Daniel Kenneth Boyce

Daniel K. Boyce

BENSON-Daniel Kenneth Boyce, 69 of Benson died Tuesday morning July 22, 2025 at the University of Vermont Medical Center in Burlington following a long battle with sarcoma cancer.

He was born on March 21, 1956 in Norwich, CT the son of Kenneth and Beverly (Palmer) Boyce.

Dan went to first grade in a one room school house in Gaylordsville, CT before moving to Fair Haven, VT where he graduated from the Fair Haven Union High School in 1974.

He married Holly Hulett on August 1, 1976 in Benson and they spent nearly 50 wonderful years together.

In his younger years Dan was employed by Grand Union Co., the Department of Forests and Parks, and was a Deputy Game Warden for Warden Tom Stearns. He worked for Rutland County Sheriff's Department with Lee Jones from 1980 until 1993 when he became employed by the State of Vermont Department of Liquor Control until his retirement in 2010.

He was well known in the area for growing giant pumpkins. He became known as "the pumpkin doctor", helping many growers. He and Holly grew Vermont's first pumpkin weighing over a ton in 2018.

Dan enjoyed hunting, fishing, trapping, boating, and ice fishing. The past few years his greatest enjoyment was going for rides, having coffee and chats with great friends and spending time with his grandchildren.

He was a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles in Fair Haven and the Eureka Lodge #75 Free and Accepted Masons.

Survivors include his wife Holly of Benson, a daughter Shannon Boyce and her companion Joe Ambrozaitis of Benson, 3 grandchildren Eliza, Jazmyn and Nash, a sister Leisa White (David) of Benson, and nieces and nephews.

Friends may call from 4-6 PM on Monday July 28 at the Durfee Funeral Home, 119 North Main St, Fair Haven, VT. A memorial service will be held at 10 AM on Tuesday, July 29 at the Funeral Home. Burial will follow in the Cedar Grove Cemetery. A celebration of life to follow at the Fair Haven Legion.

Donations in his memory may be made to Vermont Giant Pumpkin Growers Association, go to website for more information.