Local News - January 2003

Harlan Boyles dead at 73

By AL DOZIER, LTN Staff Writer

January 24, 2003 - Lincolnton native and former State Treasurer Harlan Boyles, a highly respected state treasurer for nearly 25 years,  has died at age 73.

 Boyles, who was suffering from cancer, died Wednesday night at his Raleigh home with his wife, Frankie, at his side.

His funeral will be 2 p.m. Saturday at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Raleigh.

“He was probably the highest respected state elected official in Raleigh and statewide,” said long time friend and former legislator John Gamble. “When he spoke, the Legislature would listen.”

Gamble said his success as a treasurer was recognized nationally by his peers, and his life story was very impressive.

“He was afflicted with polio as a child, but had supreme determination and went onto UNC at Chapel Hill, graduated and became a CPA.

“He was an extremely intelligent man,” Gamble said. “ He was an investment genius.”

Rep. Joe Kiser, R-Vale, said Boyles “was the most unique person I’ve ever met in politics.”

 He overcame his disabilities and became a giant of a man, Kiser said.

“We will ever be grateful to him in North Carolina for the fiscal leadership he provided this state. Everyone in Lincoln County should be proud that he was a Lincoln County native”

Judy Gilbert, a long-time Democratic leader in Lincoln County, remembers Boyles as a leader who cared deeply about the people of North Carolina.

“He was knowledgeable and did his job with a special amount of caring for people of the state. While he was there, nobody had to worry about our retirement system. Everywhere, all across the state, people spoke highly of him.”

In 2000, when leaving office, Boyles decided to make the Lincoln County Historical Association Museum home for his personal collection of papers.

 “We are very proud to have that collection, said museum Curator Jason Harpe.

“Anytime you have an individual who has done the kinds things he has done at the various levels of public service, it’s something very special. He was known as keeper of the public purse, and that’s what he was —keeping North Carolina with a triple A bond rating for years.”

In a prepared statement, Gov. Mike Easley said: “The people of North Carolina have lost a true friend and champion. Harlan Boyles worked tirelessly for this great state to ensure that our finances were in order.

“His leadership, sound advice, and staunch resolve will always be remembered.”

© 2001 Lincoln Times-News  

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