Bill R. Boyd

It is with deep and heartfelt sadness that we announce the passing of our dear Grampa Bill, on April 11th, 2025. A loving son, nephew, husband, father, cousin, and more; Bill made everyone he met, feel important and valued, simply by being present. Those of us he leaves behind, will miss him so much.

Born on May 3rd, 1938, Bill was the only child to Francine (Pagnotta) and Marion Boyd. He grew up in Priest River, Idaho and attended Gonzaga University receiving his Bachelor’s Degree in Education in 1960, and a Master’s Degree in Administration in 1964. One of the family’s favorite stories about him, is how Bill paid for his entire education by cashing in coupons his father let him have from the grocery store he owned in Priest River!

Bill not only worked in education, but he ran a very successful business as well. He and his cousin, Duane, ran the North Country Dept. Store for many years. Clearly devoted to his parents and his careers, all of that changed when Bill married his former High School Sweetheart Marilyn McGowan in 1976. She was truly the love of his life, and the two found an abiding love and joy in one another, that few of us ever come to know. Along with Marilyn, came two teenage daughters that forever changed Bill’s life as a single man… Kelley (then 17), and Tammy (then 15). From then on, Bill spent his time loving and supporting his family, and being the best husband and father a man could be.

Over the years, Bill and Marilyn loved to entertain, spend time with family, travel, and enjoy their A-Frame on the Pend O’Rielle River. Many weekends were spent waking up at the cabin, and riding in the boat to Sandpoint, where they would enjoy eating breakfast.

As the years went by, they witnessed their family grow. Tammy and her husband Barry (Loe, married in 1984) of Post Falls, went on to have nine children: Erin (and Jeff) Degon of Spokane, WA; Jordan (and Patrick) Brennan of Everett, WA; Emily and Kevin Evans (and great-granddaughter, Birdy) of Renton, WA; Ian (and Megan) Loe of Medical Lake, WA; Rory (and Kylie) Loe of San Diego, CA; Nathan Loe (Currently in Seminary at Mt. Angel, OR); Olivia Loe (of Coeur d’Alene, ID); along with Brandon and Riley who both live at home in Post Falls, ID. Daughter Kelley(McGowan) had one daughter Grace, both of whom reside in Spokane, WA.

Bill and Marilyn loved spending time with family members, and they absolutely adored their grandchildren. The same was true in reverse, and they spent much of their time attending births, birthday parties, concerts, plays, and graduations (among many other celebrations) over the years. Sadly, Marilyn passed away in 2009 after a seven year battle with dementia. Bill stayed right at her side through it all; doing her hair and painting her nails whenever needed. Not only was he her companion and best friend, but her devoted caregiver as she remained in their home in Coeur d’Alene until she passed. Prior to her illness progressing, they loved flying to Las Vegas to see shows and play nickel slots. During their last trip, Marilyn was beginning to show signs of illness. Bill has told the tale many times of how Marilyn looked out the window of the plane just before takeoff for home, and said, “Goodbye Vegas. I won’t be back!” That was indeed, their last trip away together.

During Bill’s career in education which spanned 34 years both as a teacher and a Principal, his life touched thousands of students in a positive and meaninful way. His lifelong passion (along with his family), was his career, and working with students of all ages.The legacy he leaves is one of compassion for young people and a desire to help them overcome challenges in pursuing their education.

Bill received a multitude of special awards throughout his career. In 1974, he was voted VFW Educator of the Year. In 1989, Bonner County Educator of the Year; and in In 1993, he received the Idaho Gem State Award as State Principal of the Year. In 1987, a former student who later became a professor at The University of Chicago, dedicated a textbook he wrote, “Elements of Statistical Computing” to Bill’s name. He retired in 2000, but in 2010, was called back to West Bonner County School District and presented with the Excellence in Education Award which was to be named after him. He truly did make a difference in the lives of so many young people.

Bill was an accomplished pianist. He played the organ at St. Catherine’s Catholic Church in Priest River for 40 years. For a number of years, he gave piano lessons to some of his grandchildren. The oldest of the crew (Erin), has followed in his footsteps and loves playing the piano. Bill also had a beautiful voice, and loved singing, especially with his son-in-law, Barry.

Bill’s Italian heritage from his mother, instilled in him a love of Italian food. He passionately enjoyed preparing, serving, and eating his pasta. If you visited Grampa’s house, you never left hungry! He grew an abundance of tomatoes every year, and became famous for his wonderful Spaghetti Sauce. He alway s said “Part of the fun of making the sauce, is giving it away”.

Bill was the most loyal Zag God ever created. He never missed a game on TV, and in his earlier years, loved attending in person when able. Many family members, friends, and neighbors, would go to Bill’s house to watch the games with him on game nights.

Bill loved people and had no trouble making friends. He and Marilyn moved to Coeur d’Alene in the early 2000’s, and whereever he went, Bill would either see someone he knew, or he would make a new friend. He always had a smile on his face and never knew a stranger. Right up to the time he passed away, he would gleefully share detailed stories of family members or students he had known from decades earlier.

In his later years, Bill enjoyed spending time with family members, visiting with his wonderful neighbors especially Rob and Liz, and Laurie and Dave; gardening; and caring for his “puppies”. He loved his beautiful yard and took great pride in growing the biggest, most lovely ‘Dinner-Plate Dahlia’s’ in the area. Bill adored his dogs. He had three little boy Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, and three little boy Havanese over the last ten years. His precious little Casey and sweet Pepe (both Havanese), are still at home, waiting for Daddy to come back home at any moment.

Bill’s life was one of strong faith in The Lord, love, simplicity, and of resignation to the will of God. He was a wise, generous, and kind man, and his strength, integrity, courage, and compassion were a testament to his character. He truly had an impact on all the lives he touched. We are all deeply grieving his loss, and cannot wait until we join him again in eternal paradise.

Bill was preceded by his wife of 32 years, Marilyn, and his parents Marion and Francine Boyd. He is survived by his daughter Tammy (and son-in-law Barry) of Post Falls; their children Erin, Jordan, Emily, Ian, Rory, Nathan, Olivia, Brandon, and Riley, along with thier spouses, and Bill’s dear great-granddaughter, Birdy; daughter Kelley and Grace; Several first cousins, and many other extended family. He was especially close to Betty Bongiorno (Thomas) of Spokane, WA, and Linda Scott of CDA, ID; and he had a very special relationship with his youngest granddaughter, Olivia who was by his side and cared for him the last three years. She was the ‘apple of his eye’, and they became inseparable as they spent their time bantering and teasing one another, and having late night chats well into the night. They loved each other deeply, and were best friends.

A funeral Mass will be held at St. Pius X Catholic Church in Coeur d’Alene, ID on May 17th, 2025 at 11:00am, with a Rosary immediately preceding at 10:30am. A reception will be held in The Great Room at St Pius, immediately following Mass.

We will miss you so much, Grampa! Now you are on the very best trip ever with Grandma. We will be sure to scratch the puppies’ tummies often, just for you. GO ZAGS!!