Victor Carlisle Boyce

Victor Carlisle Boyce was born on December 28, 1923 the only child of Alain Gordon Boyce and Harold Austin. He was born in Bridgetown, on the lovely island of Barbados. Alain later married Jim Foster Jones their marriage produced 11 children. His father Harold married Lottie Shurland, their marriage produced 3 children. Victor was the eldest of 14 siblings. Victor was raised by both his parents, but spent many of his days with his Grandfather, Edward Augustus Austin; who was a strict disciplinarian; he expected excellence and taught him how to be a respect worthy man, who valued God and family.

Victor attended Wesley Hall Junior Primary and the Combermere Secondary Schools, and later studied at the University of Oxford in London, England. He was an excellent student, he loved sports, debating politics, and spending time with his mother, brothers and sisters. As a young man, Victor played cricket and football for the Empire and Spartan clubs. His favorite pastime was physiculture, the art of acrobatics and lifting. He was very handy with his hands and loved to build and grow things. He was an avid tennis player. When Victor graduated from Combemere, he was employed by the Barbados Government and attained the position of Senior Civil Servant. His tenure in civil service attained him the privilege of becoming Director of the Barbados Mental Hospital during the late 1950’s. Victor met and Married Pearl Iona Babb and their marriage of 38 years produced 3 children Jeanette, Gerald and Andre. On December 14th, 1963, Victor and his family migrated to the United States, the family settled in Brooklyn, New York. This was a significant turning point for the family and a new adventure. Victor immediately found work, went back to school, studied to become an Architectural Draftsman, and worked for a company that designed Madison Square Garden in NYC. Victor continued his education. In later life, Victor chose a profession of Salesmanship and became a Senior Agent for the Equitable Life Assurance Company. During this time, Victor and Pearl divorced.

On June 14th 1988, Victor married his girlfriend Audrey Yvonne St. Valle along with her two daughters Pat and Margaret. This was both their second marriages. Victor finally retired from the Equitable in December of 1988 after 25-years of service. Victor and Audrey moved to New Port Richey, Florida. Victor’s love of family kicked into high gear once again. Pat, Audrey’s eldest daughter’s children, Christopher, Adam and Dawn became Victor’s focus. He spent many days teaching them how to become citizens of the world. He enjoyed taking them to school, helping them with their homework, taking them to the beach and on cruises. He would spend lots of time playing Dominoes with Margaret on weekends. Victor enjoyed the simple life, he spent many of his days gardening, doing cross-word puzzles, reading, watching television, and taking his wife to work. For exercise he joined a bowling team. Victor’s senior years were spent contently, and simply. Victor peacefully left us while he slept on Saturday November 9th at Life Care of New Port Richey he was 89 years young.

Victor is predeceased by his first wife Pearl, his sons Gerald and Andre Boyce. His brothers Percy Jones, Frank and Sidney Austin .

He is survived by his wife Audrey of 25 years. Daughters Jeanette McPherson, Pat and Margaret St. Valle, Daughter-in-law Dr. Joy Church-Boyce. His brothers and sisters: Gordon, George, Kenrick, Henderson, Mike Jones and Edmund Austin. Verna Gooding, Ardyce Bolden, Cerlene Batson, Teckla Evanson and Deanna Woodrow. Grand-children: Christine McPherson-Smith, Ashia Boyce, Christopher, Adam and Dawn St. Valle. Great-Grandchildren: Tyrique and Tyriee St. Valle, Celina Smith. Brothers-in-law: Rev. Ludwick Eugene Gooding, Horace Kennedy, Rudolph and Cyril Hayde. Sisters-in-law: Enid Kennedy, Eureka Hayde, Cloretta, Freddi and Verna Jones. He will also be missed by a host of nieces, nephews, loving friends, and the St Hill family.