Robert Leo Boies, Jr.
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Robert Leo Boies, Jr. of Durango, CO with his angel wings in full flight danced into heaven on Saturday, August 1, 2020, at age 73, after losing his battle with cancer. Robert was born on Friday, January 3, 1947 in Phoenix, AZ to Robert L. Boies, Sr. and Virginia Catherine Boies. After the Boies family moved to Long Beach, CA Robert and his siblings, Roberta and Edward, moved on to grow their own families in Southern California.
As a child Robert worked at his Father's Sign Business, excelled in Ballroom Dance, and after High School he and his Best Friend, Dennis Taylor from Bayfield, CO, joined the Marines and both went to Vietnam representing the United States and becoming the best of the best as Marine Corps Veterans. Semper Fi! Robert went on to open "Mr. Robert's Dance Studio" in Orange County, CA.
On Friday, March 20, 1992 "First Day of Spring" (a very lucky rainy day) he married his Best Friend, Patricia (Patsy) A. Carey in Orange County, CA. She reflects fondly calling him "My Wonderful Robert" because of his humorous, witty, kind and gentle soul. In 1993 they moved to Durango, CO and opened two businesses: "Dancin' With Robert" and "Wallace Sleep 'n Comfort Company." Early on Robert became a member of Kiwanis of the Narrow Gauge and was elected Lt. Governor for the Rocky Mountain District 1999-2000. As a couple, they taught Ballroom Dance, volunteered on the Snowdown Hot Air Balloon Rally, and with much pride became Assistant Choreographers at Durango High School later being recognized as Honorary Thespians.
His Nephew, Jim Goodrich, was particularly close to Robert while growing up as noted in the following personal message:
"My Uncle Bob was four years older than me which made him more like a big brother than an Uncle. He was a kind human and a hard worker who always set a good example for me.
A year after he returned from Vietnam and I had finished high school, I began referring to him as R.L. That same year we wintered in Mammoth Lakes, California where he worked as a gondola operator on the Mountain and I skied every day, while subletting to 16 people in a large leased cabin allowing us to thrive in the community.
When I was around 12 years old, a highlight of R.L.'s support was when he called me about a try out needing three kids to be Alvin and the Chipmunks in a Christmas Show being held at Call's Fine Arts studio where he was a big player. And, through his tutelage I ended up getting the part of Alvin, which launched my career in the entertainment business. I'm grateful for R.L.'s support and belief in me throughout the years we spent together and on the phone.
R.L. will be sorely missed by those fortunate enough to have known him and he leaves a huge empty spot in all our hearts. From Love, J~"
Robert is survived by his Wife, Patsy; his Sister, Roberta Walker of Palmdale, CA; his Daughter, Terri Lynn Metter of Marathon, FL; Son, Robert S. Boies, of California; Two Grandchildren who lovingly call him "Grandpa Bobert", Nicole Pastorino of Dundee, MI and Maxine Metter of Marathon, FL; Three Great Grandchildren, Harper Rose Pastorino, Graham Joseph Pastorino and Evie Lynn Pastorino of Dundee, MI; and, 25 Nieces and 18 Nephews.
Robert L. Boies, Jr. will be buried at Miramar National Cemetery in San Diego, CA in September 2020. Donations in Robert's name can be made to the La Plata County Humane Society, 1111 South Camino Del Rio, Durango, CO 81303. (970) 259-2847 "https://lpchumanesociety.org/"