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Neil Eugene Bolyard, 89, of Morgantown, passed away peacefully Tuesday, October 12, 2021 at the Harmony at Morgantown. He was born August 30,1932 in Fellowsville, WV, Preston County, a son of the late Cecil Bolyard and Chloe Shahan Bolyard. He was a graduate of Morgantown High School and West Virginia University with a bachelors degree in Education and a Masters degree in Counseling. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Morgantown where he served as an elder, deacon, choir member, and usher.
Neil had a distinguished career in education serving as a teacher at Suncrest-Flatts Junior High School, as a cartographer with the West Virginia Geological and Economic Survey, a Scholarship and Veterans Coordinator at West Virginia University and as Director of Student Financial Aid from 1969-1997. He had two temporary leaves from WVU, the first serving as an Assistant Director of the Basic Grants later named PellGrants Training Project in Washington, DC. This project involved training all secondary high school guidance counselors and financial aid personnel in the United States over a four month period in 1974. The second leave was in 1987-88. He was responsible for the administration of the Student Loan Guaranty Agency for the state of West Virginia. He was President of the Higher Education Loan Program and Vice president of the Higher Education Assistance Foundation with offices in Charleston.
When he returned from Charleston in 1988, he was one of the three individuals assigned the responsibility of developing the Scholars Program at WVU. Following his retirement in 1997, he became a consultant for Financial Aid services in Atlanta with assignments from New York to California, from Pennsylvania to Georgia. He also worked with American Education Services in Harrisburg, PA. He later returned to WVU in a part-time capacity as an Assistant to the Director of Admissions and Records with responsibilities for establishing academic eligibility for all NCAA athletes at WVU.
He was a member of Phi Delta Kappa Education Honorary and served as chapter president. He was also a member of Kappa Delta Pi Education Honorary and Sigma Nu Social Fraternity. He was a past member of the Morgantown Jaycees and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks 411. He was a life member of Post 2 American Legion where he served as Commander and a life member of the VFW, Post 14000. He was a member oh the Joseph W. Summers Lodge 173 of the Ancient, Free and Accepted Masons, the Rotary Club of Cheat Lake, the Mountaineer Athletic Club and the Morgantown Touchdown Club. Professional memberships included the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators President 1977-78, the Midwest ASFAA, and the West Virginia ASFAA where he also served as president. He was a Fellow in the Society for Advancement of Financial Aid Management in Higher Education and served as Chairman of the Board of Directors. Neil served on numerous national, regional, and state advisory committees. Organizations included the College Entrance Examination Board, College Scholarship Service, American College Testing Program, West Virginia State Grant Programs, US Office of Education, Cabot Corporation Scholarship Program, Student Loan Marketing Association Sallie Mae, and the WV Education Loan Program.
He also served a term as a Director of the American Council of Education.
He was a charter member of the WVU Student Affairs Hall of Fame. He held lifetime memberships in the national, regional and state associations. This is the highest honor awarded by the national group. Neil was one of only six individuals to receive this recognition during the first 36 years of NASFAA's history.
He received Distinguished Service Awards from national, regional, and state professional groups. He was named a Distinguished West Virginian by Governor Arch Moore in 1971. Governor Hulett Smith awarded Neil the West Virginia Department of Veterans Affairs Meritourous Service Award in 1965. Neil's service was with the US Army 43rd Armored Infantry Battalion, 2nd Armored Division during the 1950's.
Neil also served in voluntary capacities with several organizations including the Mountaineer Area Council of the Boy Scouts of America, Monongalia County 4-H Horse & Pony Club, Monongalia County Riding for the Handicapped, Morgantown Area Meals on Wheels, and the American Legion Mountaineer Boys State. He served the Dominion Post Honor Boy-Honor Girl program as a judge or coordinator of judging from 1967 to 1992.
Neil Enjoyed traveling and visited all 50 state capitols. He also traveled in Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Europe. He was an avid Mountaineer fan rarely missing football or basketballs games and attended most bowl games beginning in 1969. He was named Most Loyal Mountaineer during Mountaineer Week in 2002. Neil was also the recipient of the David W. Jacobs Lifetime Service Award in 2018.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Jerrie Wick Bolyard in 1991; two sisters, Dortha Bolyard Harshberger and Evelyn Bolyard Hatmaker, and a brother, Glenn Earl Bolyard. He is survived by his daughter, Lisa Ann Hassen and husband, Thomas; a granddaughter, Lauryl Elizabeth Hassen and partner, Jacob Keener; a grandson, Patrick Neil Hassen, and two grandchildren, Kayden Jacob Kenner and Jaxon Thomas Keener all of Morgantown. He was also survived by a long time companion, Irene Liberatore, of Morgantown and many members of Irene's family.
Visitation will be Thursday, October 21, 2021 from 11:00 a.m. until the noon memorial service at Dering-Henson Funeral Home, 156 Foundry St., Morgantown, with Pastor Rich Schimansky officiating.Inurnment will follow in the Beverly Hills Memorial Gardens, Westover.
In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested to WVU Foundation, 1 Waterfront Place, 7th floor, Morgantown, WV 26501, in support of either the Financial Aid Office or WVU Athletics and also the Alzheimer's Association, 1601 2nd Ave., Charleston, WV 25387
Caring services are being provided by Dering-Henson Funeral Home. Condolences online at www.dering-henson.com.
Neil passed on October 12, 2021
Visitation 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Thursday, October 21, 2021
Services will be held on October 21, 2021
Send Condolences | Send Flowers
Neil Eugene Bolyard
Neil Eugene Bolyard, 89, of Morgantown, passed away peacefully Tuesday, October 12, 2021 at the Harmony at Morgantown. He was born August 30,1932 in Fellowsville, WV, Preston County, a son of the late Cecil Bolyard and Chloe Shahan Bolyard. He was a graduate of Morgantown High School and West Virginia University with a bachelors degree in Education and a Masters degree in Counseling. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Morgantown where he served as an elder, deacon, choir member, and usher.
Neil had a distinguished career in education serving as a teacher at Suncrest-Flatts Junior High School, as a cartographer with the West Virginia Geological and Economic Survey, a Scholarship and Veterans Coordinator at West Virginia University and as Director of Student Financial Aid from 1969-1997. He had two temporary leaves from WVU, the first serving as an Assistant Director of the Basic Grants later named PellGrants Training Project in Washington, DC. This project involved training all secondary high school guidance counselors and financial aid personnel in the United States over a four month period in 1974. The second leave was in 1987-88. He was responsible for the administration of the Student Loan Guaranty Agency for the state of West Virginia. He was President of the Higher Education Loan Program and Vice president of the Higher Education Assistance Foundation with offices in Charleston.
When he returned from Charleston in 1988, he was one of the three individuals assigned the responsibility of developing the Scholars Program at WVU. Following his retirement in 1997, he became a consultant for Financial Aid services in Atlanta with assignments from New York to California, from Pennsylvania to Georgia. He also worked with American Education Services in Harrisburg, PA. He later returned to WVU in a part-time capacity as an Assistant to the Director of Admissions and Records with responsibilities for establishing academic eligibility for all NCAA athletes at WVU.
He was a member of Phi Delta Kappa Education Honorary and served as chapter president. He was also a member of Kappa Delta Pi Education Honorary and Sigma Nu Social Fraternity. He was a past member of the Morgantown Jaycees and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks 411. He was a life member of Post 2 American Legion where he served as Commander and a life member of the VFW, Post 14000. He was a member oh the Joseph W. Summers Lodge 173 of the Ancient, Free and Accepted Masons, the Rotary Club of Cheat Lake, the Mountaineer Athletic Club and the Morgantown Touchdown Club. Professional memberships included the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators President 1977-78, the Midwest ASFAA, and the West Virginia ASFAA where he also served as president. He was a Fellow in the Society for Advancement of Financial Aid Management in Higher Education and served as Chairman of the Board of Directors. Neil served on numerous national, regional, and state advisory committees. Organizations included the College Entrance Examination Board, College Scholarship Service, American College Testing Program, West Virginia State Grant Programs, US Office of Education, Cabot Corporation Scholarship Program, Student Loan Marketing Association Sallie Mae, and the WV Education Loan Program.
He also served a term as a Director of the American Council of Education.
He was a charter member of the WVU Student Affairs Hall of Fame. He held lifetime memberships in the national, regional and state associations. This is the highest honor awarded by the national group. Neil was one of only six individuals to receive this recognition during the first 36 years of NASFAA's history.
He received Distinguished Service Awards from national, regional, and state professional groups. He was named a Distinguished West Virginian by Governor Arch Moore in 1971. Governor Hulett Smith awarded Neil the West Virginia Department of Veterans Affairs Meritourous Service Award in 1965. Neil's service was with the US Army 43rd Armored Infantry Battalion, 2nd Armored Division during the 1950's.
Neil also served in voluntary capacities with several organizations including the Mountaineer Area Council of the Boy Scouts of America, Monongalia County 4-H Horse & Pony Club, Monongalia County Riding for the Handicapped, Morgantown Area Meals on Wheels, and the American Legion Mountaineer Boys State. He served the Dominion Post Honor Boy-Honor Girl program as a judge or coordinator of judging from 1967 to 1992.
Neil Enjoyed traveling and visited all 50 state capitols. He also traveled in Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Europe. He was an avid Mountaineer fan rarely missing football or basketballs games and attended most bowl games beginning in 1969. He was named Most Loyal Mountaineer during Mountaineer Week in 2002. Neil was also the recipient of the David W. Jacobs Lifetime Service Award in 2018.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Jerrie Wick Bolyard in 1991; two sisters, Dortha Bolyard Harshberger and Evelyn Bolyard Hatmaker, and a brother, Glenn Earl Bolyard. He is survived by his daughter, Lisa Ann Hassen and husband, Thomas; a granddaughter, Lauryl Elizabeth Hassen and partner, Jacob Keener; a grandson, Patrick Neil Hassen, and two grandchildren, Kayden Jacob Kenner and Jaxon Thomas Keener all of Morgantown. He was also survived by a long time companion, Irene Liberatore, of Morgantown and many members of Irene's family.
Visitation will be Thursday, October 21, 2021 from 11:00 a.m. until the noon memorial service at Dering-Henson Funeral Home, 156 Foundry St., Morgantown, with Pastor Rich Schimansky officiating.Inurnment will follow in the Beverly Hills Memorial Gardens, Westover.
In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested to WVU Foundation, 1 Waterfront Place, 7th floor, Morgantown, WV 26501, in support of either the Financial Aid Office or WVU Athletics and also the Alzheimer's Association, 1601 2nd Ave., Charleston, WV 25387
Caring services are being provided by Dering-Henson Funeral Home. Condolences online at www.dering-henson.com.Neil passed on October 12, 2021
Visitation 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Thursday, October 21, 2021
Services will be held on October 21, 2021
Send Condolences | Send Flowers
Condolences
"God Bless ! Huge influence in my life"
From John Patteson on October 15, 2021
From John Patteson on October 15, 2021
"I was honored to know Neil for many years. He was a wonderful man and a mentor for me and many others. "
From Kaye Widney on October 15, 2021
From Kaye Widney on October 15, 2021
"Our deepest condolences to Neil's family & friends particularly his daughter Lisa & companion Irene. I will always cherish the many times we were together at numerous financial aid conferences. We became good friends throughout the years. Until we meet again Neil. God Bless."
From Don & Marion Holec on October 15, 2021
From Don & Marion Holec on October 15, 2021
"One of my treasured memories of your dad and mom came on a day much like today. It was warm and beautiful and they invited us on a picnic on the lake. From that meal came a decades long valued friendship. Our love and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
"
From Pat Stemple on October 15, 2021
From Pat Stemple on October 15, 2021
"A born leader and a visionary; many of us owe the successes in our lives to Neil. R.I.P my friend.."
From Ken Sears on October 16, 2021
From Ken Sears on October 16, 2021
"A true leader and visionary. Many of us who worked closely with Neil owe our successes to him. R.I.P. my friend, you did well."
From Ken Sears on October 16, 2021
From Ken Sears on October 16, 2021
"A true leader and visionary. Many of us who worked closely with Neil owe our successes to him. R.I.P. my friend, you did well."
From Ken Sears on October 16, 2021
From Ken Sears on October 16, 2021
"Lisa, I am so sorry about the passing of your dad. I will miss seeing Neil at Harmony when I visit Mom. I will always remember how much he loved the Mountaineers."
From Sandra Stewart on October 16, 2021
From Sandra Stewart on October 16, 2021
"Neil was a born leader and a visionary. Many of us who worked with him owe any of our own successes to him. Admired by his colleagues and respected by all. Rest now my friend, you did well.."
From Ken Sears on October 17, 2021
From Ken Sears on October 17, 2021
"Irene, my thoughts are with you and the family at this sad time. May memories you cherish bring you comfort."
From Roseline Brand on October 17, 2021
From Roseline Brand on October 17, 2021
"May you rest in peace Neil. We had such good times together"
From Pamela Fowler on October 18, 2021
From Pamela Fowler on October 18, 2021
"There is no Other like Neil Bolyard. Our Hearts are filled with sadness and have been for the last couple of years. Love and Peace "
From Diane Liberatore Lofstead on October 19, 2021
From Diane Liberatore Lofstead on October 19, 2021
"Many careers and personal achievements were coached snd counseled by Neil. He was my mentor and my friend. There will never be another as kind or considerate. Rest In Peace my friend. "
From Darlene Dunn on October 19, 2021
From Darlene Dunn on October 19, 2021
"Many careers and personal achievements were coached snd counseled by Neil. He was my mentor and my friend. There will never be another as kind or considerate. Rest In Peace my friend. "
From Darlene Dunn on October 19, 2021
From Darlene Dunn on October 19, 2021
"Lisa,
Don and I family of Iris McLaughlin from Harmony send our deepest sympathies for the loss of your remarkable father, not only this recent physical loss, but the gradual loss that has occurred over the last few years. What a rich legacy Neil leaves with his dedication to service and engagement in all facets of life! Peace to you and your family.
Don and Karen McLaughlin"
From Don & Karen McLaughlin on October 20, 2021
From Don & Karen McLaughlin on October 20, 2021
"Lisa, Our deepest sympathy to you and your family. Your dad was a wonderful person and added much to so many people. You are in our prayers."
From Diane and Bill Arnett on October 20, 2021
From Diane and Bill Arnett on October 20, 2021
"I am glad that I got to know Neil during my time working in the Financial Aid office. He was a great guy, could tell a heck of a story, and genuinely cared about WVU and its students."
From John P. Mullins on October 20, 2021
From John P. Mullins on October 20, 2021
