Boyd Q. Radcliffe

On Saturday, September 26, 2020, Boyd Quarles Radcliffe, Jr., passed away peacefully of natural causes at the age of 90, surrounded by his children at Agrace Hospice in Fitchburg, WI. On a wintery Tuesday, January 14, 1930, in Neenah, Wisconsin, Boyd Quarles Radcliffe, Jr., was born the second child (and only son) to Frances “Fanny” Beatrice Elyard Radcliffe Rohe and Boyd Q. Radcliffe, Sr. Alongside his older sister, Phyllis, Boyd was raised in Neenah, Wisconsin, by his mother, Fanny, and maternal grandmother, Marietta. His father, Boyd, Sr., was a career musician, who traveled throughout the United States. Boyd developed a love of music from his father and played the clarinet in the Neenah High School marching band, where he attended from the years 1945 through 1949. After graduation, Boyd joined the military and proudly served his country as a paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne Division of the U.S. Army. His active duty spanned the Korean War era from May 15, 1951 – May 14, 1953. He remained in the reserves for several years following. Boyd was employed at Miller Electric Company in Appleton, WI as a Machine Operator from May 30, 1972 until his retirement on March 1, 1994; marking nearly 22 years of service. Boyd loved his family and could often be found fishing with his son, daughters and grandchildren; celebrating birthdays, holidays and various family occasions; chopping wood and hunting at his cabin; participating in his tribe’s annual homecoming; or enjoying one of his favorite pastimes of sharing stories from days gone by. Besides his love of family, Boyd was most proud of his Native American heritage and was an involved member of his tribe, The Brothertown Indian Nation (Eyamquittowauconuck). Boyd faithfully participated as an elder to the tribe in the Veteran Color Guard. He represented the tribe in the annual Appleton Flag Day parade, and is featured on the home page of their website. (www.brothertownindians.org) Boyd is survived by his eldest daughter and primary care giver, Katie Radcliffe (Waunakee, WI) who lovingly devoted the last several years to ensuring her father lived his remaining days in comfort and peace; his beloved son, Robert J. Radcliffe (Candace)(Marion, WI); youngest daughter, Shawn Page (Erin Hynum) (Madison, WI); and stepdaughter, Julie Hamby (Steve)(Kent, WA). He is further survived by his niece, Pamela Mattern Harris; his grandchildren: Ryan Blietz (Melissa), Benjamin Blietz, Stephanie Gordon, Eric Radcliffe, Johnathan Radcliffe, Cheryl Dickerson, Jill Dickerson, Alexander Leitmannstetter (Sarah), Liam Sunde, Kyle Bennin, Brianna Radcliffe, Megan Radcliffe, and Morgan Radcliffe; along with fourteen (14) great-grandchildren. Boyd was preceded in death by his parents, Frances and Boyd; his sister, Phyllis; his brother-in-law and friend, Richard; and his treasured Uncle Bob. Due to current COVID-19 restrictions, a celebration of life will be held privately at a later date. The family would like to thank Candace Miller, Laurie Miller, Rich Yoshida, Right at Home-Waunakee and Agrace Hospice in Fitchburg. Their expertise and tender support helped make his last days comfortable and dignified. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Boyd’s name may be given to Brothertown Indian Nation. (www.brothertownindians.org) Donations can be forwarded to the tribe’s Paypal Account: brothertowntreas@brothertownindians.org Two of the tribes whose people made up the original Brothertown were the Mohegan and the Pequot. Their language, though nearly lost, is being slowly revived and is what Brothertown Indian Nation recognizes as its primary ancestral language. Nuwacônumumun yoht wáci napukak. Anunkush wupômsháwôkuwuk. Wi papômshô! (We keep a fire for the dead. It helps them on their journey. Journey well!)