Boyd Busath

1934 - 2017

1934 - 2017
Boyd Hanks Busath was born on February 13, 1934 in Salt Lake City, Utah, to LaMar Paxman Busath and Maurine Helen Hanks. He passed away peacefully on March 27, 2017 in Salt Lake City, Utah. He spent his early years in Salt Lake City and in Boise, Idaho. He attended Emerson Elementary, Roosevelt Junior High, and East High Schools, before attending Brigham Young University. It was in a seminary class at Roosevelt where he met the love of his life, Geraldine Romney. After 7 years of dating, he and Gerry ("Jellybean") were married on May 11, 1956 in the Salt Lake LDS Temple by Elder Spencer W. Kimball. They have five children and have been married for over 60 years.
Boyd worked alongside his father to learn the printing trade and to pay his way through school. He interrupted his schooling to serve a tour of duty with the U.S. Navy in California and Japan. Following military service, Boyd returned to BYU to earn a degree in Accounting. After graduating he became an accountant and worked for State Savings and Loan as Treasurer, then worked for Keith Romney Associates, and later established his own accounting business. He served as President of the Savings and Loan Association of Utah.
He loved singing, golfing, traveling (he traveled to all 50 states and many foreign countries), and being with family. He loved sports, and was a cheerleader at both East High and at BYU. He followed his beloved Cougars to see them play all over the United States and even in Japan. Boyd had a deep appreciation for his country, and proudly displayed the American flag anywhere he made his home.
Boyd loved his Savior Jesus Christ, and lived his life in service to others, with love, kindness and a wonderful sense of humor. He was often the first to arrive and the last to leave when a friend or neighbor was in need. Throughout his life, he was a devoted member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, serving humbly and valiantly in numerous callings, including as a missionary in the Central States Mission, branch president of the Yokosuka Japan Servicemen's Branch, a member of the Far East Servicemen's Committee, scoutmaster, high priests' group leader, stake executive secretary, and in several bishoprics, including several years as bishop of the Yale 2nd Ward. Boyd and Gerry served a service mission in the Salt Lake Park Stake, and Boyd served as branch president of the Dominguez Park Branch.
Boyd was preceded in death by his parents and older brother Don (Donna Richards), and in-laws Vernon Romney (Pat Pingree), Ralph Romney (Pat Steele), Rowena Maher (James - deceased) and Keith Romney (Janet Blackhurst). He is survived by his wife, Geraldine, children Michael R. Busath (Becky Burnett), Stephen R. Busath (Shelle Hansen), Nancy A. Busath, Bradford R. Busath (Jonniece McConnell), William R. Busath (Kara Kellgreen), 17 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren, sisters Beth Weatherford (Jerry) and Joan Street (Jerry - deceased), brother Stan (Pat Berry), and in-laws Beverly Cutler (Bob - deceased), Yvonne Dixon (Mike), and John Romney (Chere Henriksen).
Funeral services will be held on Friday, March 31, 2017 at 2:00 PM at the Millcreek 2nd Ward Chapel, 4220 South Jeannine Drive (420 East), Salt Lake City, Utah. Viewings will be held at the same location on Thursday evening, March 30 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm, and on Friday, March 31 from 1:00 to 1:45 pm prior to the funeral service.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Boyd's name to the LDS Perpetual Education or Humanitarian Aid Funds.
Online guest book available at www.dignitymemorial.com.