William Bernard Boyd

Also known as "Bill"

16 May 1933 – 22 January 2025

William Bernard (Bill) CNZM, QSO

Passed away peacefully January 22nd at Hawkes Bay Hospital.

Beloved husband of Lorna. Deeply cherished dad of David and Leigh, Ross and Tamlin, Sue and Greig Mercer, Kathy and Dean Bryant. Dearly loved Poppa of Kim and Nick, Emma, Yolanda and Eddie, Joel and Susan, Emery, Scarlett, Andrew and Kim, Mike and Amanda, Nick, Rachel, Matt and Alex, and Sean. Proud ‘Old Pop’ of his great grandchildren.

A life lived honouring ‘service above self’.

Bill’s life will be celebrated at a memorial service 2pm Thursday 30th January at St Columba Presbyterian Church, 480 Ti Rakau Drive, Botany, Auckland. For those not able to attend but would like to view the service online on this page. 

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Rotary Foundation would be appreciated.

 

Funeral service held at St Columba Presbyterian Church

Tributes

Dear Lorna and family. I send my sincere condolences at the passing of your beloved husband, father, Poppa & Old Pop Bill. Bill was a true gentleman and Rotarian. I am honoured to have known him through our involvement in Rotary and our paths often crossed, most recently as you stopped off in Matamata for a cuppa. I am indeed Proud to be a Rotarian alongside such people as the great Bill Boyd. Rest in Peace. Kia Kaha Lorna

Leonie Tisch (PDG9930)

Dear Lorna, It was a very sad day when we heard of Bill's passing. We are sorry that we cannot be with you today, but we will be thinking of you and your family. Our sincere condolences. Best wishes, Wayne and Glenda

Wayne and Glenda Griffin

Dear Lorna My sincere condolences on losing a special and great man. He was quietly spoken but always spoke with great consideration and wisdom. His contribution to Rotary, and especially New Zealand was considerable, and we all share in the honour of having him serve as RI President which he did with mana and dignity. Wishing you and all your family Long Life. Warm wishes Carol Green DG 2025-2026 D9940

Carol Green

Dear Lorna, Although I did not meet Bill or yourself, but I heard all good things about Bill from many Rotarian during my Rotary life in New Zealand. What amazed me more, was when Mr. Emmanuel Katongole, Co-Founder & Chairman of Quality Chemical Industries Ltd. Uganda and current RI Director Nominee for zones 21 and 22 met me in Singapore International Convention and spoke warmly and proudly introduced himself as Bill's African Driver. This shows how Bill touched the hearts of many Rotarian not just in NZ but where ever he visited in the world. Together with mine, below is the condolence message directly from Emmanuel; Dear James, It is indeed sad news. President Bill Boyd was a gentleman, a humanitarian and down to earth. He inspired many of us to do the little that we do for humanity. I will always cherish the days I spent with him and his dear wife Lorna when I served as their driver on their Uganda Lead the way visit in 2006. I was and will remain his proud African Driver. Our condolences go to Lady Lorna and the rest of their family. I am currently with RI President Stephanie Urchick on her Africa Magic tour in Egypt in my capacity as RI Director Nominee for zones 21 and 22. We took off time to mourn the passing of our friend Bill Boyd. I have three of his lovely theme ties and they will remain special for a long time. May his soul rest in perfect eternity 🙏 Emmanuel

James Khare

Lorna, Esther and I send our condolences. We thought the world of Bill and You and feel blessed that you were the President when I joined the Board. Bill will be missed for his wisdom, advice and personality. Love, Barry and Esther

Barry Rassin

Dear Lorna and Family Laraine and I were very saddened to learn of Bill’s passing. He contributed so much to his community and Rotary International. He was also the RI Director and my mentor when I served as Governor 9910 1999/2000. Due to my on going health problems we will not be able to attend Bill’s funeral on Thursday. RIP Bill. Laraine and Michael

Michael Hill

Hi Lorna and family, We are so upset to hear of Past RIP Bill's passing - he was an inspiration and mentor to us all throughout Rotary. A kind, gentle man who led through example. We are so grateful to Bill and you all for your decades of service and supporting Bill. It was my honour to present you both with the Royce Abbey award just at the end of November. Our coffee was a highlight and I am devastated for your loss. Know that Bill will continue to live on in our hearts and thoughts. Thinking of you all at this difficult time. Lots of Love, Jenn x

Jenn Wong

Dear Lorna My sincere condolences to you and your family I am thinking of you all. Love Mary

Mary Holt
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