Rufus was my first rugby coach and a part of my family. When I was a young cadet, we all swapped rumors that he was some kind of international arms dealer or spy. I felt fortunate to spend a couple of holidays with him listening to stories about his life, one that was rich with love and loss. Arms dealer, spy or not, he was a dedicated coach and a good man.
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So very sorry for your loss. I’m so happy I got to know Rufus over the years, and that I was able to spend some quality time with him over the last year of his life. He will be missed.
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We all lost a wonderful man who loved Norwich and our students, especially our Ruggers!!! He was a force of nature, and I remember meeting him early in my time at Norwich in 1992. All the Ruggers talked about him, and clearly respected and admired him for what he did for the Norwich Rugby Program. May he now Rest in Peace from a life lived well. Our thoughts and prayers and with his family, friends, and all his Norwich Buddies. RADM Rich Schneider, Norwich President Emeritus
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I was very sad when I heard the news of Rufus's passing. Rufus possessed the best qualities of both a mentor and friend, and he was an inspiration to all members of the Norwich Rugby family. He did so much for Norwich and meant so much to the hundreds of lives that he touched. I will never forget his kindness and generosity, Jim (Grizzy) Grzella, Class of '72 and rugger for life.
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With You Always! Rest In Peace.
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With you always! Rest in peace. You’ve impacted so many people in your life. Thank you for all you done.
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Rufus, you will be sorely missed by your Norwich rugby family- your impact on the lives of the men you coached and mentored was monumental. Never Forgotten! With You Always my friend.
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He hung in there until the last whistle was blown. What a fantastic guy! A unique character! An inspiration to so many Norwich ruggers. I was extremely lucky and blessed to have Rufus as a coach and friend.
My condolences to his family.
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Dear Kay & Laurence, condolences on the loss of Rufus. His big personality brings fond memories! Our thoughts are with you. Sandy & Brent
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My deepest sympathy to you and your family Laurence.
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1958, London, UK
— with
Rufus Boyett
and Sonia Boyett
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My condolences to the Boyette family and all who knew Rufus. His passing has left a hole that will be hard to fill.
Some of my fondest memories of Norwich are from my time on the pitch. I learned about teamwork, sacrifice, disciplined initiative, and doing you job to the best of your ability on the Dog River pitch. Most of all, I learned no one succeeds alone. These lessons have remained with me for a lifetime. None of that would have been possible without Rufus and his love of rugby and Norwich University.
Thank you for that Rufus.
Rest in peace, your legacy will continue to echo through the years as long as there is Norwich Rugby.
NURFC '97
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1958, Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago
— with
Rufus Boyett
and Sonia Boyett
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1972, Northfield, VT, USA
Coach Rufus
— with
Rufus Boyett
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2000, Locanda Da Lino Di Lino Toffolin & C. Snc, Solighetto, Province of Treviso, Italy
Rufus in his favorite wine cellar in Italy.
— with
Rufus Boyett
0
2017, Bethlehem, PA, USA
Boyett family 2017
— with
Rufus Boyett,
Sonia Boyett,
Janine Beckage,
Suzanne Knight,
Felix Boyett
and Laurence Boyett
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2016, Belfast, ME, USA
Rufus and Rob meeting for the first time
— with
Rufus Boyett
and Rob Boyett
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1976, Dublin, CA, USA
Boyett Family Christmas 1976
— with
Rufus Boyett,
Sonia Boyett,
Janine Boyett,
Suzanne Boyett,
Felix Boyett
and Christine Boyett
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Sending our condolences to your family. Rufus will always be remembered for his great wisdom and funny character! He brought a wonderful friendship to my husband, teaching him so much! He will be missed!
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My thoughts are with the Boyett family and I have to tell you of the impact of your Dad on me. I have known Rufus since I went to watch a Rugby match at Norwich in the Spring of ‘71. I knew Rugby was my sport. So I told him I wanted to play. So he had me play prop on the C team. I was 140-145 lbs. But I was fast. I think I scored about 5 try’s that game. He said afterwards if I still wanted to play, I was going to be a Winger. In no time I worked my way to the A side, and now I am in the Hall of Fame with my teammates. I continued to play Rugby for 15 years in the Air Force, to include playing for a British club from ‘78-‘81 when I was stationed in England. Rufus had an impact on me; not just in teaching me Rugby but my life. I will forever be grateful to him and will never forget him. Thinking of you all!
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My deepest sympathies to the Boyett family. Through rugby Rufus taught me how to succeed in life. For that wisdom I’m eternally grateful. Rest in peace coach.
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All of my love to the Boyette family. Rufus was truly a legend and he left a legacy of leadership and love for generations of Norwich Rugby players. He will truly be missed.
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