John Richard Boase

John Richard Boase, 87 of Kalamazoo, Michigan passed in peace with his family at his side the evening of Sunday, June 16th, 2024. John was born in Rockford, Illinois, on July 17, 1936 the son of Chelsea and Harriett Boase. John was preceded in death by his wife, Joyce.

John graduated from Purdue University with degrees in Mechanical and Industrial Engineering. John and Joyce met after college and were married on New Year’s Eve of 1960. Together they had three children; Brad (Doretta) of Delton, Michigan, Susan (Bob) of New Canaan, Connecticut and David (Lori) of Greer, South Carolina. In addition to his children John is survived by his two grandchildren, Danielle (Avery) of Durham, North Carolina and Jennie of Raleigh, North Carolina and several very close and loving nieces and nephews. 

John’s career path followed his love and training in engineering. He started at Rockford based, Sundstrand Aviation, where he worked for 22 years, he then relocated to Kalamazoo in 1981 for a position as Vice President of Quality Control for National Waterlift, which eventually became Parker Hannifin. His work allowed him to travel the world, which he very much enjoyed.

John and Joyce were members of the Kalamazoo Country Club, where beyond his family and his work, golf became a passion and where he met many dear friends. Every year John looked forward to his annual fishing trip to Canada with his life-long friends. After retirement at Parker Hannifin, John became a volunteer docent at the Kalamazoo Air Zoo where he served for over 20 years.

A celebration of life is planned for John’s family. Donations may be made in John’s memory to the American Brain Foundation.