Obituary of Gary W. Boyce

Mr. Gary W. Boyce, 78, of State Highway 162, Sprakers, New York passed away Sunday, January 31, 2021 at his home with his loving family by his side. Born on February 12, 1942 in Portsmouth, VA he was the son of William Boyce and Dorothy Hempstead Boyce. He was a graduate of Mohonasen High School in Schenectady, Class of 1962, and had been a resident of the local area since graduating. Most recently Gary worked for NBT Bank in the mail and filing department, and as a courier. He had also worked as a Postal Clerk, sorting mail for LifeSavers. Mr. Boyce was a veteran of the US Navy, serving on the USS Newport News. He was an active member of the Rural Grove Volunteer Fire Department for over 50 years, holding almost every position there including chief, assistant chief, and captain. He was a founder and the first dispatcher for the former Mid-County Volunteer Ambulance Corp. He served as Park Patrol for Wintergreen Park, was an avid golfer, and enjoyed trips to the casino with his wife. On January 2, 1965 at The Fultonville United Methodist Church, Gary was married to Bettie Effie Morey. She preceded him in death on February 7, 2018. His granddaughter, Bree-Ann Jolee Boyce and brother, Ron Boyce also predeceased him. Mr. Boyce is survived by his daughters, Tina Christman and Robert Grandshaw of Canajoharie, Dina Dodoo of Canajoharie; son-in-law, Jeff Christman of Sprakers, NY; grandchildren, Kayla, Shawna, Thomas, Tyler, David, Brittany, Brandon, Kevin; great-grandchildren, David, Jr., Aiden, Trenton, Isabella, Ezrah, Lilliona, Joseph; cousin, Jackie Buckley. The family will receive relatives and friends on Saturday, February 6, 2021 from 2:00-4:00 & 6:00-8:00PM at The Chapel of Houghtaling & Smith Funeral Home, Inc., 20 Otsego Street, Canajoharie, NY 13317. We ask anyone in attendance to please wear a mask and practice social distancing. A graveside service will be held on Saturday, April 17, 2021 at 10:00AM at Canajoharie Falls Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Mr. Gary W. Boyce may be made to Mountain Valley Hospice, 108 Steele Ave., Gloversville, NY 12078 or to Rural Grove Volunteer Fire Department, PO Box 219, Sprakers, NY 12166.