September 22, 1938 – June 8, 2026

Alan William Boyd, beloved husband, father, educator, and musician, died peacefully of multiple causes on June 8, 2026, surrounded by family, friends, and music. He was 87 years old.

Born on September 22, 1938, Alan was raised in Parma, Ohio, where his musical talent was clear as early as the age of five, when he earned nickels singing "Danny Boy" at family gatherings. His love of music continued into high school and at the College of Wooster, where he sang in the Men of MacLeod and played first trombone in a Scottish pipe band while gigging for money in his brother Howie's dance combo.

A master's program in Divinity at Union Theological Seminary took him to New York City but, he quickly took advantage of the city's many musical opportunities. He sang Gilbert & Sullivan Off-Broadway, lent his voice to churches and synagogues, and performed with Leonard Bernstein and the Robert Shaw Chorale. In fact, if not for music, he may never have met his wife of 62 years, Sue. When she was singing in the chorus for a performance of Haydn's "The Creation," she recognized the voice of the lead tenor (Alan) as the singer she'd heard practicing in her brownstone.

Married in 1963, Alan and Sue were soon off to Ethiopia as volunteers in the early days of Peace Corps. This began a lifetime of dedication to international communities, which led Alan to pursue a PhD in Ethnomusicology from Indiana University (after a brief stop to earn a master's degree in Vocal Performance from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music). For his dissertation research, he moved Sue and his two children, Christina and Justin, to the island of Lamu, Kenya, for a year in 1976. This involved recording traditional Islamic ceremonies, which earned him the Swahili nickname "Bwana Tapu" ("Mr. Tape Recorder") and produced recordings that are preserved as "Music of the Waswahili of Lamu, Kenya" in the Smithsonian Institution.

The family arrived in Athens in late 1979 when Alan accepted the job of Director of International Student and Faculty Services at Ohio University during the Iran hostage crisis. Over his 28 years of service, there were many challenges, joys, and friends made from around the world. As director, he traveled as a Fulbright Scholar to Japan, Germany, and Taiwan. Even while serving in his professional role, he found ways to connect through music, including learning enough Chinese to sing a duet for Chinese New Year and singing the "Star-Spangled Banner" for the annual Indo-American Friendship Day. He was well known for reciting names at Ohio University commencement. He retired in 2007 and was awarded the title, Director Emeritus.

In the community, Alan was a member and past president of Noon Rotary and a member and past president of the Emeriti Association. He also enjoyed gardening in the backyard, with Project Plant, and the garden at Emeriti Park. He beat just about everyone he played in cribbage and dragged his kids to pick blackberries and crabapples on urban scavenger adventures.

He sang with the OU Choral Union, the SATB Choir, the choirs of the Presbyterian and Episcopal churches, and in numerous roles with Ohio Valley Summer Theater. A good tenor is hard to find, and his beautiful voice will be missed.

Alan is survived by his beloved wife, Susanne, his children Christina (Steve) and Justin (Kathy), grandchildren Pema and Calden, and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Evelyn and Howard, and his three siblings, Barbara, Howie, and Judith.

A celebration of Alan's life will be held in the Fall. If you would like to remember him, in lieu of flowers please consider a donation to Lamu Center for Preventive Health, a free clinic supported by a US non-profit that serves the people of his cherished Lamu. His wife and children express gratitude to Dr. Jen-Tzer Gau, The Athens Village, the amazing staff at O'Bleness Hospital, his caregivers Edna Khangamwa and Fridah Nabwire, and the Threshold Singers of Appalachia and friends who surrounded Alan with music on his journey home.

Arrangements are with Jagers & Sons Funeral Home, Athens.  Please share a memory, a note of condolence or sign the online register at www.jagersfuneralhome.com.