Boyd LaRayne Stock's Obituary
Boyd LaRayne Stock
September 25, 1927- February 8, 2020
On February 8, 2020 Boyd LaRayne Stock passed away, or as we view it, he regained his wings and flew from his earthly existence into spiritual joy. Boyd was born on September 25, 1927 and lived a happy, healthy, active life through the end of his eighties. After declining health and loss of mobility, at the age of 92 Boyd was blessed to pass peacefully in his sleep while in his bed at Country Home Assisted Living in Bountiful Utah. It is simply impossible to sum up such an incredible man in a few short paragraphs. Our father has always been the epitome of love, humility and kindness. Dad was never one to boast of his accomplishments, so much so that his children did not even know many of the earthy recognitions he had earned. In honoring our father, we attempt to piece together at least a small glimpse of the man we are so fortunate to call Dad.
At a young age during his summer breaks from elementary school, Boyd learned to work long and hard ranching. He was taught to do all the jobs in the haying operation from irrigating alfalfa fields, mowing when mature, raking when cured, then hauling and stacking. Boyd also milked cows by hand and learned the skills of sheepherding. Working alongside his Grandfather, Uncle, and Cousins, Boyd found joy during some of the most formative years of his life. He did such work on the farm with horses as a “teamster” before the use of tractors came along and hand milking was replaced by machines.
Boyd followed this motto of hard work throughout his life. In high school he enrolled in an aircraft engines course where he learned to assemble and run several different types of aircraft engines. Many examples of his love for aviation are depicted through his life from flying planes to even building a small aircraft with his brother-in-law. On June 25, 1945 Boyd enlisted in the Navy Air Corps, it is stated in his personal history that “Boyd was one of twelve young men sent to San Francisco for aptitude and physical exams, he was the only one of the twelve to pass.” (What?! We never knew this…) Boyd then reported for active duty leaving his home in Salt Lake City Utah for Memphis Tennessee where he completed boot training. Boyd went on to the Naval Air Technical Training Center in Norman Oklahoma where he was trained in aviation mechanics. World War II ended just 2 weeks before he was up to leave, at this point Boyd chose to go into the reserves rather than continue on active duty. Boyd was assigned to a Utility Squadron in San Diego, California where for the next six moths there was little to do but sweep hangers and clean airplanes. In August of 1946 Boyd was sent to Bremerton, Washington for an honorable discharge. Boyd later after marrying enrolled in the Air Force ROTC program. On May 2, 1951, Boyd was commissioned a 2nd Lt. in the Airforce Reserve.
Dad’s faith in Our Savior Jesus Christ has always been very dear to him. Once Boyd was on leave from active duty in the Air Force, still single then, he chose to serve a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. In 1946 Boyd was called and served a fulltime mission in the East Central States. Shortly upon returning home Boyd located a young sister missionary, Neva Wright, whom he became briefly acquainted while they were both serving for the LDS Church of Jesus Christ in Maryland. Boyd was very much impressed with Neva and they kept contact by corresponding through letter writing for more than a year. On June 8, 1949 Boyd married this beautiful woman, Neva Wright, in the Idaho Falls Temple. They spent 18 beautiful years together and had 3 amazing children; Douglas W. Stock, Alan W. Stock, and Janet Stock.
Once married, Boyd did not stop with his desires to learn. He soon had graduated with honors with a Bachelor of Science in agriculture from Utah State University. Boyd then went on to attended Colorado State University where he received his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in 1957. Dad’s professional work led the family to Midland, Michigan where he took a job with Dow Chemical Company. It was while living in Michigan that Dad’s beloved wife Neva’s life was taken. Neva was killed due to a fatal automobile accident. Then widowed, it did not take Boyd long to realize that living alone and trying to fill the void in the family’s life was out of the question. Our father prayed earnestly and was guided through spirit to a woman he’d become acquainted with through church interaction. He had met our mother, Kathleen Sant Stock (Kathy Allen at the time), while she was a newly married ward member of the Midland Michigan First Ward, where Boyd was serving as Bishop. Kathy had since moved from the area and ended up divorcing her 1st husband, was living in SLC trying to get back to her schooling. Boyd learned of Kathy’s divorce which had occurred within the same time period as the loss of his wife Neva. He followed his spiritual impressions to track Kathy down, Boyd and Kathy were well acquainted and had a mutual respect for one another but never officially dated before getting married. A few details behind their story; Boyd found and called Kathy’s father Arthur Sant who was residing in Whitehall Montana, a man Boyd had never met to that point. Dad told our Grandpa of his impressions of marrying Kathy and asked if he would help him to contact Kathy, which he did. Boyd and Kathy were married on July 5, 1967 in Bancroft, Idaho having made all the arrangements by telephone. On March 25, 1969 Boyd and Kathy were sealed together for all eternity in the Salt Lake City Temple, daughters Julie and Kim were also sealed to them that day. The love story of Boyd and Kathy is nothing short of Divine. Boyd and Kathy were loving partners on earth for 51 years. We know their spiritual reunion was beyond joyful! Although mom’s health was failing and she was 15 years younger than Dad, it appeared to us that Dad would go first. However, being the true gentleman that Dad was, he waited for her to transition before him. As much as it broke his heart, he didn’t want her to suffer physically or emotionally any longer. We now know this was God’s will through many impressions. We also feel her spirit free from the physical limitations, dancing in her ability to be in all places with many loved ones which now includes her love and life partner, our father, they are finally together without limitations of the physical body.
This is a highlight of but a few of our father’s earthly accomplishments, some of the details his children never knew of!! From his children’s perspective Dad lived his life dedicated to God, his family, working hard to provide for his family, and taking time to enjoy fun activities with them. Dad’s dedication to our Savior Jesus Christ and his desire to pattern his life after Him through family and church service was apparent in how father spent his time on earth through the end. Dad patterned his life after our Savior Jesus Christ, HE who defined Love through His earthly ministry. Dad’s presence spoke volumes word could not express, he taught by example with his love for family and all. At the mention of Boyd’s name comments of his humility, kindness, ultimate love, generosity, and his endurance through the end followed. What an example he left us as a guide!
Boyd is survived by his sons; Douglas Stock, Alan (Cheri) Stock, and Gary (Lindsay) Stock and Daughters; Janet Stock, Julie Stock, Kim Stock Muir (Ken), Leslie Stock.
The family wishes to also thank the loving service provided through Dignity Home Health Hospice, Country Home Assisted Living of Bountiful Utah, and the Mueller Park 9th ward members. This along with countless other family, friends and members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who have loved and assisted them throughout the earthly travels of our Mother and Father.
Funeral services will be held Friday February 21, 2020 at the Bountiful Mueller Park Stake Center located on 1800 Mueller Park Rd. Bountiful Utah at 1:00 pm (viewing at 12:00 pm). The burial will take place at the Bountiful City Cemetery, 2224 South 200 West. The Bountiful 9th Ward members will afterward serve a light dinner at approximately 3:00 pm following the burial and dedication of the gravesite.
**To get to the services take 1800 south to 1800 East in Bountiful. The church house is in Mueller Park Canyon.
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