Mr Boyes was a moulder at G. Methven and Co, an engineering firm in Dunedin, for 37 years, and was responsible for creating many of the bronze plaques which commemorate the official openings of government buildings and schools in the city.
He was also responsible for moulding the bronze memorial to Antarctic explorer Richard Byrd at Unity Park, in Mornington, and the crucifix at Kavanagh College.
Mr Boyes' son Bob was at Kavanagh College yesterday to replace a plaque which described the purpose of the bronze crucifix.
The crucifix has stood prominently in the college grounds since it was installed in 1964, when the school became St Paul's High School having been Christian Brothers High School.
It honours deceased Christian Brothers and old boys from the former schools.
Bob Boyes said he was now based in Nelson, but came to Kavanagh College recently to see the crucifix as part of his research for a book about his family's history.
Part of the book was dedicated to his father's life and work, he said.
''He's been quite interesting to follow.
''Bronze moulding has becoming a lost art. To build the crucifix, he would have poured molten bronze into a mould made of sand, and then once it set, cooled and came out, he would have spent days fettling it.''
Kavanagh College principal Tracy O'Brien said the original plaque was in a state of disrepair, so Bob Boyes had generously offered to have it replaced as a donation to the school.
The plaque was set by Mr Boyes yesterday, and a short ceremony was held by the college to bless it.
