John Raymond Boyd, resident of Northampton since 1988, died suddenly from a cardiac event on June 2, at age 68.
Born July 18, 1952 in Aurora, Colorado to Erma Fechner Boyd and Raymond Joseph Boyd Jr., John was a sweet and gentle soul, lifelong scholar, outdoor enthusiast, photographer, world traveler and teacher. His endless curiosity led him to multiple degrees, travels to Peru, Mexico, Europe and China, as well as extensive genealogical research. The family moved to Spokane, Washington then to Moscow, Idaho (1963), where he achieved Eagle Scout and graduated from Moscow High School (1970). He earned a Phi Beta Kappa key and a BS in Physics from the University of Idaho (1976). After a short stint in Santa Cruz, California, told in part in “The Eudaemonic Pie” by Thomas Bass, he moved to Seattle and the University of Washington where he received an MS in Physics (1980). He moved to Northampton, Massachusetts in 1984 earning a PhD in Linguistics from UMass (1992) and remaining to pursue numerous interests, including tutoring and most recently teaching for the Northampton School District.
John was pre-deceased by his parents and is survived by siblings Andrea (Steve) Fountain, Dave (Carlotta) Boyd and Sylvia (Eric) Engerbretson: an uncle, 8 first cousins, a niece and 8 nephews, plus spouses; and 17 grand nieces and nephews, with 2 more on the way. His siblings wish to thank those who were able to make it to an informal gathering on June 20 with short notice, and apologize to any who did not get notice. Please comment here or contact dave.boyd1@comcast.net with any remembrances. Donations may be made in his memory to a charity of your choice.
Williamsburg Funeral Home was entrusted with his service.