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May 2, 1951 - February 7, 2021
After a lengthy battle with Lewy Body Dementia, Reverend Arthur D. Perry passed away peacefully on February 7, 2021 at the Campbell River Hospital in Campbell River, BC.
Art was born in Brooks, AB on May 2, 1951 to parents, Jim and Vera Perry. He joined older siblings, Nephi, Zelma, Gwen, and Al. Soon, he was big brother to Susan and Scott. His younger years were spent living near Brooks, until the family moved to Nanaimo, BC, in 1966. It was shortly after this, that he met and fell in love with Janice, his life-long sweetheart. They married in 1970 and had two boys: Darren and Jason.
In December 1980, Art and his family started attending the United Pentecostal Church in Nanaimo. He was baptized in Jesus Name and received the precious Gift of the Holy Ghost shortly thereafter.
Four years later, the family left Nanaimo to follow the call of God and pioneer, the Valley United Pentecostal Church in Courtenay, BC. (Michael Hare, close friend of their teenage boys, came to live with them at this time and became part of the family).
The congregation met in various locations until a permanent place of worship was purchased in 1989. The Valley United Pentecostal Church, on the corner of 18th and Fitzgerald, became a beacon of hope to many and still continues to provide hope to this present day. Art was much loved and respected as he served, not only his own congregation, but also, on various Boards in the UPC of BC District.
He was a compassionate minister who cared deeply for people. An amazing orator, he captivated our hearts, whether he shared humorous stories or words of wisdom. "Pastor Perry" and his wife pastored the church in Courtenay for 31 years, until they retired in 2016 and moved to Campbell River to be closer to family.
Art enjoyed working with his hands and was a gifted craftsman. Some of his many hobbies were; drawing, painting, carving, masonry and stonework, playing guitar and singing, gunsmithing, and archery. He loved being outdoors, walking through the woods, exploring new trails, tracking wildlife, and spending quality time with his family.
Art loved his family! He adored his wife of 50 years, their sons, and daughters-in-laws, and all their many beautiful grandchildren. They were his world.
Art is predeceased by his parents; Jim and Vera Perry; his brothers, Nephi and Al Holden; sisters Zelma Smith, and Gwen Hobson; brothers-in-law, Leo Smith and Jack Hobson; and mother-in-law, June Ripka.
Art is survived by his loving wife, Janice; their sons, Darren (Jodi), Jason (Misty), and Michael Hare (Candace); grandchildren Sarah, Selina, Emily, Gregory (Madison), Sean, Nicholas, Hannah (Cody), Molly, Alyssa, Aaron, Dana (Jake), Alexander, Julia, Dominic, Isaac, Eli, Dillon; and great grandchild, Iris.
The family wishes to thank Dr. Dada, the many nurses and home care workers, and the 3rd floor medical staff of Campbell River Hospital that provided excellent care and support for Art throughout his journey.


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