BY ALICE MARY HERDEN
The recent passing of one of Hernando County’s most beloved umpires, Boomer Oliver, is a true loss to this community, especially those that were fortunate to be on the diamond with him.
Behind the plate with a clicker in his left hand, greeting with his right hand, he welcomed every batter with a charismatic smile.
For many years he was closely tied to the players of the Senior Softball Leagues, his charisma, charm, joy, and his distinctive laughter made the players fill up with energy and life. He made many friendships along the way and built lasting bonds.
He also worked for Frazier Farms and for the last 5 years was their mascot- dressing up as their resident chicken.
“Boomer was a great man. He was always laughing, always happy and would light up a room wherever he went. He was our umpire in the men’s senior softballleague and would bring us corn from Frazier Farms where he worked, which my grandson AJ always looked forward to. His eccentric holiday outfits always brought out the best in everyone. He will surely be missed by all. Rest in Peace!” – Ron Valure President, SSIL
“Thanks for letting me say a few words about Boomer. He was a special person and he always had a smile….a more fun loving person you will ever know. He was a friend to all. Everyone loved him.” – Larry
“As you can see, Boomer was a great man. He loved to make people feel good. He was a very nice person and loved to have fun. My family just loves him. We golfed Wednesdays and sometimes on the weekends. He made me feel like a good friend all the time. I really am going to miss him. He had a way of making everyone smile and laugh!” – Arthur R Grzyb
“He was just a real likable guy, he would bring smiles to everybody. At the nursing homes, he would go and cheer people up. He was involved in all the sports, of course, shuffleboard, horseshoes, bowling, softball, golf, you name it, he did it all.” – David Frazier.
“From his infectious laugh to his wild personality, Boomer was always a blessing to be around. He had such a big heart and so many stories he shared with all of our fellow golfers. He could brighten anyone’s day and we are certain there is a special place in heaven for him. “Our Dear Brother Boomer” -Rivard Golf Club
“We’ll see you later, Boomer.” — Lisa MacUltra
Boomer originally from Ireland, traveled throughout his life and resided here in Brooksville.
A memorial service was held for Boomer at Merritt Funeral Home on Wednesday April 10. Hundreds of people whose lives were touched by Boomer gathered in his memory.
Captains Corner in Brooksville will host a celebration of life for Boomer Oliver Saturday April 13, 2019 at 6pm – ? For additional information contact Captain’s Corner: (352) 799-1987.
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Obituary for OLIVER, Burnis “Boomer” Sylvester Jr., 77, of Brooksville, Florida, passed away Thursday, April 4, 2019 at his home.
He was born July 22, 1941 in Norfolk, Virginia and came to Brooksville 20 years ago from Fort Lauderdale, Florida. He served in the Unites States Army and was a plumber by trade. His love of Brooksville is evident through his involvement in numerous community organizations including the Moose Lodge, Spring Hill Senior Softball Invitational League “WHACS”, Anderson Snow Senior Softball League, bowling leagues, softball umpire for the last four years and he was an avid golfer. His genuine smile and his authenticity extended to all, whether you’d known him for a lifetime or met him once. Boomer was a bright light on this earth, and his presence will be sorely missed.
He is survived by his son, Joey Halprin of Hodgenville, Kentucky; daughters and son-in-law, Wendi & Wayne Nixon of Elizabeth City, North Carolina and Noel Oliver of Fort Lauderdale, Florida; sister and brother-in-law, Charlene & Jack Hyman of Chesepeake, Virginia; grandchildren, Joie, Matthew, Parker, Taylor and Zoe and one great-granddaughter. Source: Merritt Funeral Home
