Patricia Elaine BoyEs was born December 7, 1952, in Longview, Washington, to George E. and Patricia E. BoyEs. In 1971 she graduated from Mark Morris High School. She entered Lower Columbia Community College in March 1972 and was awarded an Associate of Science Degree in Agriculture in June 1974. In the fall of 1974, she entered Washington State University and was granted a Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Sciences in June 1976. In September 1976 she enrolled in the Master of Adult and Continuing Education Program at Washington State University.

As part of her graduate program, an internship was arranged with the Cooperative Extension Service in 1977, and she worked with Asotin County Extension faculty. During her graduate studies, she took classes in animal nutrition, teaching methods, program development and evaluation, needs assessment, adult learning theory and practice, and group facilitation. Pat was employed by WSU when she was a student. She was a lab assistant, mid-wife at the Beef Cattle Center, and veterinary assistant. Following the completion of her master’s program, she taught at Lower Columbia Community College and then continued working in adult education and agriculture at WSU.

Pat began her life in 4-H as a member of the Happy Wranglers 4-H Horse Club in Cowlitz County through her high school. This served as the foundation for her career in Extension, which began as a livestock agent in Pierce and King Counties.  She then moved to Pacific County, where she served as County Director.  In this role, she served as 4-H, Agriculture and Family Consumer Science Agent.  In 1994, she became Interim State 4-H Program Director.  The “Interim” piece of the title was removed a few years later, and Pat served in that role of State Program Director until her retirement in 2015.

Pat gave leadership to the Washington State 4-H program for over 35 years, at all levels – from club office to county agent and director to the State 4-H Program.  This leadership occurred as the 4-H program went through many changes – from implementation of equestrian helmets to multi-million-dollar grants, Pat was at the helm as the program evolved.  She championed background checks on volunteers and tighter controls on the state’s non-profit status.  Through her persistence with the IRS, Washington was assigned a new 501(C)3 number, which resulted in each club becoming compliant with the federal standards.  She worked diligently as budgets went up and down over the years.  She always put the 4-H members and volunteers first when times were tough.

Pat had a profound impact on the whole program.  From Primary 4-H member to the 50 year 4-H Volunteer to the faculty and staff and the county offices, Pat impacted their experience and work.  We all knew Pat had our back.  Her commitment to the program and its people was visible in her appreciation of every youth participating and volunteer giving their time.  She always said “thank you”.

Pat was instrumental in the creation of the Washington State 4-H Hall of Fame in 2001, which provides recognition at the state level of those 4-H leaders and retired Extension staff who were shining stars in Washington State. She supported the 4-H Foundation in gaining legislative approval for the 4-H License Plate and was the driving force behind WA State’s 4-H Centennial Celebration and made certain that Washington was part of the Tufts Study on Positive Youth Development.

Pat was active within the 4-H Western Region, serving as their Treasurer for many years.  She was on the States’ 4-H International Board of Trustees, serving as the 4-H International Exchange organization’s Chair for a year.  Pat was an avid supporter of the annual 4-H Forum auction, never failed to generate enthusiastic bidding, spending thousands over the years in support of 4-H.

Pat was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Frank BoyEs and nephew Steven BoyEs. She is also survived by a sister, Joann, and several nieces and nephews. Pat was greatly supported during her time of need by her niece Susan, friends Gayle and John, Sherri and Craig, as well as many others.

Pat treasured her visits to Hawaii – exploring the ocean, gardens and local agriculture; experiencing the food and culture; and of course, meeting various people, both residents and visitors. Pat’s family and friends will gather on Kauai at Lawai Beach on December 7 – her birthday – to celebrate her life in a special cove fondly named “BoyEs Beach” by her friends. Those unable to attend are encouraged to celebrate Pat in their own way.

Donations in memory of Pat may be made to a local youth organization of your choice.

Pat will be greatly missed by her family, friends and colleagues.