Patrick Fred Perry

PATRICK F. PERRY February 21, 1956 ~ March 25, 2017 On Saturday, March 25, Patrick was unexpectedly taken from us at the age of 61. Despite his young age, it was a life fully lived. Patrick was born, and lived his entire life, in the Vancouver-Camas, WA area. He was a stand-out athlete at Evergreen High, graduating in 1975. Patrick worked for a time at The Columbian and was an early partner in Tuff Turf Lawn Care. In 1984, he wanted more opportunity. He found it through a "temp" agency, where, with the literal flip of a coin, he chose an entry level job at a new employer in town: Hewlett Packard Co. This resulted in a 30-year career. He got his Business degree from Portland State along the way and retired in 2014 from a senior position in HP Global Procurement. Patrick had a son and daughter of his own, before marrying Evelyn Allport and gaining two more children. As the years went on, he was blessed to be "Grand-Patrick" to grandchildren who adored him. Although he faced a series of serious health issues starting in the late 1990's, he met each with courage and optimism. Through cancer, heart issues and a kidney transplant, Patrick fought and prevailed. He had a cupboard full of medicines and a host of specialists, but he always approached life as a healthy man dealing with a temporary set-back. A boyhood friend introduced Patrick to hunting and this became a lifelong avocation. He and Bob bagged waterfowl in the marshes west of Vancouver and tracked deer on a rolling wheat ranch in Davenport, Washington. From there, he filled his freezer with venison every year for 40 years. As his kids grew older, he would take them with him. They learned to hunt, but also learned about responsibility and having respect for the animals they "harvested". His sons, especially, have many stories of pre-dawn wake-ups, followed by long hikes through flooded fields or along the rim of his favorite hunting spot, Shook Canyon. These times with him are fondly remembered as some of their best. The fourth of six children, Patrick grew up on 20 acres near what is now Union High School. Money was tight. The family had a garden and livestock, and Patrick's dad taught him many skills to make the most of what they had. By the time Patrick left home, he could fix almost anything. Because of his talents, in 2006 Patrick and Evelyn embarked on their great dream: restoring an old farmhouse near Davenport. Once a month, they would make the 350-mile journey for a week's stay, taking on everything that an old homestead could throw at them. Patrick did his "HP work" via phone and after hours the two of them would work on projects. It was overwhelming at times, but their deep and loving partnership enabled their very own "This Old House" adventure. Concerns about Patrick's health led them to sell in 2015, but their lives were enriched through the shared experience and memories, along with the wonderful people who supported them along the way. Patrick was generous with his time and skills. When someone had a thorny job to do, he would offer a friendly, "How can I help?". He enjoyed passing his skills along and he always left things better than he found them. His children benefited from his problem-solving abilities and learned how to appreciate a job well done. Along with his brother Chuck, Patrick took on other hobbies, including collecting and refurbishing 60's sci-fi toys. Laughter poured out of his work room, as he and Chuck enjoyed old memories while creating new ones. Patrick had a reflective side, which was evident in how he shared his steadfast faith in God. He joined the Hospital Ministry team, which was an act of service deeply meaningful to him. During the day, he would quietly head to the hospital and pray with patients there. His own medical issues gave him compassion for those facing fear or uncertainty. People were drawn to him by his kindness, good nature, and his ready laugh. For 19 years, he was part of a close group of "Christian Brothers", who met weekly to share their life journeys. Patrick is survived by his wife of 20 years, Evelyn Allport; his four children, Ryan Perry, Ashley (Perry) Gibbons, Paige (Medlock) Ollikainen, Daniel Medlock; and by his six grandchildren. He also leaves three brothers, Chuck Strange, Dan Strange and Mike Perry; along with a host of nieces and nephews. Although we are devastated by his leaving too soon, it is his warmth and his infectious love of life that will long be remembered. He brought out the best in all of us. Patrick's memorial service will be held Sunday, April 9, 2017 at 3p.m. at Church of the Good Shepherd, 805 SE Ellsworth Rd., in Vancouver. Please sign Patrick's Guest Book at www.columbian.com/obits.

Patrick Fred Perry

February 21, 1956 - March 25, 2017