Chad E. Boliek
Chad E. Boliek, age 95, died peacefully March 21,2023 in Santa
Fe, New Mex. surrounded by family.
Chad was born in Santa Ana, Calif. to Paul and Pauline Boliek and grew up in Anaheim among orange, avocado, and walnut trees. Those trees provided summer jobs for Chad and his younger brother, Lynn. Chad was also a summer councilor at YMCA camp Osceola for many years. The starry night skies in the beautiful San Bernardino Mountains prompted his love for the great outdoors and his curiosity about astronomy, science, and the mysteries of life. He graduated from Anaheim High School where he was student body president.
Chad enlisted in the Army Air Corps and served in Okinawa, Japan toward the end of WWII. Upon his return, he attended Fullerton Jr. College then went on to the University of Southern California, graduating with a degree in Media Communications and Journalism.
Continuing his education at San Francisco Theological Seminary, he recalled acing Hebrew and Greek, "never to need any of them again...with no regrets." He struggled a bit with English Bible Studies, "...with many regrets!" Chad graduated with a Master of Divinity degree and along the way made lifelong friends who shared his love of life, community, and a commitment to do good in the world. Chad’s appreciation of music led him to his true love, Joan Wilcox, as they both sang in the seminary choir.
After Chad was ordained by the Boise Presbytery, he and Joan married and began a union that would last 53 years. Chad served churches in Boise and Wendell, Idaho. The growing family then moved to Moscow, Idaho where Chad joined the staff of the Campus Christian Center (CCC) at the University of Idaho. As college campuses around the United States became centers for change in the 1960’s, the CCC provided a supportive environment for students who were asking tough questions, challenging the norm, and acting on their commitment to peace, love, justice, and equality. That work became deeply meaningful to Chad. His perspective was forever changed by those young, deep thinkers he had the privilege to serve. Moscow days were filled with joyful gatherings with dear friends who chose to make music not war!
While serving as campus minister at San Jose State, Calif., Chad and Joan were both called to join the permanent staff of Ghost Ranch in northern New Mexico. The conference center, operated by the Presbyterian Church USA, proved to be the Boliek’s home for the next 22 years. Chad worked one summer as college staff director then became business manager for the Ranch. An incredibly beautiful place to live and work, he rekindled his love of nature and astronomy first by attending then co-leading seminars about the cosmos. An accomplished amateur astronomer, Chad was always up for a star party! He gained many new and dear friends and enjoyed time with his fellow staff members, horseback riding, hiking, fishing for catfish, jamming with friends on his banjo uke, frisbee golf, softball games, and New Mexico cuisine! Volunteering as a judge at Abiquiu elementary science fairs was always an for Chad.
Chad and Joan retired and built their dream home in the country near Las Vegas, New Mex. Here they had time to enjoy their two grandchildren, family holidays, horses, incredible hikes and tons of wildlife. With a new telescope, Chad often brandished his laser pointer and led friends and family on tours of the night sky. He brought the universe to life with the stories behind the planets, constellations, galaxies and stars. There was time for travel too, which included trips to Hawaii, Japan, Europe, Canada, and Mexico. Chad and Joan also visited friends and family all across the United States. The annual jazz festival in Sun Valley, Idaho was a must as were archeological treks around the Southwest. Chad and Joan looked forward to in-person and Zoom gatherings with their nine wonderful nieces and nephews, their partners, and children whenever possible.
Chad and Joan welcomed new friends and neighbors into their lives. They, in turn, were welcomed into a very loving, dynamic, fun, and strong community. Chad volunteered at Sapello Elementary School for over 15 years as a science teacher. He enjoyed conducting science experiments with the 4th-5th graders who kept him on his toes and taught him so much in return. He and Joan attended the First United Presbyterian Church in Las Vegas. Throughout his career, Chad was asked to preach on occasion and perform baptisms, weddings and memorial services. He continued to attend and contribute to adult Sunday school classes up until the week before his death.
Chad was one of many people who lost their homes in the Calf Canyon/ Hermits Peak wildfire in 2022. He then relocated to Santa Fe where he enjoyed visits and dinners out with friends from far and near.
Chad had an open mind and an open heart. His "go with the flow" attitude, along with his faith, and ever-present sense of humor, helped him to stay on the sunny side of life-a very long and very rich life.
Chad was preceded in death by his wife Joan Boliek in 2008 and their son David Boliek in 1987. He is survived by daughters Carol Boliek (Paul Hagler), Mary Boliek (Charles Poling), and grandchildren Keenan BoliekPoling, Geneva BoliekPoling.
Our many thanks go out to the supportive congregation of the First United Presbyterian Church in Las Vegas. We are truly touched by heartfelt love, prayers, and memories shared by friends and family. Chad was blessed to have Lorenzo Martinez as his friend and helper-thank you Lorenzo. Thanks to the staff of Montecito Santa Fe. We are very grateful to the nursing staff at Christus St. Vincent Medical Center, Santa Fe. A celebration of life will be held Saturday, September 23, 2023, 11:00 am, followed by a reception at the First United Presbyterian Church, Las Vegas, New Mex. To join via Zoom, please visit www.lvpresbyterian.org If you wish to leave a tribute, visit www. berardinellifuneralhome. com. In lieu of flowers, consider making a gift to the First United Presbyterian Church of Las Vegas. PO Box 37 Las Vegas, NM 87701 or to Ghost Ranch at www.ghostranch.org. honor