John William Boydstun passed away Jan. 11, 2008, ending a long period of declining health. As a long time McCall, Idaho, resident, Johnny, as he was affectionately known to many, was born the first child to Pearl and Neal Boydstun in Kent, Wash., Nov. 9, 1919. While his education continued throughout his life, his early formal training was via the public school system in McCall, where he attended the Lardo School. He graduated from Ballard High School in Seattle, Wash., and attended Links School of Business in Boise for two years. As an employee at Mountain Home Air Force Base, John served as an airplane mechanic during World War II. At the conclusion of the conflict, he worked from Landmark, Idaho, where he maintained the road between Stibnite and Warm Lake, allowing the ore trucks to operate year-round. In 1950 he returned to McCall, building a Mobil service station across from the former Shore Lodge, operating it for a number of years. For the next six years John worked in various road construction jobs in the summer, returning to McCall in the winter to manage the Little Ski Hill. When Brundage Mountain Ski Area was being constructed in 1961, John was Manager of Mountain Operations, installing and maintaining the lifts, snow cats and other equipment, as well as managing the other staff. He served in this role for 27 years until his retirement in 1988. The relationship with his family is an important theme in his life. John and his wife of 64 years, the former Virginia Cooper of Emmett, Idaho, were married Oct. 8, 1943, in Fruitland, Idaho. Their son Barry and daughter Patricia (Hovdey) were their delight. The introduction of Patty's children, Eric and Anna, into the family brought all the privileges of grandparenthood. Throughout his life he has taken great interest and pride in the life and accomplishments of family members. John exhibited an interest in travel, including two trips to Alaska, others to New England, Nova Scotia, and throughout the western United States. The small motor home provided many hours of satisfaction and meaning. Perhaps the largest travel event of his life was attending the 1972 Olympics in Sapporo, Japan. Another major lifelong interest was "fixing things" -- be it a ski lift, coffeepot, or automobile. Being an accomplished welder and woodcrafter as well as problem solver extraordinaire, he was continuously improving on the products in his life. The Masonic affiliation was prominent all of his adult life, and includes: Payette Lakes Lodge #91 and Ionic Lodge #82, 50-year member and past master; Red Cross of the Constantine; Royal Arch Mason, 50-year member; Valeria Chapter #76 Order of the Eastern Star; and Shrine. John was a lifelong member of the Congregational Church, serving in a variety of offices and committees over the years. John is survived by his wife Virginia of McCall, son Barry (Patty) of Boise, daughter Patty (Dean) Hovdey, grandchildren Eric and Anna Hovdey, all of McCall, and brother Robert (Marvel) Boydstun of Boise. John was preceded in death by his youngest brother Jimmy. On behalf of John, the family wishes to thank Dr. David Burica for the outstanding health care and exceptional judgment rendered during his illness. Memorials may be sent to his two favorite local charities: Little Ski Hill, P.O. Box 442, McCall, ID 83638; Boydstun Hovdey Ski Heritage Scholarship, P.O. Box 38, McCall, ID 83638. Funeral services are planned for 11 a.m., Saturday, Jan. 19, 2008, at the Community Congregational Church, 901 First Street, McCall, Idaho, officiated by Reverend Charlottie Havlicak. A reception at the church will follow interment at McCall Cemetery. Services are under the direction of the Heikkila Funeral Chapel, McCall.
Published in the Idaho Statesman on 1/16/2008.