Richard Wilson Perkins Jr. ’54
Richard Wilson Perkins Jr. ’54 of Tully, New York, passed away on March 18. Dick graduated from Oakwood Friends School in Poughkeepsie, New York, where he met his future wife of 65 years, Rachel Jayne Quimby. At Dartmouth Dick majored in economics, served as president of the DOC, and was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Casque & Gauntlet, the Undergraduate Council, and Green Key. With a Navy ROTC commission, Dick served as a U.S. naval gunnery officer on the USS Wrangell from 1954 to 1956. He enrolled in the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry in Syracuse, New York, earned his Ph.D. in 1963, and joined the faculty at the Syracuse University College of Engineering. During his tenure he served as chair of the department of mechanical and aerospace engineering. Ever adventurous, Dick converted an abandoned ski lodge in Otisco, New York, into a beautiful home; took his family to Poitiers, France, for a year; and made annual family trips to Tuckerman Ravine, paddling the Oswegatchie River. In Tully Dick and Rachel were active in Rotary, drove for Meals on Wheels, and farmed and raised livestock, including Scottish Highland cattle. In More Reflections of 2004, Dick’s closing comment summed up his world: “Hoping for a good maple syrup season this year.” Dick is survived by his wife, Rachel; sisters Joan and Jennifer; children Jeff, Tim, Dave, and Gini; 10 grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.
