Clifton H. “Cliff” Perkins, Jr., Williston Clifton H. “Cliff” Perkins, Jr., 71, died peacefully at the Vermont Respite House in Williston on December 29, 2010 with his family by his side. He died just five days prior to his birthday. Cliff was born in Westmore, Vermont on January 3, 1939, son of the late Clifton, Sr. and Greta (Drohen) Perkins. In 1957 Cliff graduated Salutatorian from Orleans High School. He served his country in the United States Navy aboard the USS Ranger aircraft carrier from 1957-1961. After his military service, Cliff returned to Vermont and soon began his twenty-seven year career as a Communications Technician for the Vermont Department of Public Safety. Growing up on a farm, Cliff was no stranger to hard work. With his clever mind and skillful ingenuity, he could fix anything and everything. He spent many hours puttering in his workshop. He was always busy with home repairs and yard work whether at his own home or extending help to others. In his spare time you could find Cliff golfing at Rocky Ridge, volunteering with Kathy at Fletcher Allen Health Care, or watching a Red Sox game with his faithful dog, Sammy. Most especially, he enjoyed spending time with his beloved family. We will remember his sage and practical teachings, his gentle ways, and his witty and dry sense of humor. We will all treasure the memory of his sparkling blue eyes and his wonderful smile. Cliff is survived by his devoted wife of twenty-one years, Kathleen Perkins of Williston; his children: Nancy Lefebvre and her husband Timothy of Essex Junction; Robert Murphy and his wife Sally Gottlieb of Woodstock; Shawn Murphy and his partner Cecile Pratte of Jacksonville, FL; Kristine Magnant and her husband Philip of South Burlington; David Perkins and his partner, Michele Bouffard of Charlotte; his former wife and mother of his children, Patricia Rouille and her husband Leo of Colchester; his step-children: Edward Coleman and his wife Beth of South Burlington; Laurie Cochran of Naples, FL; his grandchildren: Crystal Flaherty and her husband Christian, Amy Lefebvre, Ryan Lefebvre and his partner Rachael Dondzila; Nicholas Magnant and Alysha Magnant; his step-grandchildren: William Cochran, Carly Cochran, Kalie Coleman and Lexie Coleman; his siblings: Pauline Simons and her husband Robert of Claremont, NH; Avis Elliot and her husband Earl of Danville; Roger Perkins of Storrs, CT; Betty Simons and her husband Francis of Middlebury; Larry Perkins and his wife Judy of Westmore; his sisters-in-law: Barbara Perkins of Orleans and Doreen Cleveland of Orleans; and by numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his brothers, Alvah Perkins and Raymond Perkins; his sister, Arlene Young and her husband Loudon and sister-in-law, Barbara Roberts Perkins. In accordance with Cliff’s wishes there will be no calling hours. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. John Vianney Catholic Church in South Burlington on Tuesday January 4, 2011 at 12:00 p.m. a reception will follow in the Parish Center. Inurnment will be private and at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Cliff’s memory to the Vermont Respite House, c/o Visiting Nurse Association, 1110 Prim Road, Colchester, Vermont, 05446 The family would like to thank the wonderful caregivers on Baird 4 at Fletcher Allen Health Care and the incredibly caring staff at the Vermont Respite House. The family would also like to thank Mary Schmidt, a very special friend, for her unwavering support. Cliff’s children will be forever grateful to Kathy who saw Cliff through his illness with great strength, huge amounts of compassion and always tender loving care. The family invites you to share your memories and online condolences by visiting www.awrichfuneralhomes.com.