Earle C. Perry

To All,

I’d like to extend my deepest and sincerest condolences to the family and his closest of friends on this most solemn occaision. I had the good fortune of meeting Earle Perry known by me as Tom’s dad back thenmany years ago and enjoying his laughter during family get-togethers. I know he loved living near the sailboats at the marina and I especially enjoyed his stories about his family and his travels. He always made me feel welcome at his home and a part of his extendend family. I will miss him very much. A quote, I believe, attributed to Mark Twain states that “reports of his death are greatly exagerated”. I’ll take a few liberties here, but believe this meant that while a person has passed away, his stories, his quirks, his memories, his teachings and his laughter will continue to be remembered and talked about over and over through future generations. I believe this to be true of Earle and as he departs on his new journeys, I will continue to keep him in my fondest of memories.

A frend of the family,

Ken

A life well lived. My condolences to the family. I’m glad he went quickly and without much apparent pain. I remember going sailing back in the 80s and having a lunch at Anthony’s where he was well known and respected. I’m glad to have known him, and wish smooth sailing to those who shared his life. Susi

I’ve spent two months avoiding these emotions, like I avoided you as a teenager because I was in trouble. I’m sorry for those times Dad. I spent the next thirty years avoiding my own guilt and petty anger. I didn’t go see often enough. I spent all those years I tried to think of things to say when I saw you, always trying to steer conversation towards the “good old times”. I guess I always wanted us to be back the the breakfast table…You’d be staring off into space, then you start grinning, kind of giggling. We’d say “what’s so funny Dad?” Then you would go into one of your stories, almost choking on your own laughter. I’d be listening intently, in awe of you. I spent so many years trying to get back to those times, those feelings. I now know that it was time wasted that I should have spent getting to know you.

I will never forget when Elise brought her husband Shaun, and her son Logan over to see you. You said you didn’t want to hold him, “I might drop him”. You looked over Leecy’s shoulder at Logy and then you looked at me and said “That’s my Great Grandson!!” You were BEAMIMG! I never saw your heart so open, so loving, so very proud. I will tell Logan all about his Great Grandpa; the pilot that flew toexotic foreign places, the sailor who won many trophies, the magician who made statues disappear with a loud ‘thunk’, the harmonica player who would play ‘Turkey In The Straw’ while while I practiced driving in the dark, rainy fall evenings of 1973. I will tell Bailey and Camryn all those things too, Dad.

When I was a little girl you would come home from a trip and bring Tom and I presents. You would give me a big hug & kiss and say “Moldy Jo, what do ya’ know? I just got back from Kokomo!!!” It wasn’t until a few years ago that I found out that Kokomo was a real place, that you didn’t dream it up. That’s okay, it’s still our special place.

Well Dad, I guess it’s time I face all this, it’s real, it’s Good-bye. You are gone, you are at peace, I have to get on with my life. I just want to tell you that I love you and I am very proud that you are my Dad.

I will always be your little baby,

your Moldy Jo. Good Bye Dad, I’ll see you in Kokomo!