boyer Bugs.” Larry always loved animals and was a wonderful caretaker for all of God’s creatures. From feeding birds and bunnies, to his family’s many pets, Larry always showed his kindness in his care for animals, especially his most recent dog and loyal companion, Woody. He also enjoyed gardening, preparing delicious meals, and passing down family recipes from his Pennsylvania Dutch heritage.
Most important to him was caring for his beloved wife of 57 years. Every day, he would bring Holly her coffee and breakfast on a tray with a beautiful fresh cut rose from his bountiful garden. These beautiful gestures spoke volumes of the depths of his love for his wife. Larry was always a patient, humble, hardworking, and faithful man of God. His dedication to the Lord was always apparent through his kindness and generosity, as well as the many, many times he spent in conversation with strangers, sharing testimony about the love and saving grace of Jesus. Both Larry and Holly devoted their lives to serving God in a multitude of ways. From creating a youth puppet ministry with his children, to counseling friends and neighbors, to leading a long standing Bible Study with several of his neighbors, Larry was always active in growing God’s kingdom.
Larry will be sorely missed by his family and loved ones, but they rejoice in knowing that He is home in Heaven, where together they will spend eternity with Christ. Larry is preceded in death by his parents Raymond and Lydia; older sisters Pauline and Nelma; and grandson Grant. He is survived by his wife Holly; younger sister Cynde; children David (Lisa) Boyer, Heather (John) Pedersen, and Laurel (Chris) Wallace; and eight grandchildren: Hope, Wesley (Macy), Daniel, Brittany, Davis, Savanah, Joy, and Holly.
*** Please include in the Service Information:
El Camino Memorial – Sorrento Valley
5600 Carroll Canyon Rd
PRIVATE Family funeral service and burial
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by El Camino Memorial – Sorrento Valley and El Camino Memorial Park and Mortuaries (Sorrento Valley).
January 20, 2018
Military
Harry Hurst
Larry was an integral part of our 1957 Navy Football Team that beat Army 14-0 and became the 1958 Cotton Bowl Championship Team. He will always be remembered for his tenacious dedication to the team and his teammates. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Holly and the family.
January 19, 2018
Friend
Donald Chomicz
Larry was an outstanding gentlemen and an awesome teammate. He will be missed by all who knew him. My deepest sympathies and condolences to you and your family.
January 19, 2018
Ron Hinkel
Sorry to hear of Larry's passing. He was a great guy and Classmate of mine (1960) at USNA that I met on the football field.
January 18, 2018
Friend
Bob Reifsnyder
Larry was a great teammate. Sorry to hear he has left us.
Reif
January 18, 2018
Holly, Anne and I send our love to you and your dear family. Larry and I played in many memorable football games together for Navy in the fifties. He was a great teammate and I've thought of him often over the years. With affection, Tom Hyde '60
January 18, 2018
Military
Joseph PROCOPIO
A deeply religious guy who always found ways to inspire me. I corresponded by e-mail nearly daily - politics, strategy, football, and often on religious topics.
His absence from our Earthly domain will be felt by many but we know he is in HIS Holy Palace and hopefully we will see him again.
R.I.P. LARRY
January 18, 2018
Classmate
Jim Maxfield
Larry was a classmate and four year Naval Academy football teammate. Being the premier lineman that he was he protected me as his quarterback in our "pen-ultima" undefeated plebe year team. His varsity years were no less superlative. I morn his passing and grieve for his loved ones that he leaves behind. Rest in Peace. Respectably....Jim Maxfield / USNA Class 60'.
January 18, 2018
Classmate
Donald Boecker
Larry, I am so sorry about your passing and I grieve for your wife and family. We had many good and rough times on the football field together at the Naval Academy. Rest in peace, Don Boecker class of 1960
January 18, 2018
A life lived Well, Bravo Zulu Larry, you gave me great memories watching you on the athletic field.
Butch Khoury
class of '60
January 18, 2018
Tom Anderson
Well done thou good and faithful servant, and may the good Lord comfort your family and friends.
Tom Anderson '60
January 17, 2018
Classmate
Jim Dunn
One great classmate & teammate. Always positive & striving to improve. Never served with Larry, but have friends who did & he was, like everything else that he did, a true & giving submarine shipmate. God bless Larry & his Family. May he rest in peace.
January 8, 2018
Nancy Knuttila
My deepest sympathies go out to you and your family.
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El Camino Memorial – Sorrento Valley and El Camino Memorial Park5600 Carroll Canyon Rd, San Diego, CA 92121
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