Attention: All Associates

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Boyd Lieseke, Maintenance Supervisor at Pinnacle Sonata, and valued E-Team member for more than five years. Boyd passed away on Friday, August 31, 2018, after a short, but hard-fought battle with cancer surrounded by friends, family, and Essex colleagues. He is survived by his loving wife, Jan.

Over the years, Boyd worked at several Essex communities in the Pacific Northwest -- Bridle Trails, Inglenook Court, and Pinnacle Sonata -- and made a strong, positive impact at each one. He quickly established himself as a thought leader in his field, participating in the Maintenance Training Committee as well as being recognized as an innovator at his first Essex Awards Gala. It is a testimony to Boyd and the strength of the Essex family that his colleagues were able to be with him and his loved ones in his final moments. 

Boyd's friends and family have set up a Go Fund Me page to raise funds to help support his wife while she gets on her feet. Contributions are voluntary and very much appreciated:

Boyd's Go Fund Me Page

Here are some memories from friends and colleagues who had the pleasure of knowing Boyd:

"Boyd was strong, intelligent and talented. He loved his life, and the love of his life, Jan. Boyd also had a great sense of humor. He scored a 132 IQ test- Mensa invited him into their club (which has a cut off of 130)- but he refused to join a club where he’d be the dumbest one there. He was a musician and opened for Heart at the Tacoma Dome, a life-partner, father, brother, son, and of course an important part of the Essex Team. He will be incredibly missed and so we’ll continue to keep him with us, by sharing our memories of him."
- Lindsay Raines, Community Manager, Evergreen Heights

"I could never seem to get Boyd to sit still long enough to discuss anything admin related. I would call him into my office and ask him for ten minutes of his time, two minutes later he was itchin’ to get out the door. I couldn’t even get him to sit down, he would STAND the whole time! Boyd had one thing in mind and that was the next task at hand…anything that DIDN’T involve sitting around. Well I was extremely honored to sit with Boyd and his beautiful wife Jan during his last hours on this earth. Amongst family and friends Boyd was able to rest. A hard worker, a mentor, a musician, a family man, and a friend…Once you cracked that tough exterior there was nothing but jelly inside. Rest in Paradise my friend. XOXO."
- Karrina Young-Neal, Community Manager, Inglenook Court

"Boyd’s love of music and a good joke were amongst my favorite memories. I remember sitting there just talking about our mutual love for music and his great smile when he talked about his favorite bands. I will miss you Boyd. There will be a time where we can do it all again and I can’t wait. Rest easy my friend."
-Graham & Bailey, Resident (and K9 friend), Inglenook Court 

If you have a memory of Boyd that you would like to share on Buzz, please email it to communications@essex.com.