Perry and I worked together on early security and emergency planning for the Water Bureau after 2001.  I remember his enthusiasm and also his complaints about "little annoyances" like parking limitations in the field operations yard because he had such a large vision for his emergency center. Perry and I shared New England history and he always asked me to bring him back some clam cake batter mix when I went back to visit my family.  So I hope there are Quahogs in heaven for Perry!    My thoughts are with Perry's family at this sad time.  Jinx Kuehn

Offering my deepest condolences to Perrys family and friends during this difficult time.

The world has lost an honorable man, and his Heaven has gained one.

It was my privilege to have known Perry, to have worked with him, and to observe him in action.

But above all that, he was a man who cherished his family and his community. He gave a great deal to this world, and I believe that he has left a legacy that any family would be proud of.

Sincerely and with affection,

Sarah Bott

I wish to extend my deepest sympathy to Perry's family, friends, and colleagues at this sad time.  I also wish to express my appreciation for Perry's contributions to the cause of emergency management both here in Oregon and elsewhere.

Perry was a clever fellow and not only did he have a knack for handeling the most difficult emergencies, but he also had a knack for people. I saw a man with a big voice and a quiet soul who often dominated the role of father at the Water Bureau and referred to me as kiddo even though he was more of an older brother. I will miss him. My prayers are with his family.

Jayden Williams
Water Security Specialist
Portland Water Bureau

Perry and i had a few good laughs from time to time  here at thr Bureau. He is a good man, good Catholic and he liked helping others. Donnie ledford

Over the past couple of years, I have got to know Perry while interacting with FEMA.  I will miss Perry's candor, honesty, faithfullness, and freindship.  While Perry won't be attending or presenting any more presentations or training, what he has done will be reflected in products of those he mentored, guided, and supported.  He won't be on the fishing trip this fall, but this fishing trip will happen if for no other reason, to remember Perry.  

We all know Perry was involved in scouting.  Perhaps the best tribute I can give to Perry is to say, Perry Hopkins was 

Trustworthy, 
Loyal, 
Helpful, 
Friendly, 
Courteous, 
Kind, 
Obedient, 
Cheerful, 
Thrifty, 
Brave, 
Clean, 
and Reverent.  

And Perry Hopkins was always prepared.

I can not convey the shock when I heard of Perry's untimely death.  I had the opportunity to talk to him briefly last Friday, and found him in good spirits with his usual sense of humor in full force.  Had I known what the next week would bring, I would have taken the extra time to tell Perry what a good friend he was, how much I appreciated his knowledge and candor, and how greatly his experience and fight had touched me.  
It is hard to explain just how great an impact Perry had on not only those in the Portland area, or those in Maine, or those in the water industry, but on his dedication to improving the ability of agencies across the entire nation to respond and serve their citizens and neighbors better.  
I am blessed for the time I had to know him.  You are in our thoughts and our prayers, and we are all blessed to have known him.

Perry's passion for emergency preparedness swept me up into his work orbit after I met him in 2006 after attending a Water Bureau class. Ever since then I was able to share his joy and pride in the work he so loved. Like Master Yoda for the Jedi, Perry was my mentor, tutor and guide in this work and I'll be forever grateful to him for sharing his knowledge and expertise with me. I was always ready to learn more from the master.

Personally, I will always remember Perry as a friend; true, honest and honorable. His personal integrity was his hallmark and he was one of the most giving persons I've ever been privileged to know.

My sincerest sympathies to Cindy and his children and extended family. Perry will be terribly missed, but always remembered.

I am very sorry to hear the sad news. Our D.C. team always enjoyed working with Perry during the TOPOFF exercise in Portland. My sincere condolences to Perry's wife and family.

My deepest sympathies to Perry's family, friends, and co-workers at the Water Bureau.  I worked with Perry for a brief amount of time as one of his security dispatchers.  Even though my time was brief under his wing, he left a lasting impression and fueled my desire to finish my Emergency Management degree.  I will always remember him fondly.

I have had the chance to be involved with Perry over the last few years on the PW-FEMA working group and it was a real joy for me, I truly enjoy all of our discussions especially the one around fishing.  I wish to extend my deepest for your loss you all are in my thoughts and pray here in Minnesota   
John Scharffbillig

Perry always pushed for the best and was a networking genius. I will very much miss him. But, can smile thinking that if there is a heaven what Perry is making of the opportunity to meet all those new people. Chris Herzog (Portland Hydro)

 I remember when I meet Perry….. I saw a man standing in the hallway of the Sewerage and Water Board of New Orleans’ engineering building -  wearing a hat that had a large P on it. He was happy and very excited!  I thought that this was an unusual site following the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina; so, I knew he must be new to the incident. Next, I asked Perry if I could help him and he said: “Bubba, I am looking for the emergency manger for this place”.   I said, well that would be me.  From that moment on we became good friends.
Perry said he was here to help and was a water emergency manger. I thanked and praised God for sending Perry to us. He was a God send and he knew emergency management; especially, water systems.  Perry was a rare find.
One memory in particular, I remember is when Perry said he needed room to set up a base camp for his staff and for himself. Soon thereafter, I sent him to our water treatment plant to set up his base camp. The next morning, my boss, Mrs. St. Martin called me and asked if I knew about this large fort that was being built at the water plant. I knew that Perry was putting together a base camp, but a fort?  So, I rushed over to see it and Perry greeted me with a smile and said, “Hey Bubba, I just had enough room to build half of my camp”. Half my camp, I said it was a Fort Knox!  At that moment, I had no idea what an impression that Perry would leave on my heart and the hearts of the staff of the S&WB.  In closing, we affectionately referred to Perry’s base camp as ‘Fort Perry’.

I will really miss Perry and our prayers go out to his family and the men and women whom have been blessed to work with him at the Portland Water Bureau and for those whom had the privilege of meeting such a kind soul.

Jason Higginbotham,CEM,LEM
Director of Emergency Management
Sewerage and Water Board of New Orleans

I am very grateful I had a chance to see Perry a couple of weeks ago, give him a big hug, and tell him -- again -- how much he has meant to me as a friend and as our leader to New Orleans. He listened well and taught me a great deal about friendship. 

 I will never forget Perry -- and send my love to the children and Cindy.

I’ll always remember Perry for his sense of adventure and enthusiasm for his work.  He encouraged me to stay after my ideas which helped me develop my skills and abilities.  Perry was a ‘can do’ guy that understood the bigger picture, that made each step I took a little bit easier.  You will be missed!

OBITUARY

Perry W. Hopkins

April 15, 1956 – May 17, 2010

Bateman Carroll Funeral Home

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