FHS finalizes process of naming gym after Gene Boyle

Gene Boyle’s legacy lives on at Flathead High School following the official decision to name the new gymnasium after the longtime coach, dean of students and activities director.

The district recently completed its formal naming process by organizing a committee after Flathead Activities Director Bryce Wilson submitted the request for the school board’s consideration in August 2019.

Boyle worked at Flathead from 1976 to 1998, when he retired and became principal at St. Matthew’s Catholic School until 2009. He died in 2016.

Boyle’s name initially came up in the naming process of Rankin Elementary School and was a popular submission. A committee recommended naming the new elementary gym after Boyle, but in the school board’s discussion, former trustee Frank Miller said Boyle’s name should be saved for consideration of Flathead’s new gym since his presence was well-known at the high school.

Boyle was a mentor to Wilson, who noted the difference he made in the lives of educators and students in an earlier Daily Inter Lake article. Wilson described Boyle as being “Flathead through and through,” with a lively “can-do” attitude that extended throughout the wider community.

A dedication ceremony is planned Jan. 31 in the new gym. The time of the ceremony is tentatively scheduled at 6:15 p.m.

Reporter Hilary Matheson may be reached at 758-4431 or hmatheson@dailyinterlake.com.