St. Davids, PA: In early September, Eastern lost John Boyer, a long-time friend and pillar in the University Community. John was a beloved Trustee, a respected member of the Board’s Finance & Property Committee and a close advisor to Eastern presidents during some of the most important decades in the University’s history. In his later years, he served as an Emeritus Trustee.
Mr. Boyer’s own academic experience prepared him well for service on Eastern’s Board. A graduate of Wilmington Friends School and the University of Virginia, he went on to complete work at Rutgers University’s School of Banking before tackling the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School.
The Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia was Mr. Boyer’s first professional adventure in the world of finance. In 1958, he became an officer of what was then Provident Tradesmen’s Bank & Trust Company. These roles prepared him well for what would be the longest, most visible part of his career. The Philadelphia Suburban Water Company saw Mr. Boyer rise to President and Chairman & Chief Executive Officer. Later, the company became part of what is now Aqua Pennsylvania.
Mr. Boyer’s experience and expertise made him a natural for board of director service for other organizations. Germantown Savings Bank, Haverford Trust Company, Salient 3 Communications, Betz Dearborn and Rittenhouse Trust Company were among those companies that were fortunate to have his counsel and wisdom.
John was a committed evangelical Christian. Arthur DeMoss was instrumental in bringing him to faith in Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior, and John had a close relationship with the Lord thereafter. He was a founding elder of Proclamation Presbyterian Church, in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania, and a driving force for many years behind the annual Valley Forge Leadership Prayer Breakfast. He was also close to Westminster Theological Seminary.
Eastern’s loss is heaven’s gain. The University Community and a number of people associated with it will remember John for his affection, sense of humor and tireless efforts to improve Eastern for the benefit of our students. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, colleagues and all those blessed by his extraordinary life.
