David E. Boyd, a respected mediator and business consultant in Los Angeles, passed away on Jan. 24 in Pasadena, CA. He was 66 years old. Born to Dr. Charles Sumner Boyd and Mary Virginia Boyd in East Chicago, IN on Feb. 12, 1937, David grew up in Chicago. He earned a B.S. in chemistry at Fisk University in Nashville, TN. He was a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity. David also earned an MBA from Pepper- dine University and a Mediation Certificate from UCLA. David’s professional career included over 20 years of service with the Atlantic Richfield Company (ARCO), first as Director of EDP Systems and Corporate Auditing, then as Director of Community Affairs/ Government Relations. In 1991, he joined the WH Smith Co. as a retail business consultant. From 1994 until his death, David was an L.A. Superior Court-appointed mediator. David was an innovative and principled professional, a team builder and problem solver. A man of infinite good humor and deep spirituality, he appreciated good food, good wine, good music and good company. He enjoyed regaling friends with e-mailed quips, jokes and stories. Always community-minded, David served on many boards, including the L.A. City Private Industry Council, the Museum of African Art, and Communications Bridge. He was also a member of the L.A. Urban League, the L.A. Businessmen’s Association and the American Society of Spectroscopy. David is survived by his wife, Erni Thersia, of nearly two blissful years; three children, Charles of Ann Arbor, MI, Jason of Dallas, TX and Alicia Nicole of Atlanta, GA; six granddaughters, Alexis, Christian, Cameryn, Kennedy, Maya and Gabrielle; and a host of family members and friends who will miss him dearly. A gravesite service will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 31 at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, 1712 So. Glendale Avenue in Glendale, CA.
