The funeral heard of a Southland man who loved racing, golf, oysters and muttonbirds, and making the teachings of the church intelligible to the people.
Bishop Boyle, who lived in Mosgiel, died aged 85 on June 1 at the Sacred Heart Home of the Little Sisters of the Poor in Brockville.
At his Requiem Mass, celebrant Bishop Colin Campbell told the parable of the prodigal son, one he said Bishop Boyle had chosen for the event.
The parable was a key to his life, and its teaching of repentance and the love of God was something he not only preached, but humbly lived by.
Bishop Boyle was first ordained in Winton in 1961, ordained a bishop in the Dunedin Town Hall in 1983, and two years later installed as Bishop of Dunedin.
Bishop Campbell said Bishop Boyle was a lover of Southland food, and told of his failed attempts at flower arranging for a wedding.
He said his leadership and life were modelled on the Gospel.
He was firm but sensitive, collaborative and supportive.
A further Requiem Mass will be celebrated in St Mary's Basilica, Tyne St, Invercargill, today at 11am, followed by Bishop Boyle's burial at Wrey's Bush Cemetery, near Nightcaps.
