Phillip Gale "P.G." Boswood passed away suddenly while at home Dec 1, 1996. He was born in Oklahoma City, OK, Jun 24, 1939. He had resided with Lola, his wife of 36 years, and family in Gaylord since 1970.
Mr. Boswood had been actively involved in the oil and gas industry since he was 18 years old. In 1957 he was employed by Beckman Inc. while living in Oklahoma. In February 1970 he drove the first Beckman workover rig to Gaylord to work for Shell Oil Co. He came to Michigan with two other Beckman employees, who returned to Oklahoma after being in the Michigan "winter weather" less than a month. Mr. Boswood persevered, and in so doing he began a career in the Michigan oil and gas industry that would span the past 26 years. .
In 1974 he became a principal in Beckman Production Service Inc., which was the result of a spin off of Beckman, Inc. assets. The company grew to become one of the largest privately held complete oil field service companies east of the Mississippi until being sold in 1980. He continued as president and general manager of Beckman until his retirement in 1993.
Mr. Boswood was also a startup principal in two other successful oil field service companies which have recently been sold, Kalkaska Fishing and Rental Tools Inc and Antrim Services of Gaylord. At the time of his death he was a principal in the Gaylord Bowling Center and was employed as general manager of Arrow Services in Johannesburg.
Phillip worked and played hard. He was always "upbeat and friendly" and lived each day to its fullest. He left work at the office, making a special effort not to discuss business during time spent with family and friends. He enjoyed bowling, spending time with family, friends and his horses. He was the first Michigan Chapter President of the National Association of Oilwell Servicing Contractors, a member of the American Petroleum Institute, the Eagles Club, and the Otsego County Sheriff's Posse. It was his nature to help in ways that would not draw attention to himself ,such as donating land for the Radio Control Car Club and contributing Scott Air-Packs to the ambulance service. He was also a supporter of the Otsego County Fair and 4-H program, Gaylord Sports Boosters, Downtown Streetscape, Energy Outlet Park, Little League and Youth Bowling.
Not only was Mr. Boswood respected for his extensive oil field experience and practical common sense, many considered his word as good as any signed agreement. Those who knew him best would describe him as a friend who could always be counted on to lend support and offer words of encouragement. He was one of those people who would tell you, "It'll be OK," and somehow you knew it would. Even during this time of loss and sorrow, friends might imagine him offering the same advice now!
Phillip Boswood was one of the founding members of the Otsego County Sheriff Posse. Phil was very dedicated to helping people and was always there when the call went out. Whether it was chasing lost steers on horseback, riding in a parade, providing security for different functions, or a smiling face and helping hand at many fund-raisers, the Posse could Count on Phil. He was always willing to serve and put others before himself. His positive, "C'mon y'all, let's do it!" attitude was his trademark. Oklahoma was his home before Michigan and his western ways rubbed off on those who knew him.
Funeral services were held Dec 5 at the First United Methodist Church in Gaylord, with Chuck Hamstra officiating. Burial was in Otsego Lake Township Cemetery in Gaylord.
Mr. Boswood is survived by his wife Lola, children: Deanna Mulvui, Holli Deimer, and Brian lee Bozwood, all of Gaylord, and David Warren Bozwood of Kalamazoo; grandchildren Chemena, Anthony, Ashley, and David Lee, two brothers and five sisters.
He was preceded in death by three brothers.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Otsego County 4-H Program or the Otsego County Sheriff's Posse, through the Nelson Funeral Home, 135 N. Center, Gaylord, MI 49735.
