Harry Boyle dies

Mr Harry Boyle of Phegan's Bay has died in Gosford Hospital on April 19, after suffering from a stroke at the age of 87.

His funeral at Palmdale was attended by more than 100 mourners on April 23.

Mr Boyle was born in Corowa to parents Glen and Mary Boyle in 1922.

He was the eldest of five children and attended Albury High School before attending Sydney Teachers College.

On completion of his teacher training, Mr Boyle joined the army in 1942 where he was located to Papua New Guinea during World War II.

During the war, Mr Boyle married Helen Mills in April 1945, and later they had a daughter Janet.

After returning home from the war, Mr Boyle resumed teaching and attended Sydney University attaining degrees in Bachelor of Economics and a Master of Education.

He taught economics and geography at various secondary schools until his retirement.

According to family friend Mr David O'Toole, Mr Boyle had always been an active and generous member of his community wherever he lived, always lending a hand when needed.

Mr Boyle had been associated with many community and government organisations including Gosford and Manly Councils, Amnesty International, Australian Democrats, The Umina Uniting Church, NAISDA, the Community Environment Network, Woy Woy Community Centre and the Central Coast Symphony Orchestra.

He was also involved in The Bays Community Group and founded the Bays Progress Association which later became affiliated with the Combined Progress Association, of which he was elected president.

The Bays Community Group vice-president Mr Greg McMullen said Mr Boyle was a true inspiration to all who knew him.

Mr McMullen said Mr Boyle had energy, persistence and many contacts, which were called on when there was a problem to fix or a special item that was needed for The Bays.

"When he was younger, around 82 or 83, he would be the one folding and hand delivering the Bays Bulletins newsletter around the three bays.

"I know The Bays Community Group Executive Committee will miss him a lot.

"He was always ready with advice on many and varied matters and even historical matters about the Bays."

Cr Terri Latella also shared many fond memories of Mr Boyle.

"Harry Boyle was a very close friend whom I and many others admired and respected very much," Ms Latella said.

"His strength, integrity and loyalty towards progressing social justice and welfare were immeasurable.

"Harry was much more than a close friend.

"I regarded him as I would a father because of the way in which he showed he cared and wanted to help others.

"I reflected on all his positive and negative feedback on council issues and community wellbeing.

"His selfless approach in following community matters on council and attending council meetings highlighted his eagerness and passion for people.

"His words of advice and wisdom came from much experience in his efforts during World War II and strong political activism as a former councillor with Manly.

"He was a catalyst for the welfare movement in Australia.

"Upon his return from the war, he gathered other prominent post-war veterans and approached the then Australian government to act and progress issues for welfare reforms and for family and health expenditure during the difficult and trying times post war.

"His loss and leave of absence will be felt for a long time."

Cr Latella said she believed Mr Boyle should be honoured and remembered in the community.

"To do this I will endeavour to have his achievements and life story recognised and recorded in some way," Ms Latella said.

Eulogy, 23 Apr 2009 David O'Toole Clare Graham, 30 Apr 2009 Interviewee: Greg McMullen, The Bays Community Group Cr Terri Latella, Gosford Council