I got the call this week.  He passed over on Oct. 5th going peacefully to join his mother, dad, grandmother and nephew and yes cousins.  He will be sorely missed. His last year was not a pleasant one as is the case with most Alzheimers patients.  I think he wanted to join his departed friends and family.  I know he hated leaving Carol, his wife of so many many years.  I knew him best as a man who spent time defending his country during World War II.  He came home a changed man....much quieter.  He never really shared  his experiences with me except to tell me about an accident when a man hole cover dropped on his head while he was serving on a ship.  He said he "saw stars" and I think he had a concussion.  Bill loved to garden and tidy up the outdoors along with the indoors.  He loved swimming and boating and water skiing.  He loved water.  When winter came he loved to ski.  I remember sitting in the garden swing at the lake.  Stories were shared and Bill would listen along  with me.  He was 15 years my senior.  I think I learned to listen from Bill.  He was a great listener.  When I visit the pond as I do every day, I will  remember him and watch for a dragon fly.  There were dragon flies in San Carlos.  Some believe they are the essense of the spirit of a departed person. I hope he'll come to visit.  I'll be waiting

May God's grace see you through this time of transition Carol and may His peace keep your heart.  Love, Marcie Schweikert

My favorite childhood memories are those spent at Uncle Billy's house every summer with my best friend Jeannie. Every time I go through Clear Lake I think of his big smile and remember what a gracious host he was. It was all about having fun!!!For hours he would tow Jeannie and me behind the boat on big rafts until our skin couldn't take another minute in the sun.  After a yummy meal we would head down to a local hang and sing and dance the night away to the juke box. I can still hear the lyrics: Oh Sweet pea come on and dance with me. At night before we would go to bed, Bill would come in and share one of his infamous tales with us. The stories always made us giggle and laugh. I will hold those summers close to my heart forever.

So much more than an Uncle, a mentor, a shining example of humanity, a friend, a teacher.  So many memories...  My love of oatmeal, skiing, swimming.  You are going to be missed and the world now has a huge gaping hole.  I love you "Uncle Prunes"
Your love and memories are eternal!

the Lake House... Waterskiing... Prunes... "Compost" on your Oatmeal... eating Starbursts with the wrapper still on... Blue Corduroy Shorts... White Caddy... Swimmin' with bowlegged women... Bear Valley... Stick Horses... Velcro shoes... "MissJenni"... Purple with pink polka dots and white letters ... You will forever live on in my heart and memories... Love you always Uncle Billy ... Rest in Peace

Bill I will miss you. You where not only my uncle but also a great friend. Thank you for teaching me to snow and water ski. I will remember the trips to the snow and your stories forever. We will ski again some day again.

Bill & Carol have been my neighbors for 11 years, 11 very enjoyable years. It has been my joy to see the way he loved and cared for my good friend, Carol.  I will miss seeing this gentle-hearted man,and I know, Carol you will miss him immeasurably! I will be praying for you as you mourn the loss of your dear husband, Bill.
Gods love and comfort be with you,

Bill had a heart of gold and touched us all. He was a craftsman and did everything himself through precise detail and a perfected result. He was loving to all and especially to those close to him. Everyone had a great time around in, whether out on the lake boat, out at sea, in Hawaii, on a cruise, seadoo, dinner, working out in his or Carol's yard.... he always loved being productive and contributing to the world and live around him. You will be missed Bill.

Bill was the most patient and kind man I have met. Every year we would spent 2 weeks at clear lake and that is where I learned to water ski. I have such good happy times there. He will be missed!

Here is a book Bill is featured in with some powerful stories from his experiences from the war. 

Copy and Paste this link into a web browser to see it. 
http://www.amazon.com/War-History-Uss-Leutze-Dd-481/dp/1886391297/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1349705981&sr=8-1&keywords=War+History+of+USS+Leutze+%28DD-481%29

OBITUARY

John "BILL" H. Perkins

November 17, 1923 – October 5, 2012

Boice Funeral Home

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