Richard Francis Perry

Richard Francis Perry, resident of Milwaukie/Oak Grove since 1965, passed away on October 17, a few weeks after his 92nd birthday. Richard was born in Decatur Nebraska to Claude & Irene Perry. He mostly grew up on a farm with his parents and five sisters. He met his loving and caring wife Mary in Omaha and they married in 1946; just recently celebrating their 69th wedding anniversary. Their five children were born while Richard and Mary lived in the Midwest states of Minnesota, Wisconsin, Wyoming and Colorado. Their final big move was to Oregon in 1963. Richard spent over 30 years in the newspaper business including the Duluth Tribune & Herald, the Denver Post, the Oregonian and the Milwaukie Review. . In 1973 he and Mary bought and ran The Burger Den restaurant in Canby for 10 years. Retiring in the 80’s, he and Mary traveled around the country in their RV visiting many family and friends. Home was always his favorite place though. He loved working in his garden growing vegetables and beautiful dahlias. And, he always had a home project going --either repairing, replacing or building something in his shop. Family, friends and even local businesses were always calling on him to ‘fix’ something for them. Richard was a member of the Milwaukie Elks for 45 years, elected Elk of the Year in 2004. Even in his 80’s he was still helping the Elks deliver holiday food boxes to the needy. He and Mary were long time members of Milwaukie’s St John’s Episcopal Church. A year ago they sold their home and moved to an apartment at Town Center Village a retirement center in Happy Valley. Family always came first. Richard and Mary thoroughly enjoyed spending time with their large family—five children: Sheryl Perry, Richard Perry (Janice), JoEllen Perry, Ralph Perry (LeAnne), and Lisa Perry (Brian Downey), eight grandchildren: Brian, Michelle, Erin, Molly, Nate, Mary, April and Amber and eleven great-grandchildren: Hailey, Connor, Asilee, Scott, Kevin, Colton, Nathaniel, Lauren, Julia, Chloe and Eleanor. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to: The Compassionate Friends, P.O. Box 3065 Portland 80708. This group was instrumental in helping Richard and Mary cope with the loss of their son Ralph in 1986. Richard was known for his gift of gab and always had a story or experience to tell about. When you’ve been around for 92 years you’re bound to have lot to share! The family encourages you to share your stories and memories about Richard in the Guest Book or Condolences page. Ashes to be placed in the Columbarium at Milwaukie St. John’s Episcopal Church. Service Information