Michael Floyd Bolyard

MICHAEL FLOYD BOLYARD, 71 of rural Tippecanoe Co., IN passed away peacefully in his home December 26, 2023. Mike was born in Lafayette on March 16, 1952, to the late Floyd and Phyllis (Yoder) Bolyard. A younger brother, Eric, preceded him in death in 1956.

Mike grew up on the family farm and enjoyed working with livestock, riding horses, driving tractors, and helping in the fields. He was a 10 year 4-H member and looked forward to his summers being at the county fair, showing cattle and hogs and exhibiting various projects. The woods also were a very special place where he and all of his friends had many adventures – including riding dirt bikes up the cliff and back down at record speed. As he grew older, cars or anything mechanical became his passion.

In 1970, Mike graduated from William Henry Harrison High School and entered Purdue University School of Engineering. Deciding that was not for him, he started his own engine repair business which would lead him to the job he would be at for the rest of his career until he retired – CATERPILLAR.

At Caterpillar, Mike started out as a test cell operator and eventually landed his dream job as a Commissioning Engineer. He would oversee the placement of the large Cat engines, mainly the 3600’s to verify and document the engine was going to perform according to factory specifications. Mike traveled to every country in the world except for Russia. He commissioned engines on large ships, oil rigs, gas pipelines, emergency backup power and many other scenarios. He made a lot of wonderful friends along the way and always had new adventures to share with his family when he would return.
Mike’s hobbies included restoring old Harley Davidson motorcycles, building ultra-light planes, and flying them around the counties. Everyone in the neighborhood knew they could come to Mike if they needed anything mechanical repaired/fixed. He could do it all. He was known and loved by everyone for his brilliant mind, hard work ethic, generous, kind, and loving spirit.

Surviving are 2 sisters – Jae (Patrick) Kellogg and Betsy (Glade) Montgomery. Niece Meghan Israel & family, nephew Zach Israel (Elise) & family, nephew Scott Kellogg and Karen Knight. Niece Kendall Huffer O’Neill (Scott) & family, nephew Brandon Huffer (Rachel) & family, niece Kate Montgomery and nephew Reece Montgomery.

Please join us for a Celebration of Life get-together for Mike Bolyard on Saturday, October 12, at 4:00 p.m., at the Bolyard a-frame. (1824 S Co Ln Rd E, Lafayette, IN – south of SR 26). A meal will follow at the aframe with iced tea and water provided or bring your favorite beverage. Please bring lawn chairs. RSVP by October 5th (or if you have any questions), call 765-427-2507.
Rain date will be Sunday, October 13 – 3:00 p.m.