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Post by jdmackintosh on Apr 21, 2006 18:29:50 GMT -6
Although I only met him in person at Rapid City last summer, you could sense he had both an energy and enthusiasm for the Little Big Horn Battle. I think if this hobby ever needed a "recruiter," Perry would have been a great one as he certainly had a zeal and zest for the subject that could be contagious. We will all miss him and my sympathty to his family and those who were fortunate to know him better than I.
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Post by supermom on Apr 22, 2006 17:39:12 GMT -6
Dear Friends of Little Big Horn: I am Gretchen Varner, mother of Michelle, Perry's sweetheart. Our family has been truly touched by the kindness of your comments. Diane did a wonderful job of informing you about Perry's death and your responses were so immediate that we were truly surprised. Michelle is doing as well as can be expected, but will truly cherish Perry's attachment to the friends of LBHA. I wanted to tell you that at Perry's memorial service, my husband gave the main talk and then our daughter, Julie, gave the Eulogy. Both of them mentioned LBHA and my husband stated that Perry is undoubtedly having long discussions with Custer about his plight. He also closed his remarks about Perry joining the Ghost Riders in the Sky. We so loved our Perry and know that many of you did too. Thanks again for your wonderful remarks.
Gretchen Varner San Diego, California
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Post by Diane Merkel on Apr 22, 2006 21:28:03 GMT -6
Gretchen,
I am glad you found us! Thank you so much for writing. I was thinking that I would tell Michelle to look at this board one day. I wasn't sure if she would be ready for it yet even though, when I spoke with her last Sunday, she was the one consoling me!
I was thinking of Michelle at noon (my time) on Wednesday. Today I heard from Ken Ferguson, an artist Perry befriended, and he said that he and his wife attended the service. I wish I could have been there. I'm sure a lot of stories were told about Perry's exploits.
I just completed putting the May issue of the LBHA Newsletter together. The cover story is by Perry and, without telling too much, it is about Ken Ferguson's artwork. In the course of editing the Newsletter, I read Perry's article several times even though I purposely didn't change a word of it. The story made me laugh out loud each time! Gosh, I miss him. I don't think I've ever known anyone quite like him.
I will send Michelle several copies of the Newsletter when I get the extra copies from the printer. I will be pleased to do the same for you if you want to send your mailing address to me at LBHA@cox.net.
Please give Michelle my best, and thanks again for posting here. You are a super mom!
Diane
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Post by markland on Apr 23, 2006 1:42:33 GMT -6
This is a hard message to type. I never knew Perry beyond message boards and an occasional e-mail. Yet, his pragmatism and humor in dealing with a contentious episode in American history, well to me it exemplifes what research and study should be, i.e., concentration on the subject, not the personality, while having fun doing so.
On a personal note, of all you knotheads, Perry was the one who I looked forward to meeting the most, maybe because we both are baseball fans (and I am going to be really suspicious if the Diamondbacks start doing well!), or perhaps his left-of-center humor appealed to me, or he liked to do 12 ounce arm curls...who knows? Oh yeah, the Custer stuff...he knows his stuff about that too!
As a tribute to his level-headedness, I have used a portion of a post to me on Delphi which exemplifies, in my opinion, what many overlook. I hope that no one takes umbrage at my doing so.
God be with you Perry,
Billy
P. S. Dammit! Now I am never going to hear the finish of the carnivorous deer story!
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Post by Diane Merkel on Apr 25, 2006 12:10:40 GMT -6
Friends of Perry, At the time of his death, Perry was working on a fundraising idea to benefit National Park Service projects at the Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument. While Perry's idea is awaiting approval, the Friends of the Little Bighorn Battlefield has established a way that people can donate to the Battlefield in memory of Perry (or anyone else you would like to memorialize). To see a list of projects that have been helped in the past and will be helped this year by the Friends organization, and/or to make a donation in Perry's honor, please visit www.friendslittlebighorn.com/pointclickgive.htm Thanks to Bob Reece for making this possible. I think Perry would have been very pleased. Diane
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Post by custerstillstands on Apr 25, 2006 12:19:18 GMT -6
Mr Baker, RIP
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Post by El Crab on Apr 25, 2006 15:10:02 GMT -6
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Post by Diane Merkel on Apr 25, 2006 18:09:22 GMT -6
Thanks, Crab. I fixed it.
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Post by crzhrs on Apr 25, 2006 18:18:40 GMT -6
I thought Crab was making a risque remark . . . sorry!
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Post by Diane Merkel on Jun 1, 2006 17:07:30 GMT -6
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Post by Treasuredude on Jun 1, 2006 22:55:23 GMT -6
Ahhhh, Perry at his best. I like the title of the article. I hope none of the remaining Beatles read this board.
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Post by Diane Merkel on Mar 16, 2007 13:55:38 GMT -6
I just noticed the birthdays today: pgb3 = Perry. Happy Birthday, Perry! You are not forgotten! Happy Birthday to Rabble, too! I'm very glad you are with us! Two of my favorite men. God bless you both.
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Post by Tricia on Mar 16, 2007 16:18:11 GMT -6
Diane--
I seemed to remember Perry's BD was really close to my Phillip's (his is the 18th, Sunday). Often the first birthdays and anniversaries after a loved one's death are some of the most difficult days for those left behind to continue their existences. I'm sure I'll catch holy hell for this, but please--everyone-- remember Michelle in your thoughts over the next month--as I am certain it will be a hard time for her. She's a member of a sisterhood no-one wants to join.
--t.
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Post by Montana Bab on Mar 16, 2007 17:39:01 GMT -6
Dear Tricia, I did not know Perry or his wife, but I do know how it feels to lose a loved one. I can't imagine why you would "catch hell" for asking others to keep a widow in our thoughts. It's so easy for the rest of us to forget the agony of your existence right now. But I need you to know that I have not forgotten.
Best wishes, Bab
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Post by Tricia on Mar 16, 2007 20:08:40 GMT -6
Life is too short, Bab ... for far too many. And too many recently.
Regards, pj-mcd
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