Dan Boyda was an amazing man. He grew up in Sioux Falls, SD, born to James and Judith Boyda. He enrolled in the army after graduating and spent time serving until he was injured during service and than became 100% disabled in 1991. During the time serving he met Cheryl Davis and they fell in love and became married July 26th, 1986. He had three children, one son named Matthew, and two daughters named Alicia and Danielle. He was also a very proud grandfather and loved spending time playing with his grandkids.
He was proceeded in death by his parents James and Judith Boyda (Jimmy and Judy). He also had five siblings, one sister named DaLon, and four brothers named Jim, David, Jeff, and Joseph. As well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, and uncles who loved him dearly. He made many friends where ever he went as well.
He was an extremely dedicated husband, father, and grandfather, and loved life tremendously. He also was proud to have served his country, and spent many times telling stories about his service in the army. He loved to tell jokes and could always make someone laugh. Being around him was always a joy. He would do anything to help someone, he'd even give the shirt off his back. He was one of the kindest and most gentle men you'd ever meet.
He enjoyed spending time watching movies, playing video games with his kids, making model cars, and coloring pictures (basically anything to do with art). When he was well he loved fixing things and tearing things apart to see how they worked. He was storyteller and never ran out of things to say. He loved collecting eagle figurines. Also, he loved to read and do word searches.
During his life he struggled with many illnesses and physical problems. He was diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis Feb. 14th, 2002 and at that time was given approximately six years to live. He spent the following years up until his death in and out of the hospital with illnesses related to this disease. January 11th, 2008 he passed away due to pulmonary fibrosis, COPD, and pneumonia.
Before passing, it was made clear that he accepted Jesus into his heart as his Lord and personal Savior, and we know he's in heaven waiting for us until it's our turn to leave this earth. He's finally whole, no longer suffering, and a beautiful angel to us all.
Thank you to all the people who shared his life with us. We are so proud to have him as part of our life and he will never be forgotten.
We would love if you knew him personally for you to leave a message or story about him to keep his memory alive! Thank you!
