January 6, 1977 - January 29, 2013
In sight of the warm glow of Smith Rock, Charley (Chuck to friends) Boyd passed away at age 36 from Leukemia at his home in Terrebonne. His family was present to share his warm humor and company to the end. Charley was born in Salem, Oregon, but lived most of his life in Tumalo and Terrebonne. He was a great grandson of Charles and Anna Boyd, early pioneers in Bend. Charley graduated from Redmond High school in 1995 where he was an award winning editor of the student newspaper. One of his first jobs was caregiver at Chimps Inc. Working with the chimps and staff became a life-long labor of love. He married the other love of his life, Rita Lage, in 2005 and settled on an acreage near Smith Rock. Charley enjoyed the outdoors, his dogs, his pig, hiking and landscaping his acreage. His warped sense of humor kept those around him smiling. He is survived by his wife, Rita, his brothers, John Charles Boyd and wife Jessica of Redmond, James William Boyd and wife Misook of New Orleans, parents, Charles William and Bonnie McKean Boyd of Tumalo and five nieces and nephews. A memorial gathering will be scheduled at a later date.
It was Charley's wish that any memorial contributions be made to Chimps Incorporated, PO Box 6973, Bend, OR 97708, or www.chimps-inc.com.
