Boyd Henry MAHRT

MAHRT, Boyd Henry Of Petaluma, CA passed away peacefully at his home on January 30, 2016 at the age of 87. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Ingrid Mahrt; sons Steve (Judy) and Garry (Gillian) Mahrt of Petaluma, CA; his six grandchildren Jonathan (Cristina), Jeremy, Jordan, Justin, Heather, and Cogan; his sister Grete Kissner (Germany); his close in-laws Arwin and Antje Nahmens (Island of Fohr, Germany), and numerous other family members in Germany and California. He was preceded in death by his late brother Christian Mahrt (Germany). He was born in Husum, Germany on September 27, 1928. In 1952 he immigrated to California and began work as a day laborer for various ranches in and around Petaluma. He was soon drafted into the Army for two years and upon his discharge, began his long life as a chicken farmer in 1955. He continued to run his farm for 60 years until his passing, leaving behind a legacy as one of the last independent chicken farmers in Sonoma County. He met his wife Ingrid at a 4th of July party in 1956 while she was visiting from Germany and they married in 1957. He was a member of SIRS, Rooster Club, and the Hermann-Sohn's. He was an avid traveler who visited over 20 countries and for 30 years enjoyed his annual trip to Mazatlan, Mexico. He also enjoyed duck hunting and fishing, including his regular summer visits to Blue Lake for 30 years. He was always the life of the party with a laugh that filled the room and he never missed a chance to take Ingrid out on the dance floor. He loved being an Opa to his six grandchildren of whom he was very proud. He will be remembered for his strong will and love for life and will be deeply missed by all who knew him. Friends and family are welcomed to a celebration of life at Hermann-Sohn's Hall (860 Western Ave, Petaluma, CA 94952) on February 6, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. Donations may be made to Hospice of Petaluma (416 Payran St. Petaluma, CA 94952).