Roy W. Boyer M.D.

Roy W. Boyer, M.D., 80 of Gaylord, passed away on Wednesday, December 8, 2021.  He was born on May 25, 1941, in Battle Creek, the son of Hassel and Laura (Dolph) Boyer.

At age 10, Roy dreamt of being a physician and began working to achieve that goal.  His entire career was under the guidance of his Savior Jesus Christ.

He received his bachelor’s degree from Albion College in 1963 and continued to Wayne State University School of Medicine, receiving his M.D. in 1967.  He began his residency in Internal Medicine at William Beaumont Hospital in 1968, continuing with a Cardiology Fellowship in 1969.  He was Chief Medical Resident in 1971-72.  Following the completion of his education, he opened his practice of Internal Medicine and Non-Invasive Cardiology in Gaylord, serving the community for 34 years.

While maintaining his practice, he was a clinical instructor at Wayne State University School of Medicine in the Department of Family Medicine from 1976-79 and a Clinical Assistant Professor from 1979-92.  Dr. Boyer was also a preceptor to students of the University of Michigan, meeting with them in Gaylord.  Over the course of his medical career, he mentored more than 50 medical students and physician assistants.

Dr. Boyer and his wife moved to Jerome, Michigan in 2006 where he joined a practice part-time in Coldwater, Michigan from 2006-09.

In 1977, he was the president of North Central Counties Society of Michigan State Medical Society.  Throughout his life, Dr. Boyer maintained a passion for the arts in theatre and dance.  A major part of his life was devoted to serving many historical and political organizations.  His passions began in high school and continued to Albion College as a member of the Varsity Debate Team.

Dr. Boyer was Chief of Staff at Otsego Memorial Hospital as well as a board of trustee’s member from 1977-79.  He was director of Otsego Memorial Hospital Foundation from 1976-2002.  He was a recipient of the prestigious Curtis Toms Award in 1996.  From 2001-05, he served as the Chief of Medicine.

He was always active in his church.  Beginning in 1980, he served as president for the Board of Directors Professional Standards and Review Organizations in Northern Michigan.  He was extremely active in his community.  For three years he was a member of the Economic Development Corporation in Otsego County.  He served two terms on the Board of Directors for Alpenfest, 1978-82.  Dr. Boyer proudly served as the team physician for St. Mary Cathedral School football.  He was on the board for Gaylord Foundation for Educational Excellence from 1987-92 and for four years, he was president of Classic Radio.  For the last several years and up to the time of his death, Dr. Boyer was a member of the City of Gaylord Planning Commission.

Though Dr. Boyer enjoyed a successful medical career and life of service to his community, his first love was his family.  He is survived by his wife, Rita Boyer; children, Brad (Bernadette) Boyer, Bruce (Stephanie) Boyer, Brian (Laura) Boyer, Jenn (David) Hedlund, and Dianna (David) Rose; stepchildren, Therese “Teri” (Jeff) Noeske and Ric Marchese; and 14 grandchildren.  He was eagerly awaiting the arrival of his first great grandchild.  He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Agnes May Fisher.

A memorial service will take place 12:00 PM Saturday, January 15, 2022 at the Gaylord E-Free Church where visitation will begin at 11:00 AM. Interment at Gaylord’s Fairview Cemetery will take place in the spring.

Those who wish are asked to consider memorial contributions to the American Cancer Society at donate3.cancer.org or to the charity of their choice through Gaylord Community Funeral Home & Cremation Service, P.O. Box 249, Gaylord, MI  49734.

Arrangements are by Gaylord Community Funeral Home & Cremation Service.  Please share your memories and personal messages with the family at www.gaylordfuneralhome.com