Donald Clifford ‘Don’ Perry, age 72, passed away peacefully at his home on December 25, 2008 with Carol, his beloved wife of 52 years by his side.
Don was born June 10, 1936 in Ocala, Florida to Curtis and Eva Spencer Perry. He joined the military in 1954 and served over 20 years in the US Air Force and US Navy and had the great fortune of being transferred to Whidbey Island in 1967. After his military retirement Don worked as a carpenter in the Oak Harbor area before moving to the Skagit Valley in 1996.
Don was a private man who quietly cherished a small group of family and friends. When not generously volunteering his time to help friends, family and neighbors with projects, Don could often be found ‘schnuddering’ around his shop. He was extremely clever and invented numerous gadgets and devices to solve problems or just to have fun. He relished in doing something that others said could not be done but was never one to brag. When given the choice, he built what he needed rather than bought it. A self-educated man, Don was well read, enjoyed an intellectual challenge and had a genuine curiosity about how things worked.
Those who worked with Don say he was the first one to lend a hand, had an uncanny ability to show up with a solution to a problem, and was always ready with tools in hand before the work day started. He will be remembered for his honesty, integrity, humor and willingness to do what needed to be done. During his lifetime Don built seven homes for the Perry family. He also built one sailboat and renovated countless dinghies, canoes and skiffs. To satisfy his passions for boating and discovery Don and Carol spent the better part of each summer for over 20 years exploring the nooks and crannies of the Inside Passage of Canada and Alaska.
It has been said that a man who is capable, adaptive and tough is worth three ordinary men. Don was one such man. He will be deeply missed by everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. He always thought of others first and gave more to his family than they can ever repay.
Don is survived by his wife Carol Perry of Lyman, 3 sons: Jeff of Bend, Oregon; Jack, wife Sue and their children CC and Mandi of Marysville, Washington; and Joel and wife Sandra of Seattle. Don is also survived by his brother Spencer, wife Audrey and niece Jill of Deland, Florida, and nephew Jack, wife Jenny and son Isaac of Apopka, Florida, as well as numerous cousins, nieces and nephews throughout the Southeast. Don was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Curtis, of Johnson City, Tennessee. The Perry family will hold a private memorial service at a later date. Remembrances may be made in Don’s name to Skagit Valley Hospice Foundation and the Skagit Valley Hospital Cancer Care Fund.