Francis Boyd

Francis K. Boyd 1915-2011 Francis K. Boyd, 95, of Boise, ID, passed away at home on Friday, September 23, 2011. Our much loved father, grandfather and great grandfather left this world early Friday morning. We will gather in his honor for a celebration of his life at Summers Funeral Home 12th and Bannock on Wednesday, September 28th at 4PM. Reception to follow. Twin brothers, Francis and Jim, were born December 22, 1915 in Boise to Alvin Everett and Marguerite Short Boyd. The Shorts were an Eagle pioneer family who settled Eagle Island and lived in the Stone House. Francis attended Central Elementary and graduated from Boise High School in 1934. All his five children later graduated from Boise High. Francis and his brother Jim began their life long grocery careers at C. C. Anderson's grocery department. With the advent of World War II, Francis and his twin brother Jim enlisted in the army in the "twins program" which insured they would be stationed together. They served in the Pacific. Although not Basque, the Basque heritage from his wife's family was important to him. He was a charter member, member of the board of directors and an officer of the Euzkaldunak, the Basque organization. He served on the Ada County Waterways Committee, the Western Idaho Fair Board and as treasurer on several political organizations. Although Francis did not attend college all of his children graduated from college, a fact of which he was very proud. An avid outdoorsman, Dad enjoyed hunting, fishing, golfing, and boating in the Idaho mountains and vacationing in McCall. Fran was known for his sense of humor, love of life, and love on friends and especially family. Playing pinochle, parties and dancing were favorite pastimes. He and Marie traveled frequently with family and friends and toured Hawaii, Alaska, Mexico, Australia and Europe. He and Marie were BSU supporters and had tickets for 20+ years. Fran enjoyed meeting his "coffee club" buddies at the Pantry. He was preceded in death by his wife, Marie (Dobaran), his youngest son, Richard, twin brother Jim, his older brother, Sonny (Alvin) Boyd and sister, Sis (Florence) Buckmaster. Surviving him are two daughters and two sons, Jim (Jeannene), Anne Miller (Glenn), Sandy Bishop (Tom), John (Sharon) and daughter in law Janice Boyd. Also surviving him are 4 sisters in law; Pilar Dobaran, Arvella (John) Dobaran, and Carmen (Lou) Dobaran and Elsie (Jim) Boyd. Special thanks to Allison Sword, caregivers at A Caring Hand and Horizon Hospice for their special care of Dad over the last several months. Memorials may be made in his name to the Euzaldunak, the Basque center, the Basque Museum or your favorite charity.