Bill Boyd - RIP
From District
 
It is with profound sadness that we inform you of the peaceful passing of Past Rotary International President Bill Boyd this morning, January 22, 2025.
 
Bill Boyd served as President of Rotary International during the 2006-2007 Rotary year. His dedication to Rotary spanned over three decades, during which he held numerous significant roles, including:
  • Rotary Foundation Regional Coordinator for Australia and New Zealand (1989-1991)
  • Chair of the Regional Magazine Editors Conference (1992 and two subsequent occasions)
  • Member and later Chairperson of the Rotary International Communications Committee (from 1993)
  • Rotary International Director (1998-2000), serving as Treasurer in 1999-2000
  • Trustee of the Rotary Foundation (2008-2012), serving as Chairperson in 2011-2012
  • Chair of the Branding Committee (2012-2014)
  • Chair of the Water and Sanitation Rotarian Action Group (2012-2018)
  • Chair of the Peace Programmes Overview Committee (2018-2019)
In recognition of his outstanding service, Bill received the Rotary Foundation’s Distinguished Service Award and Citation for Meritorious Service, as well as a Distinguished Service Award from Rotary Down Under. He was honored with the Queen's Service Order for Community Service in the 2007 New Zealand New Year’s Honours List and was made a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2013. Both Bill and Lorna were awarded the Royce and Jean Abbey Foundation award in 2024. A dedicated Rotarian, Bill was also a multiple Paul Harris Fellow.
 
Beyond his professional achievements, Bill was a cherished member of the Pakuranga Rotary Club, where he returned in 2019 after concluding his international service. His wife, Lorna, was a steadfast partner throughout his Rotary journey, contributing significantly to various initiatives and sharing her extensive Rotary knowledge.
 
A memorial service to honor Bill's life and contributions will be held on January 30th at St Columba Presbyterian Church, 480 Ti Rakau Drive, Botany. 
 
Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with Lorna and the Boyd family during this difficult time.