Richard Lynn Boynton was born and raised in Eastern Oregon; he moved to Salem, Oregon as a teenager. He was the oldest of three sons of Pauline and Vane Boynton. He had numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. He attended Willamette Unversity for three years, graduated from Oregon State School of Pharmacy in 1958.
He married Jean Van Valkenburgh while in college. They were married for 27 years and remained friends after the divorce. They had three children: Jennifer, Lee, and Tom. Dick took great pride and enjoyment in his family. The last few years, Dick had a special relationship with Janet Nevin that was also a source of much pleasure.
Dick lived in Coos Bay for 27 years where he was a pharmacist, manager and partner in Empire Rexall Drug Store. He felt much empathy for his customers and appreciated many long-term friendships. He was also a member and past elder in the Presbyterian Church.
Writing, especially poetry, was Dick's life-long choice of self-expression. His poetry has been published extensively.
He was a voracious reader, especially enjoying the classics, history, other poets and fiction writers. He kept abreast with current events, was an avid sports fan, enjoyed playing golf and chess, walking and nature. He was a well-rounded individual.
Dick actively participated in John Noland's writing classes at Southwestern Oregon Community College for many years, in local poetry groups, and in various writing workshops. He was a member of the Oregon Poetry Association and on the Oregon Council for the Arts committee.
Dick died of cancer in July 1987 at the age of 52. He died with dignity, integrity and acceptance of what is. The memory of his gentleness, kindness, sensitivity, intellectual ability, sense of humor, dependability, his easy laughter and quiet love is "fixed in amber" for his family and friends.
This collection of poetry is a tribute to the special being who expressed himself though the body of Richard Boynton.