David T. Dyes

David Dyes will always be remembered as a man of immense character, consummate humor, and service to his community. He was a generous benefactor of many non-profit organizations, and served for many years on the Massachusetts Conservation Commission. He is credited with developing conservation procedures responsible for reducing the epidemic of rabies in wild animals that was prevalent in the woodland areas of Essex County in early 20th century. He was an avid salt water fisherman, and kept many beloved hunting hounds. He was a member of several professional and sporting organizations. To support his parents and extended family, he left school with a 6th grade education (which always surprised people to know, as he was extremely well-spoken and clever), and learned stonemasonry and carpentry from his father, George William Dyes. As soon as he could afford to do so, he purchased a horse and delivery wagon and formed his own ice delivery company, cutting, storing, and delivering the ice by himself throughout his home town of Groveland, MA and surrounding communities. People would marvel that he could carry enormous blocks of ice on hooks up several flights of steps, almost effortlessly. However, electricity began to replace ice-chilled refrigerators. Ever the hard-working entrepreneur, during the 1920's he noticed the rise of heating oil delivery services, and saw a need for such service in Groveland. He somehow managed to buy an oil delivery truck, and by 1930 had established the Dyes Oil Service. During the depression era, it was quite common for him to deliver oil to people that could not pay him. He never denied a customer needing heating oil in the winter! In the worst cases he would forgive the debt or bill his customers over time without interest. Dave never lost sight of the opportunities that his state and community had afforded his family, his parents both being from poor and immigrant roots, and he was determined to give back. He was so well known in the communities of Groveland and Haverhill, that residents would honk and wave when passing him on the road, or to rush up to him on the street to offer their greetings and thanks. So prevalent were his admirers that David's wife, Helena Sargent Bell, would have to gently remind him that he needed to break away and get back to work! His happy marriage of over 50 years to Helen produced two children, but Dave was also a generous and loving father to his numerous step-children. When one of them contracted cancer, Dave supported him financially to the end of his days. His many nieces and nephews adored him, as did his grandchildren. When Dave's health began to fail, he moved to Florida to live with his daughter, but his heart was always in Massachusetts. He passed away not long after being hospitalized for his condition. David is interred in the Riverside Cemetery in his much loved home town of Groveland. The town of Groveland now owns much of his undeveloped property, and it is hoped that a tribute to this hard-working, charitable, and amiable man can be erected. (It should be noted that the Legacy.com website is limited to birth dates from 1900 on; David was born 20 August, 1899.)