EAST PEORIA - Boyd Ridley Critz III of East Peoria, Ill., passed away at Select Specialty Hospital in Davenport, Iowa, on Monday, Feb. 23, 2009, after a sustained illness.

He was born in Richmond, Va., on Jan. 29, 1941, to Boyd Ridley Critz Jr. and Marian Standiford Archer Critz. He married Elaine Winifred Skinner (Miller) on March 21, 1959, in Iowa City, Iowa. He later married Judith (Dewey) Wilson on Sept. 14, 1996, in Peoria, Ill.

He is survived by his wife, Judith Critz; a son, Boyd R. (Kandi) Critz IV of St. David, Ill.; two daughters, Cathy Critz of Creve Coeur, Ill., and Diana Carroll of Peoria, Ill.; and a brother, Trainor A. (Pam) Critz of Charlotte, N.C. He also is survived by two stepsons, Ronald W. (Wendy Sue) Wilson Jr. of Pekin, Ill., and Gregory E. (Karri) Eads of Yuma, Ariz. Also surviving are grandchildren Boyd R. Critz V of Peoria, Ill., Sean P. (Renee) Critz of East Peoria, Ill., Jessica Carroll of Peoria, Ill., and Sarah (Matt) McBride; seven stepgrandsons, Joseph Wilson, Eric (Jennifer) Wisher of Pekin, Ill., Ryan (Jessica) Wilson of Lincoln, Ill., Aaron Eads and Cody Eads of Yuma, Ariz., Jessie Eads of Marion, Kan., and Michael Eads of Cut Bank, Mont.; four stepgranddaughters, Crystal (Mark) Dunn of Gainesville, Mo., Sharon Justice and Emily Wilson of Pekin, Ill., and Nichole Eads of Cut Bank, Mont.; a stepdaughter-in-law, Teresa Eads of Cut Bank, Mont.; and 11 stepgreat-grandchildren. He also is survived by a nephew, Brandon A. Critz of Santa Fe, N.M.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a grandson, Jeremy Carroll; and three stepsons, James Eads, Dennis Eads and Tim Eads.

He also leaves behind many pets, including his beloved Irish Wolfhound, Caesar.

Boyd was raised in Clinton, Iowa, and graduated from Clinton High School in 1958. He continued his education at the University of Iowa, where he completed his Bachelor of Science degree in 1962 with a double major in both math and physics.

He continued his postgraduate studies at the University of Iowa Law School, where he earned his Juris Doctorate degree in 1964. He also wrote for the Iowa Law Review and graduated in the top 10 percent of his class.

Boyd was employed by Caterpillar Tractor Company for 32 years as corporate tax counsel, specializing in the area of foreign taxes.

He volunteered with the Boy Scouts of America at the unit level as a scoutmaster for Troops 27, 25 and 1, and at the district level as district commissioner, and was recognized with many awards, including the Silver Beaver.

He also spent time as a volunteer with the Glen Oak Zoo, working with reptiles.

He was a member of the Noon Optimist Club of Peoria, Prairieland Koi & Pond Society and the local Writers Workshop.

He published a book of poetry, "Examinations of My Sole by Ridley," and had several works that were waiting to be published at the time of his death.

Boyd had attended our 50th Anniversary Class Reunion.