Robert Boyd

Published on 14/03/2022

BOYD - Robert 27/3/1935 6/3/2022 An amazing dad to Heather and Russell, a husband, a papa, brother, uncle and friend to so many. Countless people loved him dearly. Just short of his 87th birthday, on Sunday morning 6th March 2022, after a Saturday, afternoon spent watching footie with his two best friends, Bert died ..... or as he would put it 'was promoted to glory.... hallelujah!' Those who had the good fortune to meet our dad will know that his faith was unshakable and although we are sure he would be so sad to leave us all, we know he was at peace with his mortality. Dad's was a life lived to the full, he was involved in so many projects, charities and of course church life, he has left a lasting mark on both individuals and communities. He came to Greenock in 1972 as College Keeper at James Watt College and quickly proceeded to make friends and, with his wife Ellen, commit to the local Baptist Church, serving as secretary for many years. During this time, he and our mum started the 'Clyde Light' music concerts and ran youth and church events, working across denominations being instrumental in setting up Inverclyde Churches together. His love of and passion for young people led to dad becoming a joint founding member of 'Youth for Christ', a charity that exists in Greenock to this day, working with local schools and vulnerable young people. Once he retired, the real work began, as events led to the founding of Inverclyde Peace Initiative, a charity involved with conflict resolution, being awarded the Queen's Golden Jubilee award, 2003, and having trained hundreds of young people in conflict resolution. Along the way Bert collected a BEM for his services to the community. Dad was always known as a great encourager of people, whatever their situation, whether in prison, addicted to drugs or simply with his friends and family. He was recognised formally as the Inverclyde Community Volunteer of the Year in 2013. We know a highlight of his time in Greenock and latterly Gourock, was being chosen to carry the Olympic flame in 2014. We have grown up with comments like 'Oh, you're Bert's daughter, or 'I know your dad Russell'. And we couldn't be prouder. There will be a Church Service to celebrate Dad's life on Friday 18th March, at Ardgowan Square Evangelical Church, Greenock at 1:45pm. Family limousines will leave Ashburn Gate at 12:45. Before the Church Service, we will be at Gourock Cemetery for the Burial Ceremony at 1pm. All are welcome, but we understand if you would rather meet us at the Church. Refreshments will be served afterwards to give us all a chance to meet, hug, remember and be together. Dad had asked that there be no flowers, apart from his very immediate family, instead we would love if you could donate in his memory to the Christian Aid Ukraine appeal at christianaid.org.uk or on 020 7523 2269. Dad had chosen this to be his verse, one that Heather and Russell think sums up the very essence of dad's life. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 2 Timothy, 4:7-8.

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