Category Archives: Education

David L. Boyd, a long-time resident of Orange County, died on November 22, 2019. He was born in 1948.

David was raised in North Long Beach to a blue collar working class family. He graduated in 1966 from Jordan High School and was a proud member of the Moore League champion track team.

In 1968, he was appointed House Manager of the newly opened Lakewood Center Theater at the age of 19. In this capacity he supervised a staff of over 30 employees including his future wife, Patricia Kreger, and developed friendships that lasted a lifetime. He continued to work in various capacities at theaters throughout his undergraduate college years.

Upon earning his bachelor’s degree in 1970, he was hired by the firm currently known as KPMG. During this time he earned his CPA license and rose to the position of Tax Supervisor.

From 1975 through 1984 David worked in various entrepreneurial ventures in the consulting, real estate, and travel industries. During this period he earned a Juris Doctor degree and became a member of the State Bar of California. He later completed post graduate studies at Harvard Law School.

In 1984, David co-founded the educational institution currently known as The Taft University System. He continued at Taft until the time of his death, most recently serving as Chancellor.

David, who considered himself to be a fiscal conservative and a liberal on social issues, served eight years as an elected Trustee of the Orange County Board of Education representing Costa Mesa, Huntington Beach, Seal Beach, Fountain Valley, and portions of surrounding cities. In 2014, he was selected by his fellow trustees as President of the OCBE.

During leisure time, David and Patricia enjoyed live theatre and attended countless concerts and sporting events. A long-time season ticket holder, David was fortunate enough to see the Angels win the World Series in 2002 and the Ducks win the Stanley Cup in 2007.

As children, neither David nor Patricia had vacationed east of the Rockies. A “Grand Tour” of Europe in 1971 gave David a love of travel that lasted until his death. Both for business and leisure, David enjoyed seeing many of the great wonders of the world. London was his favorite destination and he always made it a point to stop in London for a few days anytime he was in Europe.

At the time of his death, David was a member of the Board of Directors of Children of the Night (COTN). David and Patricia have been listed for years as major donors to COTN and the Speech Foundation.

After being diagnosed with a rare, terminal blood disorder in 2018, he commented that while he would have enjoyed a few more years, he believed he lived an incredibly lucky life and would leave with no complaints.

He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Patricia, a son, Bob (Sandra), two daughters, Kelly (Kody) and Loni (Matt) as well as six grandchildren. He was grateful for the years spent with Patricia and proud of the achievements of his children.

David requested in lieu of flowers a donation be made to either Children of the Night or the City of Hope.