Bovey, Elton

March 26, 1922 ~ June 19, 2008 Resident of Pleasanton, CA Mr. Bovey a 48 year resident of Pleasanton passed away peacefully on June 19, 2008 in Houston, Texas. Mr. Bovey joined the U.S Air force in 1942 during World War II, and then returned to his career in the newspaper and magazine industry. Mr. Bovey was honored for his 35 years as Principal Officer of Teamsters Local Union 96 of Oakland, and Local 296 of San Jose by lifelong friend Senator Barbara Boxer and her husband Stewart Boxer, who once wrote a tribute to Mr. Bovey and presented it to the House of Representatives. Mr. Bovey is preceded in death by his brother Carroll Bovey and step-daughter Brenda Pixley. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife,  Gayle Bovey, his children; Ronald (Theresa) Bovey of San Jose, Caren (Jack) Coffey of Tucson, Dryden (Sam) McIntosh of California, Ken (Jeanie) McIntosh of Manteca Larry (Shirley) Allred of Livermore, Patricia (Ray) Cellar of Stockton, and numerous grandchildren and; great grandchildren. Special eulogy by Bill Ortman: 

Elton Bovey played a very significant role in the history of the Bay Area newspapers for plus 40 years. To me he was a confident, an adversary and coworker. Most of all he was a dear friend.

In the early 50's when the Oakland Post Enquirer folded, Andy Stone, the Trib's circulation director hired the best of the Enquirers circulation talent which included Al Moss, Ben Brazil, Bill Davenport and others including Elton Bovey. As I recall Elton was appointed District Advisor in District A in San Leandro.

Bovey's circulation career was shot lived because Local 96 business agent, Ed Clancy, died. The union membership elected Bovey to replace Clancy. 

The next 45 years Elton represented over 300 Tribune circulation employees, a job he performed in a very professional manner. He was highly respected by his co-union workers, the newspaper guild, the mechanical crafts, his own membership and the Trib's labor pro, Ed Landergan. But things were not easy for Elton in the early years. He was young and inexperienced and he had to deal with hardened, professional labor leaders. His biggest fear was the prospect of Local 96 being forced into a merger with a sister union by the International.

 Elton and I had many disagreements, Hardly a week would pass without an exchange but at the days end we would find agreement and shake hands...and retire to the Mint Julep. It has been said by many including yours truly, The best thing that ever happened to Local 96 was Elton Bovey..May he rest in peace.