J. Boyer Jarvis
June 1, 1923 - March 28, 2019
University of Utah Professor of Communications Emeritus J. Boyer Jarvis died peacefully at his home in Salt Lake City on March 28, 2019. He was born in Springville, Utah, on June 1, 1923, the first of eight children, to Mildred Boyer and Joseph S. Jarvis. He was married on December 17, 1955 to Patricia Ann Potts. He graduated from Mesa (Arizona) Union High School in 1941, earned a B.A. from the University of Arizona in 1947, an M.A. from Arizona State University in 1950, and a Ph.D. from Northwestern University in 1958. He was awarded an honorary Doctor of Humanities degree by the University of Utah in 1989.
He was an Instructor in Speech at the University of Arizona, 1950-52, and at Dartmouth College, 1954-55. He was Special Assistant to the U.S. Commissioner of Education in Washington, D.C., 1961-62.
During his 32 years as a University of Utah faculty member, Boyer was assigned to a series of administrative positions, including Assistant Dean of the College of Letters and Science, Associate Program Director of KUED, Assistant to the President and Administrator of the University Theatre, Dean of the Summer School, Dean of Admissions and Registration, and Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs.
Boyer dedicated his life to education, the arts, human rights, international peace and social justice. He was committed to equality and to leveling the playing field for all people, and promoting the safety, health and wellbeing of children. He served on numerous volunteer boards, including Voices for Utah Children, Utah Heritage Foundation, United Nations Association of Utah, NAACP Salt Lake Branch, ACLU of Utah, and the Salt Lake Chapter of Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays. From 1976 to 1991, he was a member of the Salt Lake City Public Library Board of Directors. In 2006, he served as Grand Marshal of the Utah Pride Parade; and he received the Governor’s Award in the Humanities in 2009. In 2012, he received the YWCA Salt Lake City Honorary Outstanding Achievement Award, the first and only man to receive that honor, reserved for women. Most recently, he was the treasurer for the Gandhi Alliance for Peace.
Boyer’s grandchildren remember him as an outstanding tickle monster and chess instructor, as well as an enthusiastic cross-country, scenic-byway, road-trip driver.
Boyer is survived by his wife, Pat; son Seth N. Jarvis (Susie); son Nathan Y. Jarvis (Michaela); daughter MaryBeth Jarvis Clark; grandchildren Jakob Jarvis (Kirstyn), Maria Drummond (Tamarra), Heidi Lowder (Josh), Thomas Jarvis (Keala), Nicholas Jarvis, Adam Jarvis, Sarah Clark, and Madeline Clark; great-grandchildren Rudy, Julia, Michaela, Hazel, Skyler, and Jake; siblings Kenneth Jarvis, John Jarvis (Pat), George Jarvis (Jan), Jesse Jarvis (Patricia), and Susann Jarvis. Preceded in death by brothers Wesley Jarvis and Jarrett Jarvis.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday June 1 at 11:00 a.m. at Hillside Middle School, 1825 S. Nevada Street. The family will be present to greet visitors at 10:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, please donate in Boyer’s memory to any of the organizations listed above, or to your favorite organization that promotes education, arts, peace, human rights, social justice, and equality.
In Loving Memory
Dear Pat - Just a note to say we are sorry for your loss. We didn't know Boyer, but he sounds like a wonderful man. Thinking of you and remembering the good times we had together on the Vulga River cruise in 1992. Take care - Ann and Earl Harmer
Ann Harmer Jepsn and Earl Harmer Jr.
Draper, Ut
Pat -- One of my wonderful mentors was Frank McKean, who in turn was mentored by Boyer. I was heartsick to see Boyer's obituary, because he was such a stalwart for so many who needed staunch advocacy beyond their own ability to defend against prejudice, want, and ignorance. He was the better angel, personified. I am so very grateful for the friendship he extended to me, and for his steady and constant determination that any group or effort of which he was a part should be about the business of "doing the right thing." In Boyer's mind, there was no difference between the right thing and the smart thing. Boyer was a brilliant intellect, and thank heavens, the word "expedient" was not part of his vocabulary or character. Part of the reason the obituary still depresses me is that I'm not at all sure he has a surviving peer. I deeply regret that I won't be able to attend the memorial service next week, but I want you to know that you and Boyer are friends for whom I have great admiration and affection.
David R. Irvine
Bountiful, UT
I had the great privilege of joining Boyer at Martha Stewart’s regular luncheon for a time. I was young and didn’t initially realize what a giant in the community I was sharing waffles with. Boyer always made sure to introduce me to the guests as though I was someone important. He was so gracious. His strong, booming voice was easy on the ears and always sincere, thoughtful and used in service to others. It’s an honor to have known him and to have been in his presence. Our deepest condolences to Pat, Seth, Nathan and MaryBeth. With Love, Jason, Holly and Harper Yocom
Jason Yocom
Salt Lake City, UT
We met Boyer at our first PFLAG meeting in October 1999. We were new "raw" PFLAG parents. With support from Gary and Joe Watts and Boyer and many others we began to navigate this new normal. I have so much respect for Boyer and his continuous commitment to make things better for others. He was a remarkable man. As we were leaving the beautiful services for him today, several people were commenting that Boyer made you want to be a better person. Thank you for sharing him with us. Shauna and Lynn Westberg
Shauna Westberg
Salt Lake City, Ut
I had the honor of serving as Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs at the University of Utah from 2000 to 2011. Boyer had also served in that position, though by my time it took more than one of us to cover all the responsibilities that Boyer had handled himself. The highest compliment that Senior Vice President David Pershing could give me during my years was that something I'd done was the best job he'd seen since Boyer Jarvis was AVP. I treasure those compliments.
Susan Olson
SALT LAKE CITY, UT