In Memoriam: Sean Boynes '91

Mark Owens ‘99

It was Fall of 1995, a young Gonzaga freshman had just served JUG and missed the team bus to Anacostia for practice. In fear of the punishment that would ensue, he reached out to a young brazen Junior Varsity Football coach who still happened to be on campus. The coach would give the young Eagle a ride and a much-needed conversation. The young man would have never guessed that this chance meeting would be the catalyst of the most impactful, dynamic, and deep friendship of his life. In fact, it was more than a friendship, it was a brotherhood. The young man was me, Mark Owens, Gonzaga Class of 1999. The Coach was the late great Sean Boynes, Gonzaga Class of 1991.

That next year, Sean Boynes would coach me during the JV football portion of my career. He was animated and fun, he loved the game, he loved Gonzaga, and most importantly he loved working with young men. I challenge any person to find me another human being who embodies the Gonzaga mantra, “Men for Others” more than Sean Boynes. In 1996, Sean would serve as the defensive coordinator under Head Coach Leonard Moore, Class of 1991, for an undefeated JV Eagles team that he was so proud to lead. He coached with such passion that oftentimes after games I wondered if he was more physically exhausted than we were. Sean maintained relationships and mentored numerous young Gonzaga men from that team; many of us he would mentor all the way through our collegiate careers.

I would have never predicted that from the close of that season, a bond would form like no other. Sean would somehow morph from a coach to a friend, advisor, mentor, therapist, and brother. Sean and I talked every single day. Those times have proven to be more than special. Over 24 years, he filled numerous roles: he personally trained me for my senior year of football and a portion of my collegiate career; he filled in for my parents by taking me on road trips to visit universities; he stood as best man at my wedding; he attended my high school and college graduations; he was present for the birth of my children; he served as an uncle to those children; he supported my business endeavors, and more. Sean was so much to so many people who had the good fortune to meet him. Any person who knew Sean, knew him as family. My parents would often refer to him as a son. I mentioned the many roles that Sean filled and titles he had, but I would like to summarize it with the following verse: Ezekial 22:30 says, “I searched for a young man among them who would build up the wall and stand in the gap before me for the land, so that I would not destroy it; but I found no one.” Sean Boynes was the ultimate Gap Filler. He was strong enough and dynamic enough to stand in for me in so many ways. I am so glad that I found that man who would stand in for me.

Sean, my friend and brother, I love and miss you dearly. To the man who epitomizes Gonzaga through how he loved us—especially his beautiful wife, Nicole, and children, Sierra and Gabrielle—thank you for being there every single day.

 

Lenny Moore '91

I am focused on all the blessings of Sean. We shared countless laughs and special memories and those are what I'm currently thinking of as I mourn. When I think back to the days at Gonzaga, I recall Sean's late father, who was a stickler for Sean to complete all of his homework over the weekends before any social activities. Sean was a stellar student, he had a close bond with Mr. Paul Burke '61 who taught us English. In terms of our tenure as coaches, Sean was as passionate a coach as I've ever been blessed to be around. He loved teaching fundamentals, oftentimes, getting in drills to share the knowledge with the young men. He deeply cared about the kids we were fortunate to coach.

Joe Reyda '85, Gonzaga Athletic Director

Sean was a great classmate, a great teammate and a great friend. He could light a room up with his smile and laughter. Gonzaga lost a great man. My prayers go out to Sean and his family and friends. God will raise you up on Eagles Wings. RIP Sean Boynes.

Jeff Reid '90

Sean was a hell of a guy. He had an incredible smile and spoke a lot of words through his facial expressions; good and bad words. He loved Gonzaga and Howard University and was a great representative of both schools. On the field or on the track, Sean always gave his best and was there for his teammates. Sean, you will be missed by everyone who knew you and our prayers go out to your family and friends.

 

Condolences can be sent to Nicole Boynes at nboynes@gmail.com or by mail to 703 Beacon Road, Silver Spring, MD, 20903.