William John "Cecil" Boyce's Obituary
Lakeview, MI - William John "Cecil" Boyce, aged 86, of Lakeview passed away peacefully in his sleep on Sunday, March 20, 2022 while surrounded by friends and family.
Cecil was born to Maxwell and Annie (née Mitchell) Boyce in Moneymore, Northern Ireland on February 13, 1936 and lived the first 25 years of his life in that country. As a young man, he enjoyed riding motorcycles throughout the countryside and working on motor vehicles of all shapes and sizes.
On July 14, 1959, he married Margaret "Hilda" Smyth at the Maghera Presbyterian Church in Londonderry, Ireland. Two years later, they emigrated to Canada. In 1962, the young couple settled in Dearborn where Cecil began working as a mechanic for Ford Motor Company - a job he would hold for the next 37 years. Together, they had two sons: Ian and Allan. Sadly, after nearly 50 years of marriage, Hilda passed away in 2008.
On November 25, 2011, Cecil married Ruth (Rose) Schottle in Lakeview. For over 10 years, the two enjoyed golfing, boating, and traveling with one another. They also enjoyed socializing with friends from the Lakeview United Church of Christ, the Lakeview Lion's Club, and the Masonic Lodge in Six Lakes - all of which were lucky enough to count Cecil as a member. It is worth noting that Cecil also served as past Master of the Masons of the Olive Branch Lodge in Dearborn, Michigan.
Cecil was calm and gentle, with a sharp wit and great sense of humor. He was a true Irishman who rarely turned down a nip of Irish whiskey or a Guinness and was glad to return the favor. He cared deeply for his family and was a pillar of his community. And while Cecil will be sorely missed, he's left all those who knew him with a lifetime of great memories.
Cecil is survived by his wife, Ruth Boyce; son, Allan Ross (Robin) Boyce; step-daughters, Colleen (Larry) Larsen, Anna (John) Danyew, Rene' (Jesse) Hernandez, and Kelley (Ray) Turner; 12 Grandchildren and 17 Great-grandchildren; and nieces, Mandy (Daniel) Kole and KAREN (MICHAEL) HENCKEL.
Cecil was preceded in death by his wife, Hilda; son, Ian Cecil Boyce; parents, Maxwell and Annie; and sisters, "Pearl" Margarete Boyce and Anna Esdele.
A funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, March 24, 2022, at the United Church of Christ in Lakeview. The family will greet friends and family starting at 10:00 AM. Interment will follow at the Lakeview Cemetery.
Those wishing to donate in Cecil's memory are asked to consider the United Church of Christ, 115 5th St., Lakeview, MI 48850 or Kindred Hospice Foundation, 3350 Riverwood Parkway SE, Ste. 1400, Atlanta, GA 30339.
Please share your condolences through the guestbook at brighamfuneralchapel.com.
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