Wednesday, September 11, 2019

Mark Perry, R.I.P.

Mark Richard Perry, 62, of Traverse City, passed away Thursday, Sept. 5, 2019 at Munson Medical Center.
Mark was born July 23, 1957 in Flint the son of Richard and Patricia (Rasak) Perry. On Sept. 19, 1998 at the St. Wenceslaus Church of Gills Pier, he married Kristen F. (Keefe) Perry, who survives.
Mark Perry was an explorer, contemplating the bigger picture. He was an avid lover of the earth, sky and miraculous universe of possibility. He shared his love through quiet tolerance, acceptance, compassion and wry humor.
He was a courageous journeyman, challenging conformity and adversity throughout a lifetime of originality. He lived many lives: chef, barman, gardener, musician and jazz lover, voracious and eclectic reader and spiritual seeker.
Growing up on Lake Fenton, Mark enjoyed water skiing and sailing at an early age and excelled at snow skiing, which inspired several years of living in the Rocky Mountains.
He was the man who always left his door open. The friend that stayed up all night ... and listened. The brother, mentor, rock and lighthouse in every storm. As a loving son, he enjoyed a rich connection with his parents, sharing his passions and life's joys.
Most importantly, as a husband, he was lover, protector, guardian and best friend.
All he met were captivated, easily striking up a conversation with a perfect stranger. Everyone he knew now feels a void where the light of generosity, curiosity, loyalty and safety once was.
Mark is survived by his loving wife of 20 years, Kristy; his father, Richard (Karen) Perry; his siblings, John (Diana) Perry, Timothy Perry, Nancy Perry and James (Ellen) Perry; his nieces and nephews, Patricia, Shannon, Taj, Sol, Tara, Matthew, Amara, Maizey, Sara and Nicholas.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Patricia; and two brothers, Thomas and Phillip Perry.
A celebration of Mark's life will be held at 1 p.m., with the family greeting friends at 11 a.m., on Sunday, Sept. 15, at Martinson Funeral Home of Suttons Bay.
Memorials may be directed to the Perry family, PO Box 159, Suttons Bay, MI 49682.


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