Everyone who crosses your path is there for a reason

“Everyone who crosses your path and comes into your life, no matter for how long or how short of time, is there for a reason.”

A dear friend of mine shared that concept with me years ago. The more people I meet, the more I believe this is true. It may take us a while to figure out the ‘why’ in the relationship and sometimes we may never truly understand.

My professional and personal relationships are increasingly putting me in the paths of those 20, 30 or more years my senior. Those connections are causing me to look more deeply for the answer to that elusive ‘why.’

Why? Because there is a greater sense of urgency knowing time doesn’t wait for anyone and our opportunities for connection may be limited.

I am forever grateful for having crossed paths with one man who helped me touch a piece of history, build new friendships and shared valuable life lessons.

Sadly, Keeping it REAL Caregiving is saying goodbye and offering condolences with the passing of Mr. Charles M. Boyett.

I introduced you to this charming and engaging man early in our journey.

Watch his story and read more about the unique connection between Mr. Boyett and how he helped my mother, Miss Nellie Yarbough.

I wanted to share with you [via his son] a bit more of his legacy. His kindness and enthusiasm for life and living – all the way to the end – should be an inspiration to us all.

Charles M. Boyett left this world on April 13, 2022 at the age of 92 in Chico, California.

A Graveside Celebration of Life Service will be held on__________ 2022 at ________. at Magnolia Springs Cemetery.

His medical issues in recent years showed his courage in still facing life with a smile, and earning accolades of being “the sweetest man” by all his nurses, care providers and people who crossed his path.

Charles was born to Monroe and Hortense Boyett on September 5, 1929 in Silsbee, TX. After a childhood of adventure living on a farm, fishing in his favorite fishing holes and hunting squirrels with his childhood dog, Lepp in his beloved East Texas, he graduated from Kirbyville High School, Kirbyville, Texas and joined the Air Force.

His adventures continued around the world from there, as he served as a Medic in the Korean and Vietnam Wars. He took pride in his work with polio patients that were transported in Iron Lungs and Prisoners of War as they returned home.

He met the love of his life of 47 years, Wanda Lee Jackson, while he was stationed at Travis Air Force Base, California. Together they raised 3 children, Jacqueline, Kathleen and Marc.

After retiring from the Air Force, he fulfilled a life long dream to get a college education and graduated from California State University, Sacramento.

With a degree in Psychology, he advanced from being a Correctional Officer at the California State Prison in Vacaville to being a Counselor at San Quentin Prison, eventually retiring with a second 20-year career with the State of California and lots of stories to tell!

Last but not least, he finished the working phase of his life with the California Conservation Corps/CCC-Cal Fire Center, recruiting young adults to serve and assisting many in building their literacy skills and obtaining their high school diplomas.

After his FINAL retirement and the loss of his wife, Wanda, in 2000, he traveled back and forth from California to Jasper, Texas yearly. He remarried, Penny Rowton, and cared for her until her passing in 2014.

Charles was raised in a Christian home and had a love for Jesus, reading his bible and other literature about biblical events and enjoyed gospel music. You often would hear him singing the old hymns, which was a part of the joy he carried in his heart.

Charles was soft-spoken and never had a harsh word to say about anyone. He was a hard working man, who loved his family and would always give a helping hand when asked.

Charles is predeceased by his wife’s, Wanda and Penny, his daughter, Jacqueline and granddaughter, Heather.

He is survived by his two sisters, Mattie Smith and JoAnn Cox; his daughter Kathleen Terry and son-in-law Butch; son, Marc Boyett and daughter in law Jenn; 8 grandchildren, 13 Great Grandchildren, 1 Great-great granddaughter and many nieces and nephews.

The world has lost a true gem with the passing of Mr. Boyett. I am thankful that fate put him in my path. He was wonderful and kind to my mother during their mutual time at a care facility. Because of that relationship, I also met his son and his wife, who have now become dear friends.

“Everyone who crosses your path and comes into your life, no matter for how long or how short of time, is there for a reason.”

Our deepest condolences to the entire Boyett family. Thank you for sharing your patriarch with all of us.

Until next time~

Julia