Obituary of Donald Clifford Boyles

Donald Clifford Boyles passed away peacefully December 9, 2023 after a long struggle with COPD and heart valve issues. He was born Sept 27, 1945 to Thomas Richard Boyles and Christina Jane Carlson in North Bend, Oregon. He was the youngest of 3 boys. His father, mother and middle brother, Robert Edward Boyles preceded him in death. Donald whose nickname was "Kip" grew up in Winchester Bay, Oregon and attended Pioneer Grade School and Reedsport High School. He worked on his Dad's commercial fishing boat the Polaris during the summer months. In February 1963 he entered the Navy. He re-enlisted aboard the USS Topeka July 1965. He trained to become a Navy Seal and served in the River Assault Flotilla One. He was with the Brown Water Navy group in the Mekong Delta. As part of the Mobile Riverine Force he received the Presidential Unit Citation of Extraordinary Heroism. Other medals included a Bronze Star with Combat "V" and Vietnam Armed Forces MUC Gallantry Cross. He was Honorably Discharged after 10 years of service in April 1973 at Whidbey Island, WA. After leaving the Navy he returned to Oregon where he met his wife, Vickie, in 1975. They were married April 1977 and had 46 wonderful years together. No children were born to this union but lots of love was poured into 3 Cocker Spaniels and 2 Springer Spaniels over the course of their marriage. Don worked for Tektronix from Sept 1977 to Dec 2008 in sales training and television products. He traveled extensively teaching and writing training programs during the 1980's and 90's. A favorite destination was Amsterdam. When he wasn't working he loved to read and had an extensive library of books from all genres. His favorite collection was the Civil War years and he was well versed about that time in history. A favorite trip was made to Gettysburg in 2014. When it came to music he loved the Oldies, Rock and Roll and Country. Other hobbies were researching his family history of Sweden and Ireland. His great grandfather, Carl Johan Carlson came over from Sweden and settled in Astoria, Oregon where he was Captain on sternwheelers including The Harvest Queen. Other hobbies included camping, playing golf, Yahtzee, Jigsaw Puzzles and the occasional Casino for Slots. He had a great sense of humor and you could never be too sure if he said something serious or was teasing you. He loved working in his yard and landscaping. Evenings by the fire pit under the gazebo roasting marshmallows with his wife and fur babies was his Нарру Place. Don is survived by his wife Vickie (Thomas), his older brother Thomas Victor Boyles (Adele), nieces, nephews and cousins on his Mother's side who treated him as an older brother. He will be interred in the mausoleum at Valley Memorial Cemetery, Hillsboro, OR. A Celebration of Life for family and friends will be held at a later date in 2024. In lieu of flowers please donate to the American Lung Association or the Vietnam Veterans Association.