David J. Logan, 85

MONTEREY, Mass. — David Jopson Logan, 85, of Monterey, Mass., died peacefully on November 7, 2018, after a short illness.

He was born on July 2, 1933, in Meriden, Conn., the son of Judson Carr Logan Jr. and Leora Ryan Logan. He attended high school in Newington, Conn., and graduated from Trinity College in Hartford, Conn., in 1955 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering.  After graduation, David took a position with Bethlehem Steel Company, but two years later returned to Gerber Scientific, the small start-up company where he had worked in college. He stayed with Gerber for 53 years, first rising to the position of Senior Vice President of Engineering, then as President of two subsidiaries he founded Gerber Scientific Products in 1980 and Gerber Optical in 1987. During his innovative career, David was awarded 187 U.S. and foreign patents covering more than 50 inventions in the fields of computerized drafting, eyeglass lens manufacturing and computerized sign-making.

In addition to an active career, David had many hobbies. He loved woodworking, especially boat-building. He built 13 wooden boats in his lifetime including a 32-foot cruising sailboat, and replicas of an electric-powered steam launch and a 1920s-era duckboat. An avid sailor, he sailed on both Long Island Sound and on Lake Buel in the Berkshires, where he also docked his beloved 1933 Chris Craft. After retiring, he also enjoyed his winters skiing in the snow and scenic vistas of Stowe, Vt.

David was a long-time resident of Monterey, Mass., summering annually at Lake Buel - his favorite place in the world. He was active in several positions in the community, including many years with the Prudential Committee of the Lake Buel District and on the Conservation Commission in Monterey.

David was preceded in death by his wife, Lucille Ashley Logan; his daughter, Elizabeth Jensen; his brother, Robert Logan; and his close companion, Jane Black.  

He is survived by his daughter, Nancy Logan Anderson, and her husband, David; his son, Michael Logan, and his wife, Wendy; his son, Donald Jensen, and his wife, Hilary; and his four grandchildren, Kelsey and Jacob Anderson and Evan and Noah Jensen.

Funeral notice: The funeral service celebrating the life of the late David J. Logan will be held on Tuesday, November 13, 2018, at 11 a.m. at Finnerty & Stevens Funeral Home in Great Barrington, Mass., conducted by Rev. Brent Damrow. The family will receive friends on Tuesday, November 13, from 10 to 11 a.m. at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Fairview Hospital in Great Barrington or the Lewey-Body Dementia Association via Finnerty & Stevens Funeral Home, 426 Main Street, Great Barrington, MA 01230.