William Perry Briney

Surrounded by loved ones, Wm. Perry Briney, age 60, entered his eternal rest on December 20, 2011, in Hanford, California. The first-born of Pat (Briney) Vestal and Bob Briney, Perry grew up on the family farm in Armona, California. There, he developed a life-long love of animals, raising rabbits, ducks, cows, and sheep, and caring for the family pets. Perry doted on his little sister, Patty “TeeTee“ Briney, and rough-housed and made forts with his little brother, Rob “Baby” Briney.

After completing his formal education in local schools, Perry established a home at Clare Sharp Cottage in Hanford. He joined the Kings Rehab Center as one of its charter clients in 1968 and launched a 34-year career as cook, social coordinator, and personal assistant to numerous clients and friends at the Center.

Perry’s full life included annual treks to Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco, numerous excursions to Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, and at least two trips to Disneyland. The highlight of Perry’s life was becoming “Uncle Perry” to his nephews, Patrick, Micah, and Stefan Briney.

During retirement, health challenges did not diminish Perry’s capacity for, and a love of, involvement with the community. He attended bible studies at the First Christian Reformed Church, visited with shut-ins and visitors at Hacienda Health Care, and remembered every birthday and anniversary of neighbors, nephews, family, and friends. An avid Raiders’ fan, Perry diligently tracked his team’s wins and losses for over a decade. In addition, Perry enjoyed competing in card games, bingo, and Pinochle.

Preceded in death by grandparents, Paul L. Smith, Hilda (Smith) and Walt Krehbiel, Perry and Emma Briney, and step-father, Stan Vestal, Perry grieved the untimely passing of his step-brother, Eyal Ben-Yehoshua, cousin, Janice Sanderson, and step-sister, Diane (Vestal) Johnson.

Perry Briney is lovingly remembered by his mother, Pat Vestal of Hanford, and father Bob and step-mother Leslie Appell Briney of Fresno. He is survived by his brother Rob and sister-in-law Kris Briney, and their sons, of Clovis. Also surviving Perry in Hanford are his sister, Patricia Briney, and step-sister Sandra Mattos and husband Ron. Step-sister Liat Ben-Yehoshua and her family, of Israel and step-brother Amit Ben-Yehoshua and his family, of China, also survive Perry. Other survivors include his dear aunt Elaine (Briney) Butterworth of Armona, beloved uncles Paul R. Smith of La Jolla and Glenn “Wally” Briney of San Pedro, as well as numerous cousins and countless friends.

The family is comforted by the knowledge that Perry’s abiding faith in Jesus Christ sustains his eternal soul. The family is deeply appreciative of the personal care and devotion shown Perry by the staff of Hacienda Health Care during his residency there. It is the family’s wish that remembrances be given in Wm. Perry Briney’s name to the reader’s preferred charity. Arrangements entrusted to People’s Funeral Chapel. Inurnment will take place at Grangeville Cemetery; 10428 14Th Avenue, Armona, CA 93202 559-924-3439 columbarium on Friday, January 20, 2012, at 2:00 p.m.