Richard (Perk) Erlon Perkins, 92, passed away unexpectedly in his sleep with a big smile on his face on Aug. 2. His family believes that his beloved wife Florence must have come to tell him that it was time for them to be together again.
Richard was born in Burnham Junction in 1921, the son of Luther Clayton Perkins and Hazel Angeline Taylor Perkins. After his mother’s early death, when he was seven years old, he and his two brothers lived with their grandmother and grew up in Augusta, where he was active in the Boy Scouts. He also built his first radio, learned Morse code, and started on the road to being a ham radio operator. He graduated from Cony High School in 1939.
After graduating from Gates Business College, Richard moved to Washington, D.C., working for the government as a typist. In 1942, the Army was recruiting high speed radio operators and Richard volunteered. He spoke most often of his time on Saipan and in Pearl City, Honolulu.
On June 23, 1946, Richard married Florence Hilda Pierce. They moved to the “trailer colony” at the University of Maine, Orono. In 1949 he graduated with a degree in Electrical Engineering.
During his career with Sylvania as a product development engineer, Richard was awarded six patents for that company. He travelled for the company to Argentina, Brazil, and England. By the time he retired at 65, he and Florence had lived in Marblehead, Manchester-by-the-Sea, and Ipswich, Mass. They had also lived in Bremen, Waldoboro, West Waldoboro, Damariscotta, Gorham, and Nobleboro, as well as in the mountains outside San Jose, Costa Rica.
Richard was a wonderful father, and attended his children’s school and sports events. He was a Boy Scout leader, and particularly enjoyed winter camping. His summer vacations were spent taking the family camping in Maine for swimming, hiking, canoeing or sailing. He climbed Mt. Katahdin many times, bringing his children and their friends to join the fun. In the winter he took his children snowshoeing, ice-skating, and flying down hills on a toboggan or “flying saucers.” He enjoyed archery, playing the organ, board games, going to movies, and any type of puzzle. He sent each child on a trip to Europe when they were in their teens. He took photos, movies, videos, slides, and meticulously filled photo albums.
All his life he thought of others. When being a Scout Leader became too much for him, he helped scouts earn their badges. He volunteered at the churches he belonged to, at Miles Memorial Hospital, and freely donated to many organizations. He also helped individuals who were going through difficult times. He was the chair of the Nobleboro Bicentennial celebration, and volunteered at the polls for elections.
He considered differences to be interesting, rather than to be feared. He encouraged his children to experience other cultures, religions, and parts of the world. He studied different languages including Chinese, Spanish, Portuguese, and American Sign Language.
Richard was a lifetime member of the Masons, and was a 32nd degree Mason; Past Master of Warren Philips Lodge #182 in Westbrook, and Past Master of King Solomon’s Lodge # 61 in Waldoboro. He was Past Patron of the Order of the Eastern Star Beulah Chapter and Wiwurna Chapter. He was also a lifetime member of the American Radio Relay League. In the past few years he was a member of the American Legion.
After his retirement, Richard and Florence travelled to Spain, Austria, Germany, England, and throughout the continental U.S., Hawaii and Alaska.
He was predeceased by his wife, Florence Hilda Pierce Perkins; and brother, Nyle T. Perkins.
He is survived by his daughter, Alice H. Smith and husband Dennis of Yarmouth; son, Dana R. Perkins, wife Shari of Saco and their sons Benjamin and Shannon; and brother, Luther C Perkins of Zephyr Hills, Fla.
A service of remembrance will be held at 1 p.m., Sat., Aug. 16 at the First Baptist Church of Nobleboro, where a reception will be held following the service. He will be laid to rest with his wife in the Dunbar Cemetery. While flowers are welcome, Richard would encourage you to make a donation to the charity of your choice.
Condolences, and messages for the family, may be expressed by visiting www.StrongHancock.com.
Arrangements are under the direction and care of the Strong-Hancock Funeral Home, 612 Main St., Damariscotta.
