ORLAND – Allyn Brayman White, 98, died Dec. 6, 2009, at his residence. He was born July 28, 1911, in Middlebury, Vt., the son of Raymond H. and Edna I. (Allyn) White. Allyn grew up in Middlebury, Vt., graduated from Middlebury High School and Middlebury College, and obtained his Master of Science degree in physics while at Massachusetts Institute of Technology, MIT. A fellowship from Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution took him on a North Atlantic scientific cruise aboard oceanographic sailing vessel The Atlantis. Allyn was an MIT assistant in physics for three years followed by a University of Rochester teaching fellowship. In 1938 he married Janet Bridgeman Davis. During World War II he worked at MIT Radiation Lab while developing the first radar and other technical tools, which promoted the rapid postwar development of commercial electronics. He worked at Photoswitch Inc./ Electronics Corp. of America and later retired from Edgerton, Germeshausen and Grier, Inc. In retirement he and wife, Jan, moved to Port Medway, Nova Scotia, where he did volunteer work for the local fire department and with a group of handicapped citizens. This became an important part of his life. Square dancing was a favorite recreation for him and Jan, until her death in 1987. Several years later he renewed an old friendship with Grace Smith and they became partners until her death in 2006. Since that time he has lived with family in Orland. Allyn is survived by stepson, David L. Davis and wife, Virginia; stepdaughter, Barbara Davis Larkin and husband, William, all of Orland; stepdaughter, Sarah Smith Joslin and husband, Tom, of Jericho, Vt.; stepson, Pliny Smith of Minnesota; stepdaughter-in-law, Laura Smith of Ferrisbergh, Vt.; many stepgrandchildren and great-stepgrandchildren. Allyn was predeceased by wives, Janet Bridgeman Davis and Grace Nelsen Smith; and stepson, Jonathon Smith. A memorial service will be held 1 p.m. Friday, Dec. 11, at Mitchell Tweedie Funeral Home, 28 Elm St., Bucksport. In lieu of flowers, gifts in his memory may be made to Orland Historical Society, P.O. Box 242, Orland, ME 04472.
ALLYN BRAYMAN WHITE
