Graduated into the presence of his Saviour on Sunday, March 6th after a brief illness in his 90th year. Welcomed by his wife of 46 years Shirley Ruth (Gates) Perry (2002). Bruce was fortunate to have two loves in his life and will be sadly missed by his second wife of 15 years, Peggy MacPherson. Loving father of six children – David and Joan Perry (Woodstock), Carolyn and Allan Donnan (Brampton), Nancy and Paul Sharrow (Windsor), Paul and Kathy Perry (Chatham), Mark and Sharon Perry (Goderich) and Isabelle and David Gagne (Niagara Falls). Proud “Papa” of eighteen grandchildren – Sarah, Josh, Tim, Aaron, Ethan, Emma, Jordan, Brennan, Jennifer, Jonathan, Heather, Lucas, Curtis, Tyler, Katie, Raven, Perry and Roman. His legacy will continue with seven great-grandchildren ….so far. Predeceased by his parents, William and Elsie Perry and his siblings Fred, Joyce, Myrna and Larry. Bruce and Shirley moved to Exeter in 1956 to begin their teaching careers at South Huron District High School where he retired from teaching Science after more than 30 years. During those years and later in retirement, Bruce put his faith into action by actively participating with many Christian service organizations focused on missions and the development of youth. Bruce was a committed life-long learner leading to him being an avid reader, experimental gardener and outdoorsman. After family, his greatest passion was paddling his red canoe while taking in God’s creation.
Visitation will be held at the Haskett Funeral Home, 370 William Street, EXETER on Thursday, March 10th from 12-1:45 PM. Each person must RSVP for the visitation. Please click “Register Now” below, to register. The funeral service will be held in the funeral home on Thursday afternoon at 2 PM with Bob Heywood officiating.
If unable to attend the family invites you to join with them from the comfort of your own home. Stream the service live by visiting www.facebook.com/haskettfh. Cremation with interment in Exeter Cemetery.
Donations to Mission Aviation Fellowship or Key Bible Clubs would be appreciated by the family.
Robert Gates
To The Perry Family
Our heartfelt sympathy to all of you.. We have fond memories of the times we spent with Bruce and Shirley. The welcome was warm and the hospitality great. Bruce had a sharp intellect. He loved to discuss education, church life theological issues, ethics etc. Bruce often mentioned his work with youth and other organizations. He also enjoyed just having fun. He definitely had a part in shaping our faith and spiritual life, Bruce lived a long and fulfilled life. and we were blessed to have had him as part of our family.
May God’s love, grace and peace embrace you in this time of sadness and loss
Robert and Nancy Gates
Christene Scrimgeour (Edwards)
Carolyn and family. Your dad always took an interest in my life and I believe one of the people who prayed for me as a teen. He never shied away from asking me some pointed questions but always with that twinkle and genuine care. I am happy to say his prayers were answered. May you know God’s comfort during this season of loss.
Marilyn Gates
my sympathy and prayers are with david, ,carolyn, paul, nancy, mark and elizabeth and their families
DAVID MCCLURE
I have many fond memories of teaching with Bruce at SOUTH HURON DHS in EXETER .
Bruce was a good teacher who was always concerned in the intellectual and spiritual development of his students .
May Bruce’s family receive our Lord’s blessings and comforts in the days ahead .
Dan Heywood
My sincere condolences to the Perry family. Dan
Murray Armstrong
To the Perry Family. Mr Perry was a fine man. I knew at high school although never had him as a teacher at South Huron , he was my mentor at Brigades.
Our condolences to you all.
Lori and Murray Armstrong
Melissa De Lorenzi(Donnan)
My deepest condolences to the Perry family at this time.
Bruce was beloved by his family, colleagues, students, church members, and community.
When our family moved to Exeter to pastor the Perry family was kind and always gracious. We were blessed to have Carolyn join the Donnan family.
I will fondly remember Bruce for his humour, wit, smile, and twinkle in his eye even when he was teaching physics class.
The summer before college he took three young ladies camping and canoeing in Algonquin and showed up the ropes.
Many he rest in peace
Melissa DeLorenzi(Donnan)
My deepest condolences to the Perry family at this time.
Bruce was beloved by his family, colleagues, students, church members, and community.
When our family moved to Exeter to pastor the Perry family was kind and alway gracious. We were blessed to have Carolyn join the Donnan family.
I will fondly remember Bruce for his humour, wit, smile, and twinkle in his eye even while teaching the Psychic’s class.
The summer before college he took three young ladies camping and canoeing in Algonquin, he survived.
Many he Rest In Peace.
Russell &Verona Snider
We are thinking and praying for you all at this time. Russell has many fond memories of working with Bruce on the Habitat housing in the area. We are sorry that we didn’t check the site to know of his passing in time to go to the funeral home. Love and prayers for all the family.
Jim Chapman
David, Carolyn, Nancy, Paul, Mark and Isabelle;
My deepest sympathy to all of you, and your families, in the loss of your father.
I have positive memories of all of you at EPS and of your dad at South Huron.
Janet & John Bilcke
Sympathies to the Perry familymay you hold tight the wonderful memories he gave you. What a kind man with a strong faith!
William Dinney
May the Perry family be blessed at this sad time. I thank Mr Perry for all his physics class teachings of “why the apple never fell far from thr tree” and much more……
Janet (Davis) DeActis
To the Perry Family,
I was sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing, but know he, and your Mom, left a wonderful Christian legacy not only in your lives but in the lives of so many others. Bible Club, in their basement, reached so many children, including me! Your family home was always one of welcoming. Think of the heavenly welcome your Dad received this past week! May God continue to bless all of you and give you peace.
Harry Stuart
Isabelle and family:
I’m so sorry for your loss. How I admired your dad!
I learned so much working with him at Christian Service Brigade. Many of us are better people because of Bruce Perry. He may be physically gone, but he will tower in our memories.
I pray God’s comfort over your family.
Harry
Tait and Renée McGregor
Dear Peggy and Family,
We send our sincere condolences and big hugs to you. We remember Bruce fondly as our kind neighbour and friend in Exeter.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Rob and Melinda Moore
Our sincerest condolences to Carolyn and the Perry family. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Kendra Craig
My sympathies to the Perry family. I was fortunate to have him as a teacher in high school and have some great memories of Physics. He will be missed.
Jason Bourne
Peggy and Perry Family,
I am deeply saddened to hear of Bruce’s passing. He always greeted me with a grunt and a whisper ” Don’t get old!” He was a true joy to talk to and I always enjoyed my visits with him. My sincerest condolences to the family. Bruce will be missed.
Les and Karen Rowe
My condolences to the Perry family for the loss of a husband, father and grandfather . We are thinking of you at this time.
Ilene Fowler
To Mark, Sharon and the rest of the Perry family,
My most sincere condolences on the passing of Bruce. May your precious memories comfort you at this difficult time.
Dr. Donald T Jolly
A great teacher and a wonderful person. I remember the Bible Club he and Shirley had in the basement of their house when I was in public School. Without his Grade 13 physics classes, I would have never made it through university. He will be missed.
George and Sue Wilson
Bruce’s family, heartfelt condolences on your loss of your dear Dad and Grandpa., and husband. Your Dad was a very friendly man. I remember him when he was teaching at SHDHS. He was strong in his Faith. Cherish your precious memories. You are in our thoughts and prayers, George and Sue Wilson
Brad Gregus
Every once in a while God has someone come alongside you, for a day, or a time, or a season…..Bruce understood his position and his responsibility to share the basic truths of God’s redemptive plan for mankind……Bruce played a pivotal role in helping my young sons come into an eternal relationship with Jesus Christ…….In fact Bruce was actively involved in 2 generations of young boys and teens, and helping them navigate through the difficulties of ‘life’ and helping direct them to God’s intended purpose for them……I’m confident that someday God will facilitate a reunion in Heaven, of Bruce and all the men that he mentored and lead to that life changing decision …….oh yes, Bruce was here…he made a difference !
Bob and Connie Donnan
We were saddened to hear of Bruce’s passing. Our acquaintance with Bruce began when we became Pastors to the Perry family during our time in Exeter. He was a faithful member and he lived a purpose driven life in service to God, his family and his community. Our condolences to Peggy and each of the family members. Special love to Carolyn at this time who became part of our family as our daughter- in-law.
Robert & Karen Jolly
To the Perry Family,
We are very sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Wishing you comfort and peace to face the days ahead and loving memories to hold in your heart.
Marion McCarter
To the Perry Families:
Sorry for your loss. Treasure his memories as you carry them in your hearts forever. Deepest Sympathy.
Marion McCarter
Cindy “Wasson” Tupper
To Nancy, Carolyn and the rest of the Perry Family.
I won’t ever forget the times I spent with your family, both at church and in the basement growing up. Your Dad was a big part in that welcome.
“But God will redeem my life from the grave; he will surely take me to himself” Psalm 49:15
My condolences
Judy
Dear Perry family,
Mr. Perry was a stepping stone in my Christian walk many years ago. I went to Bible school classes that were held in the basement of his house after school. He was an amazing teacher and man.
See you at “THE HOUSE”.
Respectfully,
Judy (Jory) Hayward
Rev. Sue McCullough
Dear Peggy,
My most sincere condolences on the death of Bruce. Please know that you and all of the family are in my prayers at this sad time. Being people of deep and abiding faith you understand that Bruce’s journey has just begun.
God’s blessing be upon all of you
Sue McCullough+
Mel and Audrey Melick
To the entire Bruce Perry family.
All persons who knew Bruce will miss him greatly even knowing he is safe in Gods arms. Bruce was kind had a faith in God that he wasn’t afraid to share. I have many fond memories in the Perry home while being part of the family for many meals and Alethia practices. Audrey and I leave the Perry family out deepest sympathy and prayers at this time.
Janet Cowan Corbett
My condolences to the Perry family for the loss of Bruce. A husband, father and grandfather, who I know made an impact on each of you. May you find peace and joy as you remember and celebrate his homecoming.
Janet Cowan Corbett
Linda Traquair
Condolences on Bruce’s passing. He once commented that the greatest gift one could give a child was not education, but good health. He was right, of course…without good health, learning is impeded…a very smart and kind man.
Marcy Gomes
Dave, Joan and family, I am so sorry for your incredible loss. God bless you as you mourn and celebrate a wonderful life.
Debbianne (Gates) Power
Thinking of you all at this time of loss. Your dad was a great influence in our early years; always an adventure to be had on our visits, going fishing in Bayfield or going to the garden or fun at the beach. Praying the Lord’s peace will comfort you.
With much love….
Don and Brenda Triebner
Peggy and Perry families
We are so sorry to hear about Bruce. He was one of Don’s teachers at SHDHS. Thinking of you all at this difficult time
Earl and Marilyn Miller
To the Perry family,
We want to extend our sympathy in the passing of your dear husband and dad. We know He is in the Lord’s presence. May you be comforted by your many precious memories.
Kim Mckay
Paul and family my deepest condolences in the loss of your Dad, he was a great man . I have a lot of fond memories of him. May your happy memories help to console you in his loss! Thoughts and prayers to you and your family!
Bob Donais
Angie and myself Bob Donais are saddened by the passing of Bruce. Our prayers go out to the family and friends of Bruce. The world has lost a great man and God has called him home to celebrate his eternal life with Jesus.
ROBERT DAWE
Rest in peace Mr.Perry . I always enjoyed your Physics class and after my high school days working on your vehicles at Exeter Chrysler. You always had a smile and a kind word .
Harv & Evelyn Vincent
To Peggy and Bruce’s entire family
Sincere sympathy in your great loss. Bruce was a good man who lived his faith
May God grant peace and comfort
Dave Frayne
To Bruce’s family and friends
Sorry to learn of his passing, have many good memories of him while I was a student at South Huron.