Doug Perry Obituary (1949 - 2019)

Douglas Perry, 69 Vassalboro - Douglas Paul Perry, 69, left his earthly home on Sunday, February 17, 2019, after an extended period of ill health. His wife, Gail, the love of his life, was by his side. Throughout his long illness and hospitalization, Doug never lost courage, showing great strength, amazing optimism, and an incredible will to live despite numerous medical setbacks. Doug was born to Marie I. and Benedict E. Perry on July 17, 1949, living his whole life in North Vassalboro, Maine. He attended elementary school there, graduated from Winslow High School in 1967, and attended Unity College. He was married to Gail Lindsey in Owl's Head, Maine, on June 30, 1973. They made their home in North Vassalboro. Doug was a member of the Maine Army National Guard from 1969 through 1975. He was employed by Scott Paper / SD Warren / Sappi Fine Paper for 35 years, retiring in 2004. Doug was a member of Augusta Elks Lodge, Masonic Lodge, and American Legion Post #126. He was a licensed Ham Radio Operator; call sign KA1YBJ. An avid NASCAR fan, he rarely missed a televised race and a chance to see his favorite driver, Kevin Harvick, be victorious. Doug enjoyed golfing when he was able and RV camping with friends and family; yearly trips to Eustis, Rangeley, the Camden area, and Acadia were a must. In 2013 the Perry’s took a cross country trip via motorhome to South Dakota, Wyoming, Utah, and Arizona. Seeing the Grand Canyon was the highlight of his trip. Doug was predeceased by his parents Marie and Benedict Perry and a dear brother-in-law, James F. Oldroyd. He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Gail; his brother Reginald Perry and wife Julia, of Clinton; his sister Cynthia Brown of Vassalboro; sister-in-law, Sada L. Oldroyd and brother-in-law, Wayne E. Lindsey, Sr., both of Owl's Head; cousins Carol and Wayne Brown of South Thomaston; dear friends Rosland and Lewis Smith of Sidney; as well as numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. Doug also leaves behind his beloved dog, Tally and cat, Boofus. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Notre Dame Catholic Church, 112 Silver Street, Waterville on Saturday, March 9, 2019, at 11am, with a reception to follow. Please visit www.veilleuxfuneralhome.com to view a video collage of Doug’s life and to share condolences, memories and tributes with his family. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to local animal shelters. ******************************* The following words of remembrance were given by Reg Perry at his brother’s funeral on Saturday March 9, 2019 at Notre Dame Catholic Church: A poem by Canon Scott-Holland: Death is nothing at all. I have only slipped away into the next room. I am I and you are you. Whatever we were to each - that we are still. Call me by my familiar name. Speak to me in the easy way you always used. Put no difference in your tone. Wear no forced air of solemnity or sorrow. Laugh as we always laughed. Life means all that it ever meant before. It is the same as it ever was. There is absolutely unbroken continuity. Why should I be out of mind - because I am out of sight? I am waiting for you for an interval. Somewhere very near. Just around the corner. All is well. Nothing is past. Nothing is lost. My brother Doug need not be idealized or enlargened in death – beyond what he was in life. He should be remembered simply as a good and decent man – a loving and faithful husband. Those of us who loved him and take him to his rest today, pray that he was to us, what he wished for others and someday will come to pass for all of us. Doug and Gail loved traveling in their motor home. His trip out west was special to him, seeing Mount Rushmore, the Crazy Horse Memorial, Yellowstone, Old Faithful and the Grand Canyon. He was proud of his ham radio involvement and had a room full of radio equipment and a roof full of antennas to prove it. He loved to watch NASCAR and had an extensive model car collection. He and Gail also liked to go camping, especially to Cathedral Pines and anywhere on the Maine coast. He loved the ocean. Doug enjoyed watching television. He loved Gunsmoke and re-runs of M*A*S*H, also American Pickers and Monday night wrestling. His favorite movie was Top Gun. He also liked to listen to music, especially Elvis Presley, Alan Jackson and Toby Keith. Doug also liked collecting stuff. He had a large collection of key chains, shot glasses, as well as T-shirts. He collected them wherever he went on trips and had others collect them for him … me included. He enjoyed breakfasts and lively conversation several days a week at Bridget’s Place Diner on Rte. 32 in North Vassalboro. He took delight in professing to dislike the New England Patriots and the Boston Red Sox, but I know he did it just to keep people riled up. He secretly watched all of their games. As he often said, “It’s a dirty job, but someone has to do it.” From “The Book of Thanks” by Helen Steiner Rice: Never despair, God is always there. In sickness or health, In suffering or pain, In storm-laden skies, In sunshine and rain. God always is there To lighten our way And lead us through darkness To a much better day. Doug had extraordinary health challenges over the last seven months of his life. His will to get better and return to his home was courageous. From July 21st, when he was first hospitalized until the day he died on February 17th, Gail was with him every single day. That is genuine love and commitment. Looking out amongst all of you here today, I see many supporting and loving extended family members and great friends. Your love and support – there’s nothing better.