Waterford, VT: David W. Coburn, age 76, died at the Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center, on Wednesday morning, July 19, 2017 with his beloved wife, Patti, beside him. Dave was born in St. Johnsbury on April 20, 1941, son of the late Dr. Donald E. and Marion M. (Fitch) Coburn. He was raised and educated in St. Johnsbury, graduating from St. Johnsbury Academy with the Class of 1959. Dave served three years in the US Army and was one of the first to serve in Vietnam in 1962 to 1963. Upon his return, he continued his studies and was graduated from Defiance College of Defiance, Ohio. On August 15, 1970, he married Patricia Hazel Albee. They built their home in Waterford in 1974 where he held several town offices, including over 20 years as the delinquent tax collector and still held the post of first Constable. For the majority of his career, he was a licensed insurance adjuster and a criminal investigator for the State of Vermont Department of Human Services, retiring in 1996. Until his health declined, he was an avid sportsman, participating in snow and water skiing, hunting and fishing. He continued to play golf and enjoyed belonging to the Thursday traveling Senior Men's Tour. He belonged to the American Legion, the VFW and was a 51 year member of the BPOE. He loved music and cards, and was a voracious reader. It was rare that he did not have a book in progress. Dave was happiest working with his hands or overseeing some project and was always willing to help others. He is survived by his wife of 46 years: Patti Coburn of Waterford, VT; a brother: Andy Coburn and wife Peggy of Hertford, NC; a brother-in-law, Barry J Dyer of Sarasota, FL; a sister-in-law, Elke Emmons of Lancaster, NH; 6 nieces and nephews and their families: Solon Coburn and his wife Sara Cassidy of Middlebury, VT; John Coburn and his wife Rebecca of Vergennes, VT; Margaret Dyer of Milwaukee, WI; Dan Dyer of Orlando, FL; Stephen Emmons of Las Vegas, NV; and Kellie Boccadoro and husband Steve of Las Vegas, NV. He was predeceased by his sister: Katherine Coburn Dyer in 2014; and his brother-in-law: Richard Emmons, also in 2014. Services to be officiated by Rev. Paul Powers will be held at the Joes Pond Pavilion, North Shore Road, West Danville, VT on Monday, July 24, 2017 at 11 am. Dress will be casual as that was Dave's favorite attire. Burial will be at the Center Cemetery in Hardwick, VT at the convenience of the family. Friends may call on the family Sunday evening, July 23, 2017 from 4 - 6 pm at Sayles Funeral Home on Summer Street in St. Johnsbury, VT. Memorial donations may be made in Dave's name to the St. Johnsbury History and Heritage Center, 421 Summer St, St. Johnsbury VT or to Davies Memorial Library, PO Box 56, Lower Waterford, VT 05848.