David R. Dye

The long full life of David R. Dye is one that cast a wide net touching many lives through his family, profession, community service, and abundant interests. He died at the age of 93 on August 6.

Dave was born March 3,1933 in Kalispell, MT. He lived in Bozeman for the first ten years of his life with his parents, Mary and Edward R. Dye. Young Dave spent his summers in Yellowstone National Park developing his life-long appreciation for the natural world. In 1943, he travelled to Buffalo, NY where he was raised by E. R. Dye and step-mom Eleanor Dye. He flourished as an athletic young man, competing in wrestling, track, basketball, and soccer. At Orchard Park High School, he met Molly Ward, who would become his wife of 70+ years.

Before marrying Molly, he spent two years studying at Purdue University and, in 1953, took a two-year war hiatus while stationed with the US Army at Ft. Carson, CO. His mechanical aptitude was put to good use repairing turret artillery and off-duty hours were spent on the soccer field with his Army teammates. In 1955, Dave and Molly attended Purdue as newlyweds where he completed a BS and MS in industrial management.

He and Molly raised three daughters in Old Greenwich, CT while building his 37-year career at IBM. When not at the office he loved to be outdoors with his family and friends - fishing, boating, and skiing. A true handyman, with vast knowledge and skill in woodworking and a DIY can-do attitude, he was in constant motion and often on a ladder. Influenced by Molly, he enjoyed fine art and antiques. A voracious reader, Dave was a walking encyclopedia of WWII history.

Through his business executive acumen, military service, love of sport and recreation, and ease of wielding a power tool, Dave was a volunteer and contributor to a wide array of organizations, associations, committees, and events, a few of them being Historic Deerfield, Shelburne Falls Trolley Museum, Old Sturbridge Village, Deerfield Valley Farmers’ Day Fair, Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk, Rocky Point Club, and Old Greenwich Riverside Community Center (OGRCC). Somehow, he still had time for world travel, ski vacations, annual trips to Cape Cod and relaxing with his grandchildren on the Maine coast.

Dave was predeceased by his wife, Molly; a daughter, Sydney Dye; a brother, Graham Dye; sisters-in-law, Diane Dye (Ned) and Joan Ward; and a brother-in-law, Alan Ward Jr. He is survived by his daughters, Wendy Dye (Chris Winget) and Jennifer Dye (Victor Thomas); grandchildren Russell, Ainsleigh, and Marcella Winget, and Walter and Dana Kriesien; nieces, Tabitha McKeon (Thomas) and Carey Greer (Dave); nephews Jeffrey Ward (Carol), Joshua Ward, and Eric Dye (Laura).

Dave owned property and frequented Wilmington with his family since 1972 and lived in Whitingham his last 28 years. He was a lover of dachshunds, bakeries, locally grown peaches and apples, and was a longtime spectator of the Northeast Horse Pull circuit.

He enjoyed skiing the local slopes, working in his dream workshop, and being surrounded by the beautiful Vermont landscape that he called home.

In lieu of flowers consider donating to Deerfield Valley Rescue, PO Box 854, Wilmington, VT, 05363, in Dave Dye’s name.

Assisting with arrangements is the Cremation Society of New Hampshire, Brattleboro, VT.