Lyndol H. Palin

1921 - 2018

Lyndol H. Palin

South Burlington - Lyndol H. Palin, 96, passed away on July 14, 2018 surrounded by his loving family at The Residence at Quarry Hill in South Burlington, VT. "Lindy" was born at his family home in Derby, Vermont on July 18, 1921 and was the only child of Harley Austin and Gladys Lena (Gray) Palin.

Lindy attended Derby public schools and graduated from Derby Academy in 1939. Immediately following graduation he started working as a machine operator, first at Union Twist Drill Co. in Derby Line and then at Hartford Machine Screw Co. in Hartford, CT. Shortly after the attacks on Pearl Harbor, Lindy enlisted in the Army Air Force Aviation Cadet program. He received his commission as 2nd Lieutenant and his pilot's wings in December 1943. Lindy was then sent to B-17 training, assigned a crew and sent to England where he served with the 385th Bomb Group. He successfully completed 35 heavy bomber missions over France, Luxemburg, Belgium, Germany, Austria, Poland and Czeckoslovakia. Lindy was forced to make emergency landings in Belgium on two occasions. The first was due to lack of fuel and the second due to battle damage and the loss of two engines. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for outstanding airmanship and courage for getting his aircraft and crew to a safe haven. Lindy received the rank of Captain, became squadron training officer and flew his last three missions as an acting command pilot leading his squadron. In December 1945, he was released from active duty and placed on reserve duty. Following World War II Lindy was married to Evelyn Lindsay Bray on May 26, 1945 in St. Bartholomew's Church on Park Avenue in New York. He later enrolled at the University of Vermont and graduated in 1949. While attending UVM he served as a pilot in the Vermont Air National Guard and attended Oxford University in England for one semester as an exchange student. He had a varied and interesting career. Lindy taught English for one year at People's Academy in Morrisville, VT and then ventured into the business world starting as a management trainee at Owens Illinois Plywood in North Troy. He rose through the ranks to serve as Vice President and Plant Manager both at North Troy and for a time at the other Owens Illinois Plywood location in Hancock, VT. In 1956, Lindy accepted a position as Vice President, Sales for General Plywood Corporation in Louisville, KY. In 1960, he returned to Vermont and purchased a 50% interest in Rice-Whipple, Inc. a retail furniture store in Newport. In 1961, he accepted a position as Vice President, Sales with Shelburne Industries in Shelburne, VT which was a company owned by the late Governor Richard Snelling. 1970 ushered in another career change when Lindy became a partner in AFB Real Estate in Burlington. He was active there until 1979 when he accepted a position as Vice President and General Manager of Hickok and Boardman Real Estate. He retired in 1990 and in 1995 returned with his wife, Evelyn, to their family home on Lindsay Beach in Derby, VT.

During his working career, Lindy was very active in business circles. He was a long standing and active member of Rotary International serving in both the Burlington and Newport clubs. In addition, he was on the board of the Hardwood Plywood Institute, a board member of the Northwestern Board of Realtors, President of the Northwestern Board of Realtors Multiple Listing Service and Chairman of the Vermont Real Estate Commission for five years.

Being an active person, he continued to play golf and bowl until 2016. He was an avid New England sports fan, an expert at crossword puzzles, enjoyed dancing and listening to the music of the 30's, 40's and 50's. Lindy was devoted to and is survived by his loving wife Evelyn of 73 years, his daughters Dianne Alexander and husband Ron, Susan Gleason and husband James, Sondra Stearns and partner James Byron, Nancy Langan, son Richard Palin and wife Leigh Anne as well as 11 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren. He was extremely proud of each of them and will be dearly missed by all.

His family appreciates the exceptional and loving care provided by the staff and medical personnel at The Residence at Quarry Hill as well as the Visiting Nurse Association and their Hospice Program.

Memorial contributions in Lindy's memory may be made to the National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force, Attn: Stephen Reed, 175 Bourne Avenue, Pooler, GA 31322 or Visiting Nurse Association, 1110 Prim Road, Colchester, VT 05446

There will be a celebration of Lindy's life on Wednesday, July 18th at The Residence at Quarry Hill, 465 Quarry Hill Road, South Burlington, VT from 4-7 PM. All are welcome.

There will also be a celebration of Lindy's life at Newport Country Club in Newport, VT at a date to be determined in August.

For a complete obituary and to leave online condolences, please go to www.corbinandpalmer.com