by Joe Wilhelm Jr.
Staff Writer
The idea was to change a Fourth Judicial Circuit Court judge’s portrait unveiling from a memorial to a celebration for family and friends.
Fourth Judicial Circuit Chief Judge Donald Moran decided to change the rule that used to require that a judge’s portrait be unveiled after they passed away. The unveiling now occurs after they retire from the bench.
“We wanted to create something that the judge and their families could enjoy,” said Moran. “This allows the judge to see and appreciate the portrait and friends and family can interact with them rather than memorializing them.”
This new tradition carried on Thursday as former Judge Tyrie A. Boyer was honored with a portrait that will be hung in Courtroom 4 of the Duval County Courthouse.
The ceremonial Courtroom 4 has gotten plenty of use lately with four retirements and four investitures, plus the portrait unveiling for former Judge William Durden. Boyer joined Durden as a former judge recognized recently as the new rule catches up to the judiciary that have served the Fourth Judicial Circuit.
Boyer definitely put the “S” in serve, as he sat on the bench at every level in the state of Florida during his career, including the Florida Supreme Court on special assignment. His career on the bench started in 1960 when he was appointed judge of the Civil Court of Record in Duval County.
“At the time he was the youngest judge to hold that office,” said Boyer’s daughter Carol Boyer Knight. “When he was appointed to the Circuit Court of Record, again he was the youngest Circuit Court judge in Florida.”
The work ethic needed to succeed at every level of the judiciary was a part of the Boyer family fabric, according to Howard Coker, former Florida Bar President.
“Hard work is a family trait where he comes from, and he was never shy about work and he still isn’t,” said Coker. “He is the most energetic man I know. Throughout his life he has been an auto mechanic, brick layer, electrician, plumber, trim carpenter, hands-on farmer and hands-on rancher. All of these things were done by a man who Ray Ehrlich called a scholar.”
As an attorney, Boyer earned the American Board of Trial Advocate’s (ABOTA) Diplomat status by trying over 100 jury trials to conclusion. He continues to practice at the firm of Boyer, Tanzler & Sussman, of which he is managing partner. Boyer also finds time to contribute to The Heritage Foundation and Cato Institute, think tanks for promoting public policy based on individual liberty, limited government and free markets.
“I have enjoyed serving as a judge and a lawyer,” said Boyer. “It has been an honor to do both. I have been asked on occasion if I am retired, to which I respond, ‘No.’ Then they asked when I am going to retire. I tell them that I will be in the courthouse as long as the good lord will allow.”
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