JEFFREY WINTHROP BONIFACE 22 Feb 1942 New York City, NY - 18 Oct 2015 Woodstock, CT Jeff left our world peacefully this past Sunday, at home in the embrace of his beloved wife of 51 years, Candace L. "Candy" (Domurad) Boniface, after several years of an impressive fight against Multiple Myeloma Jeff was a dedicated family man and a faithful friend. The people he leaves behind admired his contagious love of life, the powerful energy he exuded and dynamic smile he brought into every place and space. Happy shirts and a joyful personality were his trademarks, and he shared his good humor generously with those he loved. The positions he took and his opinions reflected a determined mind; he was also able to not take things too seriously, laugh at himself or his occasional temper, and make straightforward, spot-on remarks to what his close ones shared with him.  We will forever see his vivid, gorgeous blue eyes and the sparkly gaze he projected forward. A life of Passion Jeff was passionate about life and everything he chose to do was done with enthusiasm. He danced through life as beautifully as he did for many decades on the dance floors, admired and envied by all who saw him. The love and joy he shared with Candy gave them unlimited strength and a vibrant union, that endured even when they had to face, and surpass, the loss of their most precious son Lance, who died tragically in 1985. Jeff loved skiing with his family in Vermont, and was ever so proud of Lance's skills on those magnificent slopes, as their son joined the Vermont Skiing Team, against all odds for a "flatlander" who only practiced weekends. Jeff and Candy continued skiing, in both Vermont and Utah, until multiple myeloma made it no longer feasible. Jeff also lived a passion for boating, and owned two ocean-faring boats over a 12-year span, which he cared for with pride, dedicating weekends to taking his wife on fearless explorations throughout New England coasts and rivers; many new friends would follow them on these, always admiring Jeff's navigational mastery and dares. Motorcycles were a constant throughout Jeff's life; he owned one from the moment he could ride and others later on, up until his death. After his fatal diagnosis and hefty treatments, he surprised everyone by purchasing a sparkling new Harley Davidson, following his heart's desire with Candy's usual complete support. They were dashing as they rode off, and when maneuvering a large motorcycle became too risky, Jeff traded it in for another flamboyant ride: a Harley trike they would glide around on until very recently, while continuing cancer treatments. Jeff's shiny, powerful and dedicated personality allowed him to truly live life to the fullest- and in his case, these are not just words- even when cancer struck; his passion and his wife's unfailing care allowed him to enjoy a couple more lives over the last four years, standing and starting up again when Doctors announced he was nearing the end. "I tricked them", he would say with a laugh, and he would not let a medical prognosis govern his life! Treatments were long; they were naturally tough and all encompassing, but Jeff also charmed everyone who cared for him; he was repeatedly named 'best patient ever' because of his complete respect of and gratitude toward healthcare professionals. He remained humble in their care and consistently received the best attention; his faith in these professionals was a blessing to all and each of his remissions was widely celebrated. Another of Jeff's noteworthy passions (even though there truly were too many to combine into a single document!) was his decision just a couple years ago to explore the world of tattoos! Off they went again, to seek out the best place to fulfill Jeff's curiosity and desire. He enjoyed the result so much that he playfully continued until the only arm that could take this was covered with amazing, carefully selected images. The pleasure he got out of each piece of art was touching; it produced twinkles in his eyes and a dazzling smile from ear to ear, while he kindly proffered his arm to anyone who cared to admire the latest animal he had made a part of his own flesh. Jeff grew up and lived in Sturbridge, MA before moving to Woodstock, CT, 48 years ago, when he and Candy built a lovely house on "the hill", where they lived a life of happiness, adventure and joy up to this day. Wherever Jeff went, he and Candy made instant friends and were enjoyed and sought after for their cheerfulness and friendliness. They truly had fun together and didn't need much to be fulfilled, expressing gratitude daily and seeing beauty wherever it could be found. Jeff was a veteran of the United States Marine Corps, and led a career as a tool and die maker at Boniface Tool & Die in Sturbridge, MA; he was a reliable tradesman and a worthy trainer. In addition to this, for 12 years, he played a major role in designing, building, developing and operating Meadowside of Woodstock, a campground he created with his wife and members of her close family. This seasonal facility is still remembered today as one of the best places to vacation, because the Boniface and Pekarovic couples dedicated their time to the campers and brought fun into each weekend, while admiringly also holding full-time jobs elsewhere. Even though his close ones accept it was Jeff's true time to go, and admire that he came home to do so, he is and will continue to be sorely missed by those he left behind: his wife of Woodstock, CT; his father, Lawrence Boniface of Sturbridge, MA; his brother, Mark Boniface of Sturbridge, MA; his two sisters, Laurie Boniface of Sturbridge, MA and Mary Taylor of Charlton, MA; also many in-laws who had become his own family, beloved nieces, nephews, friends, and his precious puppy Tri. He was preceded in death by his son, Lance Boniface, and his mother Joyce (Pickard) Boniface. A life lived to the fullest A Memorial and Celebration of Life will be held in Jeff's honor on Saturday, November 7, 2015, starting at noon at the Publick House, 277 Main Street, Sturbridge, MA Friends and family are invited and welcome to attend In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Dana Farber, Jerome Lipper Multiple Myeloma Center, 450 Brookline Avenue, Boston, MA 02115. Shaw-Majercik Funeral Home, 48 School Street, Webster, MA has been entrusted with arrangements. A guest book for memorial condolences is available at www.shaw-majercik.com