George Perkins

George Perkins passed away on Monday, March 27, 2023 at the age of 83 in Tucson, Arizona.  His family were early settlers in Oregon arriving in the late 1840’s.  George was born in Central Oregon and his family moved to The Dalles, Oregon when he was still preschool age.  He attended schools there and graduated from The Dalles High School.

He enlisted in the US Coast Guard and on his return to The Dalles he worked various jobs, then met his wife Alice.  They were married 61 years at the time of his death.  He started his career in the grocery business; mainly working in the produce and dairy departments.  Upon Alice’s retirement, they moved to Tucson, Arizona in 2009 to be closer the their daughter and her family.  He was very close to his daughter and each one enriched the other’s life.

George was a skilled outdoorsman and through the years the family explored the entire State of Oregon.  They camped, hiked, fished, rode bicycles and motorcycles to remote areas and backpacked into wilderness areas.  George taught his daughter, Terri, to build a campfire using no paper or accelerant and only one match.  He was an avid handgun enthusiast.  He was an active member of The Dalles Rifle and Pistol Club for many years.  He was also a certified NRA firearms instructor.  After moving to Pima County, he became involved with the Senior Olympics Festival in the target shooting competition.  He won several gold and silver medals in these competitions.

He created many tools to make his tasks easier, using a bolt or hardened material.  In his mind he could see it and taught himself how to use a metal lathe to machine the tool he wanted.  His landscaping skills kept our yard the envy of the neighborhood.

George is survived by his wife Alice, their daughter, Terri (Brian) Chimera, two grandsons, Nick and Mike, and his sister, Jois Naegeli.  Also surviving are his sister-in-law Donna Meengs; along with nieces, nephews, grand nieces and nephews and special friends in Oregon and Arizona.

He was predeceased in death by his parents, Otis and Lois; niece, Gayle and brothers-in-law, Dick and Raymond.

No services are planned and disposition of his ashes will be at a later date in Oregon.  He would have liked any donations to be made to an animal shelter of your choice to help felines.  He loved cats.