Daniel Winn Varin

PROVIDENCE Daniel W. Varin, a leader in Rhode Island's state government for more than 30 years, died April 16, 2017. He was 86. He headed the Statewide Planning Program from shortly after its creation in the mid-1960s until he retired in 1996 as Associate Director of Administration for Planning. His major accomplishments include the creation of the State Guide Plan, a framework of policies for Rhode Island's growth,and the enactment of legislation setting requirements for the state's cities and towns on planning, zoning, and subdivision and development review. Dan was instrumental in the formation of the state departments of Transportation and Environmental Management. He was central to the development of the state's coastal zone management program, low- and moderate-income housing programs, the advancement of Rhode Island's transportation facilities and land-use development. Changes he implemented in the state's wastewater management system played a major role in the cleanup of Narragansett Bay. His influence is seen throughout the state's infrastructure, including its interstate highways, T.F. Green Airport, state park system and bikeways. In the mid-1970s, Dan wrote 15 publications on transportation, housing, land use, and economic development policy for the Council of State Governments in Lexington Kentucky. These served as national guideposts for state planning in the U.S. Dan was married for 48 years to Jean Mahon Varin, until her death in 2001. They moved to Providence in 1963. When she developed a rare illness, his devoted care allowed her to remain at home for the last years of her life. Born in Detroit, he was the son of Clarence Winn Varin and Lucille Dayton Varin. He attended Michigan State University, earning a bachelor's degree and a master's in urban planning. He remained an enthusiastic Spartan throughout his life. He joined the U.S Army in 1953, serving on active duty as a tank platoon leader and company commander in the Armor branch. He retired as a major after nine years in the Army and Army Reserves. He was proud to have played a key role in the establishment of the Rhode Island Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Exeter, R.I. Dan was a fixture for more than 50 years at the Providence Presbyterian Church (formerly the Second Presbyterian Church), where he served as treasurer for three decades. A quiet and unassuming man, Dan was known for his very dry wit and love of history, Dixieland jazz, handyman projects, trains and crossword puzzles. In his 70s, he became a world traveler, visiting places as far-flung as China, South America and the Arctic Circle in Finland. After his retirement in 1996, he continued to work as a planning consultant on affordable-housing projects and was active on several boards, including the Rhode Island Water Resources Board, the Women's Development Corporation, the Enterprise Zone Council and the Providence Zoning Board of Review.The many honors he earned during his career include an American Planning Association's Distinguished Leadership Award (1996) and the Rhode Island Public Expenditure Council's Robert M. Goodrich Distinguished Service Public Service Award (1978). He is survived by daughters Amy L. Varin, Laura V. Evans and Andra Burke Varin; grandchildren Henry, Crystal and Julia Evans; and a brother, James D. Varin. Visiting hours are Monday 4-7 p.m. at the Russell J. Boyle & Son Funeral Home, 331 Smith St., Providence. Funeral Tuesday at 8:45 a.m. followed by a service at 10 a.m. at Providence Presbyterian Church, 500 Hope St., Providence. Burial will follow at the Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Exeter. Donations may be made to Providence Presbyterian Church.