David Porter Perrin

CHARLOTTE
David Porter Perrin of Charlotte passed away peacefully on November 9. He was born in Montpelier hospital, raised in Berlin on the family farm, and graduated from Montpelier High School. At UVM, he met his future wife, Marilyn Bolton. After graduating in agricultural engineering, Dave began his 42-year career at General Electric as an expert on heat transfer and barrel design. After two years drafted in the army, he returned to GE and completed a mechanical engineering degree at UVM, taking classes at night while working full-time.
Dave married Lyn on July 18, 1959 and they celebrated 58 years together, including their first home in Burlington, moving to Charlotte to raise their three children, and much-loved worldwide travel on retirement. A 7th generation Vermonter, Dave was known for being an avid bridge "life master", maple sugaring, hiking the long trail, woodworking, expert knowledge on Vermont coin silver (including writing a book on the subject), obtaining 251 Club membership by canoeing all 251 towns, cities and gores, his enthusiasm for family and Vermont history, storytelling with wry humor, and especially his caring, constant support and generosity for his family.
Dave is survived by his sister Sally and three children and their spouses: Cynthia and Barry (Annapolis, MD), Henry and Carrie (Vashon, WA) and Susan and Jamie (Boulder, CO), and six wonderful grandchildren. He was preceded by his brother Henry, and his wife Lyn.
A celebration of Dave's life will be held on January 20 at the Charlotte Congregational Church. In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to the Berlin Historical Society or the Charlotte Congregational Church.