Frederick V. Perkins Sr. Obituary (1929

'It's been a long run, but a good one.' Stated Fred to son Ted WATERVILLE ~ Frederick V. Perkins, Sr. 87, passed away peacefully with many prayers from family, friends and clergy on June 25th, 2017 in Waterville. Fred was the first born child of Henry G. Perkins and Ruth Varney Perkins, born in Springfield Maine on Nov. 20 1929. Attending school in Patten, Old Town and Ellsworth. Graduated the class of 1948 from Ellsworth High School, where he played Basketball, Baseball and Football. Summers of Fred's youth were spent in West Brooksville with his beloved Grandparents Fred J. Perkins and Laura Littlefield Tapley Perkins, on their farm. After graduation Fred joined the U.S. Navy for a year of active duty and six years reserve. He attended Universtiy of Maine in Orono in the forestry program. Then a year as a business major at Husson College. His attendance at Husson lead to a choice that shaped the rest of his long fruitful life, he met and fell in love with Patricia A. Curran. That pairing inspired his true calling, to be a dairy farmer. Together they made a remarkable team. Pat always dreamed of having a dozen children and Fred a working dairy farm of his own. They accomplished those dreams through many trials and triumphs, always with faith, hard work and dedication. The early years of farming were mostly in Hancock County Maine, and included properties in North Ellsworth, Trenton and Blue Hill. As the farm expanded so did the number of their offspring. With great devotion and pride in his family Fred instilled the values of character, hard work, honesty and self sufficiency. Fred led the efforts to show their cattle in local fairs and many ribbons were awarded through the years. Tamworth Farm in Blue Hill proved an excellent Starter dairy, but lacked property for expansion of barn, land and house. With eight children under the age of fifteen(one on the way) and a barn full of livestock, they uprooted to a newly purchased established dairy farm in Belgrade. It was Belgrade where the Fred Perkins family truly took root under the Registerd Dairy Farm title of Tamworth. During those twenty one years two more sons were born, bringing the total to ten, all graduating from Messalonskee High School. Fred was motivated and tutored by a local Vet to administer much of the livestocks needs, in addition to learning the skill of artificial insemination for the herds production. Retirement from farming happened in 1991which led to a return to Brooksville on Perkins owned property. With Children raised and retirement upon them they built a home on a hill on property he had always known and loved. For twenty years they enjoyed life by the sea, hosting family, grandchildren, and maintaining a 'gentleman's farm'. He became involved in several civic duties in Brooksville; Library Trustee, Planning Board, Girls Softball coach and Animal Control officer. Fred valued simple things, but they were everything! Some of his joys were; The Red Sox, The Patriots, a good dog, egg producing chickens, a good truck, growing flowers, fresh vegetables, fruit trees, a mowed lawn, fresh seafood, community involvement, love of country, loyal friends, and always and foremost his wife, children and grandchildren. In 2010 it was decided that a move to Central Maine was more appropriate for proximity to family, hospital and church. A comfortable home with wonderful neighbors around and several of their sons nearby was the answer. During those remaining years together they would still make the summertime pilgrimage to Brooksville, connect with old friends and stay in the little cabin they had built by the sea. Fred and Pat witnessed many of their grandchildren's growth and successes. Nothing would make 'Our Dear Ole Dad' prouder than our accomplishments in our lives and we each loved to make him proud. Fred and Pat celebrated their 65th anniversary and expect four new Great grandchildren this summer, their love continues. Fred was predecessed by an infant son Daniel, and first born son Randall. Survived by: all three of his siblings: Thomas, Marilyn, and Lois, his devoted wife Patricia; children: Laura and spouse Kevin, Donald and spouse Jean, Jeffrey and spouse Lisa, Michael and spouse Kelly, Theodore Mary and spouse Thomas, Jonathan and spouse Diane, Frederick Jr. and spouse Amy, Matthew and spouse Melissa. Twenty adoring grandchildren, and over 20 great grandchildren. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, July 3, 11:00 a.m. at Saint Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church in Augusta. Burial with military honors will be in the Pine Grove Cemetery in Belgrade. Arrangements are in the care of Knowlton and Hewins Funeral Home, One Church Street, Augusta. The full obituary may be viewed on their website at www.khrfuneralhomes.com and memories, condolences, photos and videos may be shared there with the family as well.