John Boynton Obituary

With heavy hearts, we announce the death of John Boynton of Saint Ignace, Michigan, who passed away on October 5, 2023 at the age of 91. Leave a sympathy message to the family on the memorial page of John Boynton to pay them a last tribute.

Ollie was born September 18, 1932 in St. Ignace to Oliver C. Boynton, Jr. and Mercedes Boynton. He went to grade school at the Ursuline Academy, and graduated from LaSalle High School in 1950. He attended Sault Ste. Marie branch of Michigan Tech, and graduated from the University of Michigan business school in 1954. He then served in the US Army for two years. After his service, he attended Michigan State University, and worked briefly as an accountant with Dearborn Public Schools.

On November 1, 1957, while crossing the Mackinac Bridge on its opening day, he proposed to Patricia Ann Goudreau, and they were married when she finished nursing school. Ollie was postmaster of St. Ignace for 34 years and loved his job. He was an active member of St. Ignatius Parish, serving on the parish council, teaching in the school of religion, and as a member of the Knights of Columbus. He was also active in community affairs, and served on the city council, the zoning board of appeals, and was chairman of the city charter commission in 1969. He served as a Mackinac County Commissioner and a long-time member of the Kiwanis Club and Michilimackinac Historical Society. After retiring from the Post Office, Ollie worked many summers at the museum and giftshop at Ste. Anne’s Church on Mackinac Island.

Ollie was a wonderful family man, and he loved kids. His own children, and then his grandchildren will always remember his exciting bedtime stories. Family vacations and holidays were special times, but so were normal days with family meals, laughter, and conversation. He enjoyed projects, skiing, skating, snowmobiling, and the Straits of Mackinac. He loved his family, co-workers at the Post Office and Ste. Anne’s Church, and greeted all with a friendly smile.

He was predeceased by : his parents, Oliver C. Boynton, Jr. and Mercedes Boynton; and his brother Ken. He is survived by : his wife Patty; his children, Michael (Patty), Theresa (Dan), Mary (Andrew) and Jim; his brothers, Robert (Mollie), Frank (Heidi) and James (LeAnne); and his sister-in-law Ann.