BY ANNA WEBB

awebb@idahostatesman.com

© 2011 Idaho Statesman

Noel Bohuslov didn’t always have an easy life. He contended with a serious alcohol addiction, and as a result of that, fell on hard times. The drinking also led to occasional alienation from his family.

Still, at the end of his life — in April, at age 67 at Boise’s Good Samaritan Home — he seemed to be at more of a hopeful beginning than an end, said his daughter, Tabitha Kizer.

She spoke with him the day before he died. They had a simple conversation that was comforting in its lack of drama. Bohuslov had just ordered a rifle he’d wanted for a long time. He was making plans for a hunting trip in the fall — planning despite his reliance on a walker because of a bad hip, and supplemental oxygen because of emphysema.

One of his big dreams was taking Kizer’s son, Zachary, a sophomore at Cole Valley Christian, hunting for the first time.

After Bohuslov died, Kizer searched through his emails, and learned more about her father’s expanding life. He was taking better care of himself, getting treatment at the VA, going to physical therapy twice a week. He was making new friends — including his driver, who helped Bohuslov get around town. Their association quickly evolved from a business agreement into a close friendship, Kizer said.

But that was the way Bohuslov was, she added. “Like the old saying, ‘No one was a stranger.’”

Bohuslov served in the Air Force in Vietnam as part of a crew that refueled B-52s. After the war, he married Kizer’s mother. He went back to school and got an advanced degree in geography and math. He spent his professional life working in the airline industry.

Kizer is candid about the Bohuslov family’s tough times. Her mother and Bohuslov split up. His drinking continued.

Despite that, generosity was a constant in Bohuslov’s character. Bohuslov would spare no expense to provide lavish Christmases, Kizer said. That didn’t stop with his own family.

Every year, he’d pick a coworker who was struggling financially. Bohuslov would spend his money — often as much as $1,000 — to buy presents for the coworker’s family. He’d show up at their door with his arms full.

Bohuslov spent his last days at the Good Samaritan Home, a residence for low-income seniors and low-income adults with disabilities. He kept giving though his own resources were thin.

Julie Zicaro, director at the home, said that Bohuslov took notice of a woman who arrived at Good Samaritan in rough shape. He asked Zicaro if she knew of a good salon. He wanted to buy a gift certificate for the new resident so she could get her hair done.

“Please keep in mind that all of our residents are lower income so this was quite the gift from Noel,” Zicaro said. “Noel really touched her life with this sweet gesture.”

Bohuslav had a military funeral. Kizer got the flag after the service. She still has her father’s entire Air Force uniform as well. The family is waiting for the arrival of a Presidential Memorial Certificate from President Obama that will acknowledge Bohuslav’s service during the war.

His grandson, Zachary, is working on his Eagle badge. Zachary’s final project is fitting: He will remodel a resident’s room at the Good Samaritan Home.

Anna Webb: 377-6431

In Remembrance is a weekly profile on a Treasure Valley resident who has recently passed away. To recommend a friend or loved one for an In Remembrance, email newsroom@idahostatesman.com.

IN REMEMBRANCE