Wayne Clark Perry

Wayne C. Perry died peacefully on April 28, 2015 He was preceded in death by his wife Alberta, his wife of 58 years. Wayne is survived by his daughter, Linda Lauer (Greg), son Greg (Marsha), and five grandchildren: John Lauer, Emily Lauer, Sarah Lauer, Caitlin Perry, and Lauren Perry. Wayne was born on November 21, 1928 in Greeley, Colorado to Clark Franklin and Frances (Shelden) Perry. In 1932 the family moved to Casper, Wyoming where Wayne grew up. It was there that Wayne's brother Earl was born. Dad was a curious young man with a creative, entrepreneurial style. He founded and printed his own little paper, the Neighborhood News. He and his brother built and sold TUBRACs – a rack to air-dry laundry. He even started a small personal employment service offering to do odd jobs: babysitting to house painting to lawn work. Wayne served in the army, stationed at Ft. Riley, Kansas, before going to Korea. He worked as a staff sergeant overseas in office records. He remembers seeing the devastation of war, especially on the children, but thankfully didn't see combat. After the war he returned to Casper where he attended Casper Community College. Mutual friends introduced Wayne and Alberta, and after an evening game of Scrabble, Dad was smitten. After a few months their courtship had flourished into an proposal, and soon a wedding. They were married on December 18, 1955 in Cheyenne, Wyoming. They soon moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico where Wayne completed his degree in Journalism at the University of New Mexico. In a time where fathers were not routinely invited into delivery rooms, Dad made sure he was at the birth of his children. Linda was born in Albuquerque. And in 1959, after moving to Denver, their son Greg was born. Wayne worked for FIF (Financial Services), the Colorado State Department of Employment, and Gates Rubber Company. Dad had many interests and hobbies. He loved to read and write, leaving many works for this family. He appreciated the mindful practice of meditation and studied Eastern religions. He studied handwriting analysis, seeing the potential applications to personnel/HR and business. He delved into the study of magic and performed many programs for senior centers and organizations. He participated in ""chili cook offs"" in Colorado and Wyoming sharing his love of the ""HOT"" and spicy. He enjoyed the detailed work of building models and miniatures. Dad truly was intrigued by many different endeavors and whatever the interest, Dad partook fully. In the 1970s, Dad spent time volunteering with St. John's Hospice, visiting the dying and serving on their Eleventh Hour team (a group dedicated to the final hours of life). So as Dad was coming to the end of his life he knew the wonderful benefits of loving Hospice Care. Just two weeks before his death, Dad stated that he knew the end was near, and he requested hospice. As he lay dying he said ""Berta says hurry."" And so he did, just 6 ½ months after Mom's death, Dad joined her. Now they are both at peace.