Leroy George Boies

Leroy George Boies, 81, died March 4, 2012, at his home in Wasilla with his family by his side.

Funeral services honoring Leroy were March 9 at The Soldier’s Chapel on Fort Richardson. Leroy was buried at Fort Richardson National Cemetery with full honors following the service.

He was born on Nov. 7, 1930, in Ewing, Neb.

Following his military service, Leroy moved to Alaska in the 1950s and homesteaded in the Lake Otis area. During his military service he earned the rank of sergeant E5 with the U.S. Army Infantry. He was awarded two Purple Heart Medals, the Korean Service Medal with three Bronze Service Stars, United Nations Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal and a Good Conduct Medal. He was a member of the American Legion.

Leroy joined the International Association of Bridge, Structural and Ornamental Iron Workers Local 751 in the early 1950s. In 1956, he became a member of the Teamsters Union Local 959, and during his career he worked as a longshoreman on the docks of Anchorage and as a commercial truck driver, retiring in 1977.

Leroy enjoyed gardening and yard work. Throughout the summer months his flowerbeds were always in full bloom. His begonia and fuchsia hanging baskets were beautiful and recently, he was famous for his tomatoes.

During his retirement he repaired and sold cars. He enjoyed visiting with friends. You would often find Leroy (dressed in his famous overalls) and the guys out in his garage leaning over an old car, talking things over.

His sense of humor and ability to make others laugh was legendary. He had many friends and often bestowed upon his friends personal nicknames. He would help anyone in need and was known for his generosity.

He was dedicated and committed to his family and enjoyed family gatherings. He was known for his courage and strength. People often said, “Your dad is the strongest, toughest person I’ve ever known. He has grit.”

When his grandchildren visited, one of their fondest memories is grandpa’s famous ice cream cones.

Surviving are his son, Leroy George Boies Jr.; daughters, Jennifer Marie Coughlin, Debra Morris (Glenn) and Denise Morris (William Jr.); seven grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.

Preceding him in death was his daughter, Valerie Ann Smith; father, William James Boies; mother, Sylvia Lucille Kiefer-Boies; and brother, James Boies.