Olin Boyce ‘Boyce’ McDivitt

OLEAN — Rather than ending a conversation with a “goodbye,” Olin Boyce “Boyce” McDivitt would often say, with a tone of playful inflection, “over and out.” On Wednesday (Aug. 27, 2025) — a beautiful summer day that Boyce started with his customary ride with his beloved dogs through his woods — he passed away, signing off with his last “over and out.”

Boyce was born March 25, 1943, to Olin Frank and Ruth Amelia (Pentz) McDivitt, who raised five sons on the Barnum Road.

Boyce attended Portville Central School, where he earned varsity letters in football, baseball and basketball. Boyce made many lifelong friends, including those known as “the Vikings.” After graduating from Portville in 1961, he attended Anderson College in Anderson, Ind. for two years, and transferred to the State University of New York at Buffalo School of Dentistry. He graduated in 1966 with a degree in Doctor of Dental Surgery.

After many years of solo practice, he was joined by his son-in-law, Bryan Petryszak, DMD, who continues in that location today.

Boyce married his hometown love, Kathryn “Kay” Anderson McDivitt, on August 21, 1965.

Upon graduating in 1966, Boyce enlisted in the U.S. Naval Dental Corps. Boyce was stationed in San Diego, where he and Kay made more lifelong
friends.

After completing his military service, Boyce and Kay returned to Portville, and he started his dental practice, which continued for over 40 years. Boyce and Kay bought their beloved property in the Barnum Valley where they raised their four daughters.

In addition to practicing dentistry, Boyce was elected to the Portville Central School Board and he served for 20 years. On numerous occasions, Boyce and Kay traveled to Honduras with the Christian Medical Society, where they provided dental and medical services to disadvantaged communities. He was also active in multiple churches in the area.

Boyce’s greatest loves were Kay, his four girls and his peaceful property in the Barnum valley.

Boyce and Kay were the epitome of a lifelong partnership. A first-generation college attendee and believer in life-long learning, he encouraged Kay to obtain a master’s degree after their youngest daughter started kindergarten. He encouraged each of his girls to obtain an advanced degree.

A voracious reader, Boyce would regularly impart advice to his children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews — or anyone else who would listen — on investments, environmental stewardship, religion and politics.

Boyce and Kay’s property on Barnum Road was the place where everyone congregated, hosting many family gatherings and picnics. Family and friends loved walking the paths that Boyce created.

Well-known for his love of nature, and stewardship of the environment, Boyce’s enthusiasm for projects was infectious. After Kay’s death, he built a cabin in the woods overlooking the valley. He developed a plan to manage the old growth forest as well as a plan for maple syrup operations from the property. In recent years, Boyce placed solar panels and engineered a hydroelectric system in an attempt to be more efficient with
energy and reduce his carbon footprint.

Each winter, Boyce very much looked forward to constructing his famous ice glacier — by diverting water from his spring into a giant ice formation — an artistic work of nature that gained public attention.

Boyce dearly loved all those who survived him, including his four daughters, Amy (Tim) Jones, Brynja (Curt) Booth, Heather McDivitt and Molly (Bryan) Petryszak; and his grandchildren, Amanda (Andy) Jones Laub, Holly (Doug) Cline, Brandon (Caroline) Jones, Grey Jones, Haley (Adam Zdarko) Jones, Henry Booth, Katherine Booth, Nathan Petryszak and Luke Petryszak; as well as four great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brothers, Stuart (Carolyn) McDivitt, Herschel (Linda) McDivitt and Keith (Carol) McDivitt; his brother-in-law, James Anderson; sisters-in-law, Christine Anderson (Michael) Mooney and Lee Anderson; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents; wife; brother, Wendell McDivitt; and brothers-in-law, Richard Anderson, Terry Walden and Michael Pickett.

There will be no visitation or service immediately, but a celebration of life will be held at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS); the Portville Historical and Preservation Society; and the First Presbyterian Church of Olean.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Guenther Funeral Home, Inc., 51 S. Main St., Portville.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.guentherfh.com.