Obituaries
Richard E. Boyd, 100
November 17, 1921 - August 17, 2022
On August 17, 2022, at the age of 100, Richard E. Boyd took his final flight to join his beloved Rita. He called Willow Valley in Lancaster County, Pa. his home for the past nine years.
Richard was born in London, England on November 17, 1921, to Robert and Florence (Irving) Boyd. After 72 years of holding hands in marriage Richard said farewell to Rita. The love of his life preceded him in death on April 15, 2020. He is survived by two daughters Margot Denza (John) and Kathryn Boyd; three Grandchildren John Denza (Jennifer), danah boyd (Gilad), and Ryan Boyd (Marisa); nephew Trevor Richards; and six great-grandchildren.
During WWll, Richard survived the Blitz and joined the Royal Air Force. He came to the US to train and was one of the few Brits retained by the US Army Air Corps to train American pilots, earning his American wings. He returned to England where he and his crew piloted a Lancaster Bomber on 33 bombing missions in the European theatre. He was highly decorated and received the Distinguished Flying Cross for bravery and courage. As a humble, highly respected, compassionate man he believed his greatest success was getting his crew home safely. After the war, he was assigned to Transport Command flying to and from India. Richard was released from service in 1947.
WWll opened Richard’s eyes to the world, and he saw how the advances in aviation might benefit everyone. Rather than returning to his original plan of accountancy he set out to find his niche in commercial aviation. Leaving London again, his career led him to Cairo and Khartoum where military landing strips became airports. He went on to Montreal and Gander, Newfoundland as transcontinental flights flourished with jets on the horizon. In 1956, Richard was invited by Swissair to be part of the team opening operations at Idlewild (now JFK) Airport in NY. He retired in 1986 as the Manager of Operations and Maintenance, North America. During those 30 years and into retirement he was also an advisor, consultant and mentor sought by many for his knowledge, expertise, and candor. He was key in the development of the first computerized intercontinental flight planning system, training machines how to navigate. Richard oversaw the opening of additional routes for Swissair in the US and Canada. He began his career in aviation flying a Tiger Moth and watched in wonder as aviation grew more sophisticated. He was one of the pioneers of the industry, enabling technologies to evolve alongside the social and political implications.
Richard was a student of history and a voracious reader. War kept him from a formal education, but his curious mind and books opened doors for him. Life’s journey gave him great wisdom and strong values. Together with Rita, he traveled the world, loved the theater, Shakespeare, jazz, and symphonies. Richard’s stress relief was his garden, much to the delight of Rita as flowers bloomed around her. Richard was a gentle man and a gentleman. He lived his dream, celebrated life, and gave thanks every day. Richard often said, “It’s being so cheerful, that makes me so happy.” His cheerful smile will be missed by those who knew and loved him.
A private service will be held for Richard. In lieu of flowers: Perform an act of kindness in Richard’s memory.
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Condolences to the Family
August 08, 2024
My apologies for this late condolence message but I just read of his passing. I’ve always been a student of WW2 history especially the US Army Air Forces since my late father and my uncles both served in the USAAF but back in 2017 when I went to the Reading WW2 Air Show Weekend and met this amazing gentleman, that was an honor and privilege just to shake his hand. I was so impressed that when he spoke to a small but attentive group that day, he spoke non stop for almost 45 minutes. When I mentioned to his daughter ( who was also with him that day) how impressed I was that he didn’t read from any notes, she explained that he was as legally blind!
Andrew Paspalas
November 06, 2022
Richard’s obit struck a big chord. Very sure he would have known my Dad whose WW2 RAF career was identical with pilot training in USA (under the Commonwealth Air Training Programme , via Canada) followed by remaining in the US to train USAAF cadet pilots for all of 1943 (at WACO, Texas) , followed by return to England for heavy bomber conversion then joining 195 Squadron in December ’44 (“C” Flight) where he completed 34 operations. On disbandment of 195 Squadron end of July ’45 he was transferred to RAF Transport Command and sent to India flying Dakotas till mid ’46 then demobilised , returning to complete his education at University. He passed on in 2002 in his 80th year. Very sure Richard and my Dad would have known each other well. Great he had such a happy post war life and marvellous he reached 100 ! James Fanning
November 05, 2022
Just two words thank you
September 07, 2022
To the family of Richard Burke
All here at The Lakes had the pleasure of viewing the Documentary in which Richard was interviewed. He sat in the front row for the presentation, and answered various questions that audience members asked him afterwards. He was dearly loved by the residents here.
He would come to the evening entertainment & would be tapping his toe to the music being presented, having a big, pleasant smile of enjoyment on his face.
He will be dearly missed here. Blessings to all of the family.
September 07, 2022
I have known Richard for a few years now after Kathryn introduced us. I have never met a man so humble and kind, extremely intelligent, and just a pure delight to be around. He made you feel like you could spend hours listening to his stories and never want the time to end. I will dearly miss him, what an amazing person and a remarkable life, I feel incredibly lucky to be called his friend. Sending love and sympathy to the family.
September 04, 2022
I had the opportunity to serve Mr. Boyd at the Lakes campus in the dining area. Mr. Boyd was the most kind person I’ve ever met. Seeing him walking into the dining area and sit and the same table every day made my day. I know he is in a better place now and may he Rest In Peace.
September 04, 2022
Richard often rested outside my apartment on his way to visit Rita. It was a great pleasure to sit with him and chat. He was both interesting and charming. Truly his was a life well lived.
September 04, 2022
From Canada with Love. My Dear Uncle Dick. Uncle To so many OGorman Nueces and nephews.
We are together again with Aunt Rita and so many of the family.
I will miss our annual chats on the Anniversaries of DDay and Remembrance Day which led into political discussion.
To my cousin’s Margot, Kathryn and their families my Love.
September 03, 2022
It was a true honor and a privilege to get to know Richard and to have him speak for us as well as being a special guest at the Reading airshow over the past years.
I remember he always had a smile on his face and a kind word for everyone.
Rest well, Sir.
September 02, 2022
My deepest condolence to Kathryn and the rest of Richards Family. I have only know Richard about 3 years here at Willow Valley. He was a gentleman with everyone, I loved his stories which never seemed to end but never the same. I am sure he is missed greatly here at Willow Valley and by anyone who have the pleasure of knowing him.
