William Grant Perry

William Grant Perry, age 63, passed away on September 3 after a valiant two-year fight with cancer. His absence will be felt forever by his family: his wife of 42 years, Julie; his sons, Matthew and Andrew, his daughter-in-law, Kimberly; and beloved grandson, Ansel William. He was enormously proud of his children. He will be missed by his mother Merlaine and sister Carol, and by his two older brothers Mike and Tom, with whom he shared many great times and laughs over the years. Bill also leaves behind his mother-in-law Judy Brinkman and her dear friend Keith Rennerfeldt, sister-in-law Jean Reynolds (Chuck), and brother-in-law Mark Brinkman (Megan), all near and dear to his heart. Bill loved his many nieces and nephews like they were his own; Chris Perry and daughter Riley, Jenny Perry (Dustin McConnell), Abby Reynolds (Michael Duffy), Caroline Reynolds (fiancé Justus Olson), and Quinn, Ben and Charlie Brinkman. Bill will be reunited in heaven with his dad Kenneth and father-in-law Duane.​Bill graduated from the University of Minnesota College of Pharmacy in 1982 and worked as a pharmacist and businessman in the Twin Cities for 38 years. He will be remembered in the community for his volunteer activities with the Boy Scouts and the Irondale Ski team. His family, friends and acquaintances will remember him as someone who always took personal interest in their lives and was willing to help with anything; as an avid fan of the Minnesota Twins and the Minnesota Gophers, and as the man who loved to offer advice and help solve the world’s problems.  Many thanks to those who provided him with excellent and compassionate medical care during his cancer journey: the staff and physicians at Mayo Clinic Oncology Department, the Allina Hospice team, and the staff at JA Wedum Residential Hospice. Special thanks to Jean Reynolds who helped care for him in his final days, to his lifelong friends Brad and Colleen Wood who provided support and friendship throughout this journey, and to the countless friends and relatives who reached out to support and provide Bill with encouragement along the way.  A Celebration of Life will be held at a future date when we can gather and remember Bill as he would have wanted; with love, laughter and tears as we share happy memories rather than sorrow.  Memorials preferred to Allina Health Hospice Fund, Mayo Clinic Cancer Center or the Superior or North Country Trail Hiking Associations.