While at a recent meeting with our client Dann Boyer, Director of Facilities with Sturdy Memorial Hospital, the conversation moved to family, history, and the lineage of Dann’s family in facilities engineering. It was an impressive and moving story, and so we feel very honored to bring it to life in this blog post – “A Legacy of Facilities Engineering in Healthcare – The Boyer Family’s Remarkable Lineage”.

When it comes to facilities engineering, Dann Boyer’s family history is a testament to dedication and resilience. His story, marked by innovation, service, and a deep-rooted commitment to healthcare, spans multiple generations, starting with his grandfather, Joseph “Blackie” Boyer, and extending through to Dann’s father Ken Boyer, Uncle Edward Boyer, Dann himself, and his brother, Ronn. This remarkable lineage has collectively dedicated nearly 200 years to healthcare facilities engineering.

A Humble Beginning: Joseph “Blackie” Boyer

Joseph Boyer, affectionately known as Blackie, laid the foundation of this legacy. He served in the United States Army in the Panama Canal zone prior to World War II, and as a civilian, he invented a critical bushing for torpedoes to prevent enemy reverse engineering. Blackie then moved his family from Brooklyn, New York to Fall River, Massachusetts at the behest of the United States government due to this invention. He was to work at the Newport Naval Base during World War II. His career at Truesdale Hospital began shortly after the war, starting in the boiler room and eventually rising to the position of Superintendent of Buildings and Grounds. Blackie’s nickname was likely earned during his time managing coal-fired boilers, a testament to his hands-on approach and dedication.

The Next Generation: Ken and Edward Boyer

Ken Boyer (Dann’s father) and his brother, Edward, continued the family tradition. Ken’s journey was particularly inspiring; after serving in the Korean War and being part of the legendary Chosin Few, he returned to complete high school as a valedictorian while working full-time and raising a family. He started his career at Truesdale Hospital in the late 1950s and worked through the merger that led to the creation of Charlton Memorial Hospital. Ken’s impressive career spanned 50 years, during which he held significant roles at Women and Infants Hospital and Sturdy Memorial Hospital, culminating in his position as the Engineering Manager at St. Luke’s Hospital.

Edward Boyer, Ken’s brother, also dedicated his life to facilities engineering. Starting at Truesdale Hospital, he worked through the merger and eventually became the first director to oversee all three sites for South Coast Health. Edward’s career lasted 54 years, a remarkable achievement that underscored his commitment and expertise.

The Current Generation: Dann & Ronn Boyer

Dann Boyer, the youngest of six siblings, followed in his grandfather’s, father’s, and uncle’s footsteps. He began his career at Sturdy Memorial Hospital in 1993 as a fireman in the boiler room. While remaining per-diem at Sturdy, Dann also explored a brief stint working in power plants and was ultimately promoted to Director of Facilities at Sturdy in 2011. Dann’s father Ken proudly created the touching “Congratulations” card below upon Dann’s promotion. Under Dann’s leadership, Sturdy’s facilities department continues to thrive, contributing to the hospital’s operational excellence.

Dann’s brother, Ronn, has also made significant contributions to healthcare facilities management. Starting at Women and Infants Hospital in 1992, Ronn has dedicated over 32 years to the institution, serving as the Chief Electrician and Union Steward. His commitment to his role has been unwavering, and he is set to retire soon, marking the end of an era.

A Legacy of Dedication

The Boyer family’s combined service amounts to an astounding 197 years in healthcare facilities engineering. By the end of this year, with both Dann and Ronn reaching 32 years in their respective roles, the family’s total contribution will approach an impressive 200 years. This legacy is a testament to their dedication, expertise, and the significant impact they have had on the institutions they have served.

Looking Ahead

As Dann reflects on his family’s remarkable journey, he acknowledges the invaluable lessons and work ethic instilled by his predecessors. While his daughters may choose different career paths, the Boyer legacy in facilities engineering stands as a proud testament to their enduring commitment to healthcare. In fact, as fate would have it, on June 3, 2024, another Boyer, Jonathan, Dann and Ronn’s nephew, entered healthcare engineering as a Boiler Operator at the Providence VA Hospital.

In sharing this story, Dann hopes to inspire others in the industry, highlighting the importance of dedication, innovation, and the impact of a multi-generational commitment to healthcare facilities engineering. This legacy, rich in history and achievement, serves as a beacon for future generations, emphasizing that great achievements are built on the foundation of hard work and perseverance.

About Parris Construction Management: Parris is a family-owned construction management company. We work with owners, property managers, architects and designers, and specialize in the construction of meaningful spaces for leading clients in healthcare, hospitality and education. We retain 100+ years of collective construction expertise, 30+ years of active buying experience in the industry and pride ourselves on delivering outstanding quality.