DANIEL EDWARD DUSTIN

ROCKLAND – Daniel Edward Dustin, 87, went home to be with his Lord, Dec. 6, 2007, in Rockland. Born Dec. 20, 1919, in Hopkinton, N.H., he was the son of Daniel H. and Sylvia Ashby Dustin. Daniel graduated as valedictorian of his class at Hopkinton High School, and followed his older brother, Elden, to Bates College. His family said his move to Bates was a wonderful one because he not only received an excellent education, graduating with honors in mathematics, but he also met his beloved wife, Rachel L. Speed. Rachel was his special care nurse when he suffered acute appendicitis his freshmen year. After their marriage and his graduation in 1942, Daniel was commissioned in the U.S. Army Signal Corps. He served for five years, first as a radar officer on detached service with the British Army, and later in the administration of Signal Corps Research and Development. In 1949, he earned a Master of Science Degree in business and engineering Administration from MIT. After that he served as a member of the Department of Defense Research and Development Board, where he participated in a number of major defense studies. Daniel joined Lincoln Laboratory of Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1953 and served as a member of the director’s staff, and leader of the system research and electromagnetic groups. In 1972, he was appointed assistant director of Lincoln Laboratory, a position he held until his retirement. Throughout his career at the lab, Daniel had a leading role in initiating and shaping the laboratory’s programs in basic missile defense technology, including early warning, re-entry physics and range measurements. A humble man, Daniel did not speak of all that he had done, but viewed his thirty year career with pride and a deep sense of accomplishment. Daniel loved the Lord and served Him well. He was actively involved at Grace Chapel, Lexington, Mass., for many years. He served as an elder, and on various search, building and mission committees. He mentored many young pastors and new Christians and lived as a God-fearing man with a servant’s heart. He was most recently a member of First Baptist Church, Rockland. “Daniel was happiest when surrounded by his family,” his daughter said. He grew beautiful roses at his home in Lincoln and loved to present bouquets to his wife. His vegetable gardens were superior and the family anticipated their bounty. His family remembers Daniel loved his three little girls, and thoroughly enjoyed being grampa to his five grandchildren. He appreciated the beauty of nature, whether observed in the birds he fed in Lincoln or the woods of his native New Hampshire. He loved spending time in the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont, at the cottage of his brother Eben, and later at the family cottage on Crescent Beach, Owls Head. A wonderful conversationalist, Daniel discussed everything from the Red Sox, theology, good mysteries recently read, to world affairs. His daughter said his life was a gift to those privileged to call him husband, dad, grampa, friend or colleague. He will be cherished in their hearts forever. He was predeceased by a brother, Eben; and an infant son, Daniel Stephen Dustin. Daniel is survived by his beloved wife of 65 years, Rachel of Rockland; his daughters, Donna Strachan and her husband, Andrew, of Machias, Melissa Green of Portland, and Cynthia Boyd and her husband, Drick, of Broomall, Pa.; five grandchildren, Owen Strachan and his wife, Bethany, Hanna Boyd, Rachel Burgess and her husband, Lester, Esther Boyd, and Phoebe Boyd; a brother, Elden; a sister, Adelaide; special friends, Charles Hadlock of Lincoln, Mass., and Kurt Utley of Ann Arbor, Mich.; numerous nieces and nephews. A funeral service was held Dec. 11, at Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, Rockland, with the Rev. Gabriel Rogers officiating. Spring interment will be at North Atkinson Cemetery, Atkinson. Those who desire may give gifts in his memory to CEF Camp Good News, 431 Campground Road, Livermore Falls, ME 04254 or NE Camp Cherith, P.O. Box 154, Alfred, ME 04002.