NOBLEBORO — Richard Erlon “Perk” Perkins passed away unexpectedly in his sleep with a big smile on his face on Aug. 2, 2014.

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 7 years old, he and his two brothers lived with their grandmother and grew up in Augusta.

He was active in the Boy Scouts throughout his life. He also built his first radio, learned Morse code, and became a “Ham” radio operator during that time.

He graduated from Cony High School.

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 spent most of his time in the Army in Saipan.

On June 23, 1946, Richard married Florence Hilda Pierce. They moved to the “trailer colony” at the University of Maine, Orono, where he graduated in 1949 with a degree in electrical engineering.

During his career with Sylvania as a product development engineer, Richard was awarded six patents for that company. By the time he retired at 65, he and Florence had lived in Marblehead, Manchester By The Sea, and Ipswich, Massachusetts. They had also lived in Bremen, Waldoboro, West Waldoboro, Damariscotta, Gorham and Nobleboro, Maine, as well as Costa Rica in Central America.

Richard was a wonderful father. He attended his children’s school events. He was a Boy Scout leader and particularly enjoyed winter camping. His summer vacations were spent taking the family camping for swimming, hiking, canoeing or sailing. He climbed Mount Katahdin many times, bringing his children and their friends to join the fun. In the winter, he snowshoed or flew down hills on a toboggan or a “flying saucer.” He enjoyed archery, playing the organ, board games, going to movies and puzzles. He sent each child on a trip to Europe when they were in their teens. He took photos, movies, videos, slides and he filled photo albums meticulously.

All his life, he thought of others. When being a Scout leader became too much for him, he helped Scouts earn their merit badges. He volunteered at the churches to which he belonged, at Miles Memorial Hospital, and he freely donated to many organizations. He also helped individuals who were going through difficult times. 

He considered differences between people 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.

He was a lifetime member of the Masons. He was a 32nd degree Mason; past master of Warren Philips Lodge No. 182 in Westbrook; and past master of King Solomon’s Lodge No. 61 in Waldoboro. He was past patron Order of the Eastern Star Beulah Chapter and Wiwurna Chapter. He was also a life-time 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 traveled to Spain, Austria, Germany, England and throughout the U.S., including Alaska and Hawaii.

He was preceded in death by: his wife, Florence Hilda Pierce Perkins; and a brother, Nyle T. Perkins.

He is survived by: his daughter, Alice H. Smith and her husband Dennis of Yarmouth; his son, Dana R. Perkins and his wife Shari of Saco, and their sons Benjamin and Shannon; and his brother, Luther C Perkins of Zephyr Hills, Florida.

The funeral service will be held Saturday, Aug. 16 at 1 p.m. at the First Baptist Church, 8 Backmeadow Road, Nobleboro. Flowers are welcome, or in lieu of flowers, Richard would encourage you to give to your favorite charity.