Lewis Perry, Jr. Obituary

Lewis Perry, Jr. died in his sleep on August 8, 2010. He was 97 years old and a resident of Boulder, CO. Mr. Perry was born in Williamstown, MA in 1913. He attended Milton Academy and Phillips Exeter Academy. He received a B.A. from Harvard University and a Masters in English Literature from Oxford University. Mr. Perry served his country in the US Navy from 1943 - 1946 as an Air Combat Intelligence Officer aboard the USS Santee. He participated in five combat operations, including the battle for Leyte Gulf. Professionally, he was a gifted English Department teacher and resident House Master at the Lawrenceville School from 1938 - 1958. From 1958 - 1978, he was a much-beloved Headmaster of the Fountain Valley School in Colorado Springs, CO. A lifelong member of the Episcopal Church, Mr. Perry was the epitome of kindness and graciousness towards all people at all times. A lover of literature, theatre and sports, he was universally regarded for the tremendous love, style and spirit he brought to all. A man who was quick to laugh and to make light of life's most challenging moments, he lightened the load for many, even as he took very seriously the adventure of life. On the Fountain Valley School campus stands the Lewis Perry, Jr. Chapel, a testimony to the man who treated others well and changed a small part of the universe for the better. He spent 50 summers in West Chop on Martha's Vineyard, MA. “The Vineyard� for him was a place of great joy and immense happiness, just as New York was the Magic City, where he rarely missed a “smash hit� Broadway opening. One of his great attributes is that he could make magic out of almost anything - and often did. Before he died, Mr. Perry said: “Eternal love is just beyond the stars. I'm looking forward to getting there.� Mr. Perry was married to Florence Dalton in 1941, with whom he had four children: Margaret Lawrie, Fleur, Lewis (deceased) and Jonathan. After their divorce, he married Mary Peltz Russell in 1965, who had three children: Kane, Kate (deceased) and Phoebe. He is survived by his children: Lawrie Wilson, Fleur Green and Jonathan Perry; his step-children: Kane White and Phoebe Ozuna; 13 grand-children and step-grandchildren; and his great-grandson, Dalton Huckins. A memorial service will be held October 9, 2010 at Fountain Valley School in Colorado Springs. In lieu of flowers, please send contributions to Fountain Valley School.