On April 20, 2023, we unexpectedly lost our brightest and warmest light, Diane Adele Boyd. Born April 2, 1946, to Frank and Cordelia Bryson in Sedro-Woolley, Washington, Diane called Darrington her home and family for most of her life.
Diane graduated from Darrington High School in 1964 and attended Multnomah University for two years before her husband of 57 years, Robert (Bob) Boyd, convinced her to marry him and make a home filled with love, friendship and the smell of fresh baked pies. Together Diane and Bob raised three children, Ryan (Laresa), Jennifer (Jon Chambers) and Lindsay (Rich Morris). To her six grandchildren, Cassidy Boyd, Haley Chambers, Natalie Boyd, Avery Chambers, Caden Morris and Olivia Morris, she was known as Oma.
It’s impossible to describe the impact Diane had on her family and community. She brought so much creativity and energy to everything she touched. To us she was Martha Stewart before Martha Stewart was a celebrity; she was a community builder before community builders were a thing. She did all these things gracefully, most of the time in the background. She never found a challenge she wasn’t willing to take on. She never saw an opportunity she could pass up (e.g. a balloon business, an embroidery business, yardwork business, cleaning business, etc.) Once she identified an opportunity, she created a business and employed every able-bodied youth in Darrington. We are so thankful for her mentorship and the opportunities she gave to so many. And as Bob likes to say, “she did more by accident than most people do on purpose.”
Her proudest accomplishment was serving on the board of the Darrington Community Center for over 30 years. She worked tirelessly, and spearheaded multiple renovations, to ensure the Community Center would be a place for the families in Darrington to enjoy for generations. Diane was also passionate about helping others and worked closely with her family and friends to create the River Resource Trust to help landowners protect their land on the river.
Diane retired from the Darrington School District, where she worked in the library for 20 years. Her students and co-workers could count on her for a warm shoulder, listening ear and a friendly smile. She was involved in the Darrington Garden Club, the Darrington Hall of Fame, and various other local initiatives. She did all these things while supporting Bob in everything he did, including his many hobbies. She was his number one ally, farmhand, hay bailer, sprinkler changer, Model-A driver and partner. Together they were a force. To her kids, she was the sprinkles on top, she was our sparkle/shining light and taught us to always put family first, be kind and work hard. To her grandkids, she made every family and holiday gathering fun with games, gifts, crafts and silly props. She was the strong and steady presence, the ultimate family reunion organizer, and always the go-to-cousin. To her friends, she showed up with a smile, a helping hand and loved them all dearly.
She is survived by her husband, children, grandchildren, beloved father Frank (Frankie), aunts, Eloise Kell, Laura Ann Ware and Mary (Jim Hordyk), an incredible group of brothers and sisters by marriage and a large and loved extended family.
Diane was predeceased by her infant son; her mother, Cordelia; her brother, Dan and many other dear friends and family. Right now, she is having a joyous reunion.
A Celebration of Life will be held May 6, 2023 at 1:00pm at the Darrington Community Center. All are welcome!
Please share your memories of Diane and sign the online guest register.
Ryan, Jennifer and Lindsay, you truly had the epitome of what a mother could be in your mom. Bob, you were one lucky son-of-a-gun. Dennielle and I consider ourselves very fortunate to have spent many years working with and befriending Diane. I wish I could be more eloquent, but she was the Dianthus Plumarius of the Sauk Valley.
Our prayers are with you and your family in your loss.
Diane lived a life that embodied and reflected the light of God’s Love.
I am so grateful for the projects that brought Diane and I together. She has been a wonderful example of community service and commitment to so many. Her gentle yet firm expectations and her beautiful smile made all challenges surmountable and goals attainable.
My deepest condolences to Bob and all the family.
Diane exhibited to me a life well lived and a true reflection of Christ’s love for all.
This really hits hard. I worked with Diane all the years she was at Darrington HS. She was the epitome of what truly a good person should be. She lived by her convictions, a role model for her children and grandchildren and tirelessly gave to her community. I missed her after she retired. . . the library was not the same. Not too long ago, we were to meet up for coffee as our texts said to each other. I’m sad I didn’t get to do that.
Not only is she leaving a huge hole in the hearts of family and friends, but the community as well. My deepest condolences to the family.
This beautiful soul introduced me to my best friend when I was 6 years old. Our mothers knew (don’t they always?), we’d be life long friends. Diane has been apart of my life – my whole life, she really was the sprinkles on top. Her grace, her desire to serve – her smile… all infectious. Her actions made you want to step up. She walked her talk and she has proven that showing up for friends and family is the most important thing. Rest in peace Diane. And to her family… please know we are wrapping our arms around you.
So sorry to hear of her passing. she was ALWAYS kind and friendly to me even thought I didn’t know her well. The whole community will miss her much.
I am greatly saddened by this news. I also worked in the Darrington School District, but our work paths rarely crossed. However, when they did, I knew I was gonna be greeted by her beautiful, bright smile. I will always be thankful for the love and support Diane extended to me when my son, a former student of DHS, passed away. She offered an ear, the library after hours, and helped organize our funeral meal. She was a blessing and bright light in my time of need. I pray her family, friends, and community will find strength and comfort during this time. Diane will be missed by all who knew her!
Diane was a friend to everyone. I knew her most of my life, she was always the most kind and warm person and always had a smile and kind words to anyone she’d meet. Don’t think she ever met a stranger. Fly high Diane, shine that beautiful light for all to see.
Diane had a never ending infectious smile. Even when I had to call her late at night for an issue at the community center she always showed up with a smiling face. I worked alongside her at the community center for many years. She gave so much to the Darrington Community. I hope the town of Darrington can find a way to memorialize her. She certainly deserves it.
Diane represents the best of Darrington to me in every way. Her warm personality and friendliness, her desire to help, her reliability and laughter, her calm presence in times of need. it seemed like in her quiet way Diane just carried us all. She will be greatly missed here, but there is a wonderful reunion to look forward to.
She was a beautiful soul that made me read my very first book in high school that I still remember to this day. The book made me appreciate life and deal with whatever circumstance you are dealt in life. Makin lemon aid with lemons and turning things into positives. I will forever be greatful! You will be missed!!
R.I.P. Mrs. Boyd.
As District Ranger for the Darrington Ranger District, I came to know and work closely with Diane and Bob on a number of projects. I enjoyed working with Diane and her passion for the town of Darrington was clear. One of the projects that I will always remember was finding Douglas-fir logs to replace the floor of the gym in the Community Center. We were able to find some blow down and transfer the logs from the Forest Service to the Community Center.
The Community Center was a passion for Diane. She was very proud of the fact that it was built and maintained by the Darrington community.
There were many other interactions where Diane wanted to do what she could to help the community.
We became friends outside of work and my wife and I enjoyed Diane and Bob’s company.
The Darrington community has lost a real treasure. Diane will be by all of us who loved her!
My husband Peter and I considered Diane and Bob great friends. I worked with Diane at Darrington High School. Our friendship continued long after I left the school. She was a bright light and her smile and laugh were contagious. She will be missed.
My deepest sympathy to the family she has left behind.
THAT SMILE, THAT SPARKLE IN HER EYES AND THAT BEAUTIFUL HEAD OF WHITE HAIR…I will treasure my memories of her and the good times we had forever.
Irene Kuntz