Bryce Boothby

1924 - 2015

Bryce Boothby

1924 - 2015

BORN

1924

DIED

2015

Bryce Boothby Obituary

Published by Chicago Tribune on Jun. 18, 2015.
Bryce C. Boothby, 91, of St. Joseph, MI, passed away Wednesday, June 17, 2015 at Hanson Hospice Center in Stevensville. Memorial Mass will be held 10:00 A.M. Saturday, June 20, 2015 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 220 Church St., St. Joseph. Friends may visit from 5:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M. Friday, June 19, 2015 at Starks & Menchinger Chapel & Cremation Services, with prayers at 7:00 P.M. Memorials may be made to Hanson Hospice Center. Those wishing to share a memory of Bryce online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Bryce was born in the family homestead in Benton Township on May 24, 1924, delivered by his grandfather, Dr. C.M. Ryno, a former mayor of Benton Harbor. In January 1943, he entered the U.S. Army and participated in two D Day Invasions, Leyte, Philippine Islands and Okinawa. Upon his return to the U.S., he entered the University of Michigan, graduating in 1951 with a Master's Degree in Public Administration. He was employed by the Harris Trust and Savings Bank and in 1955 joined the Illinois Central Railroad as assistant treasurer. He became Executive Assistant to the Chairman of IC Industries. Bryce also served as an elected trustee and mayor of Flossmoor, Illinois, from 1961-1973. He was also director of Beverly Bancorporation and United of America Bank, and a director of the Trailer Train Corporation, Chicago. During his career, his community involvement included first President of the Prairie State College Foundation; Association of American Railroads; member of the Illinois Governor's Advisory Council; and Charter President of the Rotary Club of Matteson, Illinois. He was a past member of Flossmoor Country Club, and Olympia Fields Country Club. Bryce is survived by his five children, Bryce C. Boothby, Jr. (Cathy), Diane Boothby, James Boothby (Debra), Wayne Boothby (Elizabeth), and Laurie Eichelman (Paul), and his twelve grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his wife of 63 years, Bette J. Boothby and his son Russell E. Boothby.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Sign Bryce Boothby's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

July 9, 2015

Daniel Hughes posted to the memorial.

June 21, 2015

Someone posted to the memorial.

June 18, 2015

Someone posted to the memorial.

3 Entries

Daniel Hughes

July 9, 2015

My Dear Boothby Family:
Bryce Corydon Boothby (Boots) had a major impact on my life. Our relationship began in the early 60's when I was appointed attorney for the Village of Flossmoor and Boots was serving as a Trustee (and later as Mayor). We became close friends.
When he and the Anquillas and other fellow investors founded the Matteson-Richton State Bank, he insisted that I be hired as its general counsel. We both later served as President of the bank. We formed a closely-held shareholder control group with Tony Pasquinelli and Jim Mahoney, which carried over as a minority bloc following the merger with Beverly Bank.
This village and banking involvement led to a number of other ventures, including the purchase of the original bank building in Matteson, converted to the Left Bank restaurant, and the construction of an adjacent office building with Dr. Patrick Parisi and Ron Stillman as our partners. We also had a brief real estate partnership with several of my clients in a commercial parcel at 95th and Cicero in Oak Lawn.
The above projects had a profound effect on my financial affairs, but this was transcended by the wonderful personal relationship we had-I cannot recall ever having an acrimonious moment with Boots. This warm relationship was shared by my dear late wife, Ann, and children, Dana, Michael and Phillip, all of whom shared an affection toward Boots-and also for Bette, who was always so pleasant to us.
Perhaps one reason we got along so well was that we were both Geminis-our birthdays being a few days apart. (Our rascally twin personas also got along well, occasionally to the consternation of Ann and Bette.)
We thank Diane for another member of our family-our dog Pepper. She rescued him in Michigan and brought him home, whereupon Boots prevailed upon us to take him. We enjoyed his companionship for many years.
Boots had a great zest for life, and a deep affection for his family and friends. If he hadn't lived so long, you would be receiving many accolades from his friends and acquaintances who loved and admired him, but whom he out-lived.
Rest in peace, my dear friend and mentor. You are sorely missed, but lovingly remembered.
Daniel Hughes and family

June 21, 2015

Dear Boothby Family- I love you all, and was so sorry to see this. He was always so great to be around. One time I was getting a speeding ticket on Flossmoor Rd.and he was passing by so I waved to him! He got out of his car- and spoke with the Officer. Mayor 'Boots' Boothby got the Officer to let me go with a warning. I was so relieved i went right home!
Deborah Garey Lovell

June 18, 2015

A dear friend and wonderful man. Many fond memories.
The Wells Martin Family
Bud,Barbara.Nancy,Ellie and Pat,Wells

Showing 1 - 3 of 3 results

Starks & Menchinger Family Funeral Home

2650 Niles Road, St. Joseph, MI 49085

Make a Donation
in Bryce Boothby's name

How to support Bryce's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Bryce Boothby's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more

Sign Bryce Boothby's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

July 9, 2015

Daniel Hughes posted to the memorial.

June 21, 2015

Someone posted to the memorial.

June 18, 2015

Someone posted to the memorial.