A man of genuine love, unwavering kindness and exemplary leadership

As Rotary lost one of its illustrious past presidents Bill Boyd, two of his friends in the Rotary fraternity – past presidents Rajendra Saboo and KR Ravindran, remember the man, the leader, his legacy and of the warm moments spent with him.

Rajendra Saboo: The heartwarming news arrived early in the morning on September 13, 2004, about Bill Boyd’s selection as RI President for the year 2006–07. In Rotary, exemplary leaders like Bill are greatly needed at the top to set examples in ethical behaviour and good conduct for Rotarians to follow.

For the first time, Usha and I met Lorna and Bill in Boca Raton, ­Florida, USA, in 1983. Bill was there for ­governorship training, and I was the RI Director.

William B Boyd joined the Rotary Club of Wellington South, New ­Zealand, in 1971. Since then, he has continued to climb the Rotary ladder, serving as club president in 1978–79, district governor of RI District 9940 in 1983–84, chairman of the RI Publications Committee from 1994 to 1998, director from 1998 to 2000, treasurer in 1999–2000, and finally RI President in 2006–07 and TRF Chair in 2011–12.

 

K R Ravindran: One evening in October 2005, my daughter called from upstairs to let me know I had an overseas phone call. When I answered the phone, I heard Boyd’s name mentioned, and I assumed it was my good friend Ken Boyd from California.

While exchanging pleasantries, I realised it must be quite early for him since it was around 8pm for me, which meant it was roughly 6am in ­California. When I mentioned that, he replied that he was already at the office, which took me by surprise before he said he had called to ask me something. Once again, I replied as I normally would to a close friend, casually saying, “Of course, that’s why you would call!”

There was a moment of silence, and then the caller said, “I would like you to be a trustee.”

I asked, “Trustee of what?” The response came, “Trustee of the Rotary Foundation!”

I was dumbfounded! I then asked, “Who is speaking? Is this the RI ­President-elect, Bill Boyd?”

And he responded, “Yes, who did you think it was?”

I was convinced this was a joke or prank someone was playing on me. I said, “I apologise for being frivolous when I spoke to you, but would you mind if I called you back?”

The caller laughed and provided me with his US number, which started with an 847 prefix. This indicated that the call was from Evanston, and then he hung up.

I still didn’t believe this was a genuine call, but I dialled the number anyway. It rang for a while without an answer, so I hung up. Within seconds, my phone rang again. The caller said, “Your call went to my executive assistant’s desk. She hasn’t come into the office yet, and before I could rush over to answer it, you hung up! So, I’m calling you back. Do you believe now that I am indeed President-elect Bill Boyd?” and he laughed.

Bill was charming, friendly, and persuasive. Before making a decision, I told him that I wanted to consult with Raja Saboo because I wanted to be a director, not a trustee. He granted me permission but cautioned me against talking to anyone else, but Raja, as he had to first have this nomination moved in the Board.

 

Saboo: When Ravi called me, we had visitors at home, so I said I would return the call as soon as I could. However, I was informed that the caller, Mr. Ravi, insisted on speaking to me immediately. So, I went to the phone and answered the call. When Ravi started by telling me he had received a call from Bill Boyd, I said, “Oh yes, I recommended you for the RRFC position.” He paused for a moment and then said, “No, he is asking me to be a Trustee!” I was pleasantly surprised. “You mean Trustee of The Rotary Foundation?” Then, before he answered, I said, “Let me consult Usha and call you back.” Usha, of course, immediately said, “He must accept it.”

 

Ravindran: I called Bill back, but before I accepted, I asked him, “Don’t you think there are better qualified individuals in our region, including several former directors?” His response was intriguing. He explained that he chose me because others were heavily lobbying with him, so he had asked the staff to find someone else who would be suitable. My file happened to be on top of the table, and he mentioned that if I didn’t accept the position, he would offer it to someone else who also wouldn’t be from this region!

That was the beginning of a friendship that lasted till these last days of Bill.

 

Saboo: In every position, Bill demonstrated leadership in our great organisation, “leading the way” to capture the true essence of Rotary. His direct approach, clear vision, open-­mindedness, and firmness combined with humility were evident at the culmination of his year at the RI ­Convention in Copenhagen, Denmark, in June 2006, where he genuinely earned the respect and esteem of Rotarians from around the globe.

Bill was a towering personality, not only physically but also as a great leader. Bill and I thought alike when we considered what makes Rotary important and keeps it relevant to the present.

Ravindran: I often turned to Bill for advice, even after I became President. Later, we visited each other’s homes, and he also spent a few days with me at my family home in the mountains of Sri Lanka.

I will never forget the first advice he gave me when I assumed my position as Trustee while he was President. He said, “Ravi, don’t talk too much when you are on the Board, but when you indicate that you want to speak, everyone must want to listen to you.” I have conveyed this advice to many others.

 

Saboo: In Rotary, our paths crossed repeatedly, further strengthening our friendship. In 1988, we met in Auckland, New Zealand, when Dr W Grattan O’Connell was the RI Director. We also met many times during Bill’s tenure as the Regional Rotary Foundation Coordinator for Australia and New Zealand from 1989 to 1991. In 1989, the Council on Legislation opened Rotary membership to women worldwide; for the first time in nearly 50 years, Rotary clubs were chartered in Budapest, Hungary, and Warsaw, Poland.

In 1989, we met at the Rotary Convention in Seoul, South Korea. In November 1991, Bill and Lorna served as our aides when Usha and I attended the ANZO Region, Zone 2 Institute in District 9910 in Auckland, New Zealand. I happened to be the first RI President to visit their district, so there was a great deal of excitement, and of course, a warm welcome for Usha and me.

Bill’s gentle demeanour masked an inner strength and resolve that inspired countless individuals, myself included.

— K R Ravindran, Past RI President

In 2006, Lorna and Bill visited Chandigarh to attend the Rotary Zone Institute, chaired by PRID Yash Pal Das. Then, in May 2007, Usha and I represented Bill and Lorna at the District 5220 Conference in South Lake Tahoe. In 2011, we gathered at the Rotary South Asia Conference in Colombo, when I served as the Rotary Foundation Chair.

In February 2012, we met at the Polio Summit in New Delhi, chaired by me and inaugurated by Prime Minister of India, Dr Manmohan Singh and again at the Kochi Rotary Institute.

 

Ravindran: Bill had a unique way of speaking; he would always be perched on a stool without notes. He was dignified and kind, and his advice consistently resonated with others. A few months ago, in September 24, he wrote in an email, “—but take our advice and enjoy every day and every task. Life is for living, and we intend to, but we need to consider how to best navigate our way forward.” At that time, he was 91 and felt some aches and pains, yet
I didn’t expect him to leave us so soon. I wrote to him in October 24, saying, “I hope I can make it to NZ. You and Raja are my greatest treasures from Rotary. What good fortune that our paths crossed.” Alas I can now never do that!

 

 

Saboo: Bill remained active in Rotary even after his presidency. He served as Chairman of Rotary Down Under, the regional magazine, for several years and also led the Water and Sanitation Rotarian Action Group from 2012 to 2016. Bill was awarded the Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2013. Both Bill and Lorna received the Royce and Jean Abbey Foundation Award in 2024.

Bill was the recipient of The Rotary Foundation’s Distinguished Service Award and Citation for Meritorious ­Service, a Distinguished Service Award by Rotary Down Under and The Queens Service Order for Community.

 

Ravindran: Bill Boyd was not only a leader but also a true embodiment of grace, humility and wisdom. His remarkable ability to connect with people from all walks of life made each one feel valued. He believed in serving sincerely and leading with integrity.

Bill’s life stood as a testament to Rotary’s values — service above self, fellowship and a steadfast commitment to improving the world. His gentle demeanour masked an inner strength and resolve that inspired countless individuals, myself included.

As I reflect on our friendship and his profound impact on me, I am reminded of how rare it is to meet someone who leads with genuine love, exudes unwavering kindness, and remains a beacon of hope and positivity for so many. Bill Boyd truly was a man of immense love, integrity and class — a legacy that will endure in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Rest in peace, dear friend. Your light will continue to guide both of us.