We are deeply saddened by the unexpected death of John Austin Cheley Foundation trustee and former Board Chair John Boylan who passed away suddenly on July 3 at the age of 52. Our hearts extend to the Boylan family and the many who knew and loved John.
During his time on the Board, John served as treasurer before taking up the challenge of leading the Board, a position he held with great dignity and composure from 2015 until 2018. I was honored to work very closely with John during his time as Chair and knew him to be honorable, dedicated, passionate and loyal. John helped to guide our organization through a time of transition and was a present and steadying influence. Ever positive, John’s calm and fun-loving demeanor brightened my day and brought enthusiasm and joy to all who he met.
Among his many interests, John loved the outdoors and enjoyed traveling, fishing and hunting with friends and family, but was most passionate about the mission of JACF. When asked to share his ‘mission moment’ recently, John reflected,
I’ve found it so inspiring each time we are able to hear directly from, and
personally visit with, JACF campers. These young people are so capable, and willing to share their gratitude for working to provide them with such a life changing experience. When you hear first hand how this work positively affects their lives, it can bring you to tears. Tears of joy for finally finding work worthy of unconditionally giving to.
John once told me that his mother always said that surrounding yourself with good people will make your life infinitely better. John was exactly that, a good person. And I believe that our lives and the lives of the young people that John worked to serve through JACF have been made infinitely better for knowing him.
John Boylan: 1966 – 2019
We will miss John and his caring spirit deeply. A celebration of John’s life will be held on Thursday, July 11, at Geo. H. Lewis & Sons Funeral Directors, 1010 Bering Drive, Houston, TX 77057, beginning at 1:00 p.m. Memories can be shared at https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/houston-tx/john-boylan-8772865.
Sincerely,
Tim Lucas
Executive Director
I traveled to Denver with John when he had a JACF Board meeting in October 2018. He was so passionate about the mission of the JACF. It was a pleasure to meet several of his fellow board members when we were in Denver. I know how much you all meant to him. This is a lovely way to remember John.