Olin "Boyce" McDivitt

Olin Boyce ("Boyce") McDivitt
Rather than ending a conversation with a "goodbye," Olin Boyce ("Boyce")
McDivitt would often say, with a tone of playful inflection, "over and out." On August 27,
2025-a beautiful summer day that Boyce started with his customary ride with his
beloved dogs through his woods-he passed away, signing off with his last "over and
out."
Boyce was born on March 25, 1943, to Olin Frank and Ruth Olive McDivitt, who
raised five sons on the Barnum Road. Boyce attended Portville Central School, where
he earned varsity letters in football, baseball, and basketball. Boyce made many lifelong
friends, including those known as "the Vikings." After graduating from Portville in 1961,
he attended Anderson College in Anderson, Indiana for two years, and transferred to
the State University of New York at Buffalo School of Dentistry. He graduated in 1966
with a degree in Doctor of Dental Surgery. After many years of solo practice, he was
joined by his son in law, Bryan Petryszak, DMD, who continues in that location today.
Boyce married his hometown love, Kathryn ("Kay") Anderson McDivitt, on August
21, 1965. Upon graduating in 1966, Boyce enlisted in the United States Naval Dental
Corps. Boyce was stationed in San Diego, where he and Kay made more lifelong
friends. After completing his military service, Boyce and Kay returned to Portville, and
he started his dental practice, which continued for over 40 years. Boyce and Kay
bought their beloved property in the Barnum Valley where they raised their four
daughters.
In addition to practicing dentistry, Boyce was elected to the Portville Central
School Board and he served for 20 years. On numerous occasions, Boyce and Kay
traveled to Honduras with the Christian Medical Society, where they provided dental and
medical services to disadvantaged communities. He was also active in multiple
churches in the area.
Boyce's greatest loves were Kay, his four girls, and his peaceful property in the
Barnum valley. Boyce and Kay were the epitome of a lifelong partnership. A first-
generation college attendee and believer in life-long learning, he encouraged Kay to
obtain a master's degree after their youngest daughter started kindergarten. He
encouraged each of his girls to obtain an advanced degree. A voracious reader, Boyce
would regularly impart advice to his children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews-or
anyone else who would listen-on investments, environmental stewardship, religion,
and politics.
Boyce and Kay's property on Barnum Road was the place where everyone
congregated, hosting many family gatherings and picnics. Family and friends loved
walking the paths that Boyce created.
Well-known for his love of nature, and stewardship of the environment, Boyce's
enthusiasm for projects was infectious. After Kay's death, he built a cabin in the woods
overlooking the valley. He developed a plan to manage the old growth forest as well as
a plan for maple syrup operations from the property. In recent years, Boyce placed solar
panels and engineered a hydroelectric system in an attempt to be more efficient with
energy and reduce his carbon footprint. Each winter, Boyce very much looked forward
to constructing his famous ice glacier-by diverting water from his spring into a giant ice
formation-an artistic work of nature that gained public attention.
Boyce dearly loved all those who survived him, including his four daughters, Amy
(Tim) Jones, Brynja (Curt) Booth, Heather McDivitt, and Molly (Bryan) Petryszak, and
his grandchildren, Amanda (Andy) Jones Laub, Holly (Doug) Cline, Brandon (Caroline)
Jones, Grey Jones, Haley (Adam Zdarko) Jones, Henry Booth, Katherine Booth, Nathan
Petryszak, and Luke Petryszak, as well as four great-children. He is also survived by
his brothers, Stuart (Carolyn) McDivitt, Herschel (Linda) McDivitt, and Keith (Carol)
McDivitt, his brother-in-law, James Anderson, and sisters in law, Christine Anderson
Mooney, and Lee Anderson, and many beloved nieces and nephews. He was
predeceased by his parents, wife, brother, Wendell McDivitt, and brothers in law,
Richard Anderson, Terry Walden, and Michael Pickett.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Public Broadcasting Service
(PBS), the Portville Historical and Preservation Society, and the First Presbyterian
Church of Olean. There will be no visitation or service immediately, but a celebration of
life will be held at the convenience of the family.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Guenther Funeral Home, Inc., 1303 E. State St, Olean.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.guentherfh.com