Psychologist, champion of the marginalized

Bryan L. Boyer, a Claremont resident and licensed clinical psychologist, died suddenly on April 23, 2016. He was 57.

He was born in Anaheim to Margaret and James Boyer, the youngest of four children. His father died when he was 10 years old. His older siblings were all grown and out of the house by then. Losing a parent at a young age formed Bryan into the man he became. He graduated from the University of La Verne with a dual degree in history and psychology. While in college he met Susan Stern and they were married in 1982. Together they had two sons, Matthew Boyer of San Francisco and Brett Boyer (Oakland), who is married to Brendon Wilharber.

Mr. Boyer loved learning and went on to get a master’s degree in counseling from Cal State Fullerton, a master of divinity degree from Bethany Theological Seminary and a doctor of psychology degree from Illinois School of Professional Psychology. His work life was varied. He served as a Church of the Brethren pastor, a district executive minister and an adjunct professor. But for the majority of his career, he was a licensed clinical psychologist serving in different settings. He ran four separate outpatient clinics in Indiana.

He moved to Claremont in 2002. For the last eight years, Mr. Boyer has worked for the Department of Behavioral Health in San Bernardino County.  He was a clinic supervisor working with the most marginalized of our community. It was important to him to do meaningful work that changed the lives of those he was serving. An introvert with a deep humility, many around him did not know of all of his accomplishments.

Bryan was most known for his dry wit. Without cracking a smile, he could deliver a line that could make you laugh for days. He could take a tense situation and diffuse it with a gentle touch of humor. With wisdom and an unwavering commitment to his family, he lived his life with loyalty, honesty and integrity. He held a healthy skepticism of most things, and yet he honored all in life that he found true and authentic.   

Mr. Boyer was a member of the La Verne Church of the Brethren where his service was held on May 4. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to New Community Project at 9036 W. Quail Track Drive, Peoria, AZ 85383.