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Darwin L. Boyer

VENICE, Fla. — Darwin L. Boyer, 90, of Venice, Fla., passed away peacefully on June 28, 2020, under the care of Hospice with his two daughters by his side, following a short illness.

He was born June 19, 1930, in Jamestown, N.Y., to Lawrence and Alice Anderson Boyer.

He spent his earlier childhood and school days in Red House, N.Y., in the Allegany State Park. He also attended Randolph Central School in Randolph, N.Y.

He enlisted in the U.S. Army in Sept.1948 and attended basic training at Fort Campbell, Ky. He served in the Korean War and participated in the invasion on Inchon, South Korea on Sept. 16, 1950. He received the Korean Service Medal and was discharged at Camp Kilmer, N.J., on Oct. 11, 1951.

Darwin had many interests in various sporting activities. He made history as the youngest person ever to ski jump down the 50 meter slope in Allegany State Park at the age of 8 and continued to be an avid ski jumper into his early 30s. He also enjoyed downhill, slalom and cross country skiing and competed in ski meets all over New York state winning many trophies and medals. He enjoyed boating, fishing and golfing as well. His lifelong love was NASCAR Auto racing Winston Cup. He attended races through -out the United States including many trips to Daytona, Fla., his favorite. He was a 50-year member of the American Legion Post 181 in Randolph, N.Y. and a charter member of the Englewood Moose Lodge.

Darwin retired in 1989 as a diesel mechanic for the International Union of Operating Engineers, AFL-C10, local 17B, Buffalo, N,Y. He owned and operated A Jax Tire Shop in Venice, Fla., for four years.

He is survived by a brother, Gary (Patricia) Boyer of Hendersonville, N.C.; two sons: David (Lisa) Boyer of Randolph, N.Y., and James (Liz) Boyer of Venice, Fla.; two daughters; Terri Boyer- Milbrandt (Bob) of Ellington, N.Y., and Natalie Boyer of Venice, Fla.; 12 grandchildren; 18 great- grandchildren; two step daughters: Bonnie Guiffreda of Melbourne, Fla., and Beth Dooley of Elmira, N.Y.; many step grandchildren and great-grandchildren; as well as many nieces and nephews.

Darwin married Patricia Jones Helms on Dec. 31, 1977, who preceded him in death in 2012. Besides his wife, he was preceded in death by his sister, GeorgeAnne (Morris) Cain in 2011; a stepson, Bradley Helms in 1981; a granddaughter, Kelley Anne Harrington in May 1992; and a great-drandson, Logan Matthew Rebhan in March 2020.

A celebration of life will be announced at a later date. Inurnment will be in the Steamburg Cemetery in Steamburg, N.Y.

To send a condolence log onto www.vanrensselaer andsonfuneralhome.com

Memorials donations may be made to the Fire Rescue Unit of your choice.