BillBOYDWilliam Robert Boyd was born in Glasgow on 13th September 1945. Bill was brought up in Chryston and Muirhead, attending Chryston school, before going on to study at Coatbridge College where he developed a keen interest in electrical engineering. Bill joined the Post Office Telephone Department, a part of the civil service (now BT), and studied at night to increase his academic qualifications at Stow College and Alan Glens High School, and gained the rank of Technical Officer. Whilst working in the large Pitt Street Communications Switching Centre, Bill met his wife-to-be, Kathleen in 1964.
Meeting Kathleen was by far the best thing that ever happened to him in his whole life, he always maintained.
Bill and Kathleen married in 1967 and bought their first house in Bearsden, but the lure of adventure and a life less ordinary led them to emigrate some 5 yrs later to South Africa and Rhodesia. A love of Africa and its people led an initial three year contract to culminate in a stay of some 27 years.
One of the many highlights of Bill’s career was the management and successful completion of the communications infrastructure at the new Johannesburg Academic Hospital. This was the largest hospital complex in the southern hemisphere at that time, and Bill received accolades from the Transvaal Provincial Administration for the successful execution being on time and in budget. Funnily enough, it was at this same hospital in Johannesburg two years later that his sons, Robin and Stephen, were born.
Bill's love of life meant he took a great interest in many things, from history to bird-fancying, running marathons and even owning a restaurant, all whilst raising his young family and working on international projects.
After many delightful years in Africa, Bill then brought his whole family back to Scotland in 1995, settling in Cumbernauld, where Stephen joined the Royal Navy and Robin attended Edinburgh University, before both became successful deep sea divers. Bill and Kathy never could resist the pull of Africa, retiring to Durban a decade later, before upping sticks to Scotland again, but returned every few years to holiday back in their beloved country.
After a very busy 40 plus years in the fast-moving international Internet and Communications Technology sector, Bill finally settled in Darvel, Ayrshire, where he continued to enjoy what he called his golden years & laid back lifestyle, making friends, tending his garden and playing with his grandchildren. Bill is survived by his brother Robin, sister Sally, two sons and five grandchildren.
Bill's funeral will take place at The Hurlet Crematorium on Friday 5th July 2024 at 12pm. All welcome, family flowers only please.
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