Vale Tom Boyd OAM

PROVIDED BY JENNIFER ADUCKIEWICZ - TTA NATIONAL ADVISORY PANEL (VETERANS) MEMBER

It is with great regret that I inform of the passing of Tom Boyd OAM at age 93. Tom is survived by his wife Joy Boyd OAM, sons Peter and Stephen and grandchildren Daniel and Charlotte.

Tom made a major contribution to table tennis at national, state and regional levels. Tom was a champion player winning innumerable gold medals for NSW, both in Teams events and Individual events. He seemed to come into his own the older he got, winning gold medals in the 0ver 75, 0ver 80 & 0ver 85 divisions. 

Not only was Tom a champion player but he really loved the game and worked to ensure all players were encouraged to love the game as well regardless of ability. Tom was instrumental in establishing the National Veterans Championships begun in Tasmania in 1984. This event has become the largest Veterans Table Tennis competition in Australia with over 400 players from all States/Territories and New Zealand competing each year.

In their retiring years Tom and Joy moved to the Illawarra where they established the Kiama Table Tennis Club which aimed to encourage a raft of new players into Veterans table tennis. That club has continued to go from strength to strength based on Tom and Joy’s dedication. 

Tom and Joy were honoured with the Order of Australia medals in 2021 for service to table tennis and the community. Moreover, Tom and Joy both received 50 Years of Service to Table Tennis awards at the 2021 TTA National Volunteer awards.

Tom was the epitome of “The Quiet Australian”, he was a great player but a humble and self-effacing man. He will be sorely missed but his outstanding contribution to our sport remains. May he rest in peace.