Leigh Perkins, who took Orvis beyond fly fishing, dies at 93

The man who transformed the Vermont-based Orvis company from a niche fly-fishing supply company into a global retailer of outdoor supplies, apparel and protector of the environment has died

The man who transformed the Vermont-based Orvis company from a niche fly-fishing supply company into a global retailer of outdoor supplies, apparel and protector of the environment has died. Leigh H. Perkins was 93. The Sunderland-based Orvis company says Perkins died May 7 in Monticello, Florida. The cause of death was not released. An online tribute published on the company's website said Perkins was a lifelong outdoorsman who hunted or fished more than 250 days a year into his 90s who had a reverence for nature and conservation. The company says that Perkins began donating 5% of pre-tax profits to conserving fish and wildlife.