William L. Burgoyne, 81, of West Boylston, died peacefully on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, at UMass Memorial Medical Center-University Campus in Worcester, following a period of declining health.

Born in Clinton on November 17, 1944, he was the son of the late Francis and Alice (Langen) Burgoyne. Bill was a graduate of Notre Dame High School in Fitchburg and went on to further his education, earning a bachelor's degree from Norwich University, a master's degree in psychology from Fitchburg State College, and a second master's degree in mathematics from Worcester State College. He was employed for many years as a software production engineer with Digital Equipment Corporation until his retirement.

Bill was a devoted congregant of Chair City Church in Gardner and was the founder of Ram of God Ministries. He had a deep and abiding faith and found great joy in sharing the word of God with others-leading services every Wednesday at Oakdale Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, where he resided.

An avid outdoorsman, Bill loved hiking, camping, mountain climbing, and spending time near the water, whether at the lakes or the ocean. He also enjoyed quiet moments reading and writing, authoring two books about Native American culture and contributing weekly publications to The Gardner News. Above all, Bill cherished his family, who were the greatest joy and blessing in his life, and he especially enjoyed sharing summer lobster meals with them.

He is survived by his former spouse, Jane D. Burgoyne of Lancaster, Massachusetts; his sister, Kathleen Duvarney and her husband, Steven, of Leominster; his four children: Kathryn Langen Niose and her husband, David, of Lunenburg; Sean William Burgoyne and his wife, Tammy, of Oklahoma; Francis Joseph Burgoyne II and his wife, Cheryl, of Princeton; and Karen Jane Burgoyne-Albert and her husband, Randy, of Leominster; his grandchildren, Rebecca, Kyla, Robert, Nicholas, Tanya, Benjamin, Katelyn, Cameron, Madelyn, and Emerson; along with many beloved great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was predeceased by his brother, Thomas Burgoyne.

A private family service will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made by planting a tree in his memory or donating to a charity of one's choice.