Russ Perry

Russell “Rusty” C. Perry

9/13/1951 – 4/30/2018

The river permit office lost a loyal customer on April 30th, 2018. After a courageous fight against cancer Russ Perry passed away at peace with loved ones around him.

Russ was born and raised in Vernal, Utah. He graduated from Uintah High School with the class of 1969. He graduated from Southern Utah University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology. During his college years he worked the summers as a bus tour driver and guide at Zion’s, Bryce Canyon and the Grand Canyon. His passengers were regaled with many wild stories about the area, which may or may not have been true. Russ returned to Vernal to continue the family business at Perry Motor Company, where he worked for 40 years. After retirement he was learning the skills of farming.

Russ was a great boatman who could be found on the river year round. He served our community by tilling gardens, plowing driveways, working to protect our drinking water, and just showing up to visit with a smiling face and a big hug.

Russ wanted to make the world a better place. He was a kind and gentle Reiki Master who started every morning by sending prayers of love to the world and names in his blessing bowl. He was a long time member of the Vernal Chamber of Commerce. He served as a member of the Dinosaur Rodeo Committee where he was proud of his work with the Special Rodeo for children with special needs. He was a member of the Vernal Elks Lodge, where he served as President.

Russ dedicated over 20 years of his life to the Rotary Club serving as the Roosevelt Club's Chair to the International Service Committee and was a highly regarded member of the District Peace Committee. He was a master at obtaining grants and raising funds for projects to eradicate polio, install water wells in under served communities, scholarships and distribute dictionaries to elementary students around the world. He was passionate about advocating for world peace.

Russ will always be remembered for the way he greeted others with “Hiya Bud” and a mischievous twinkle in his eye as he prepared to tell you a story about one of his many adventures. Russ loved his family, helping others, big water, good music, and the eternal quest for the perfect margarita.

Russ has now been reunited with his mother, Elaine Perry. He is survived by his father, Clifton Perry, twin brother Roger (Sherry) Perry, daughter Jessie (Dustin) Pye, daughter Katie (Kenneth) Potts, son Matt (Natalie) Miller and nine grandchildren.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Uintah Conference Center on Saturday, May 12th, 2018 from 10:00 am-12:00 pm, with a light luncheon to follow. In lieu of flowers, the family would like donations to be made to the Roosevelt Rotary, Care of Zion’s Bank, 156 N 200 E Roosevelt, UT 84066. Donated funds will be used to continue his passion of working towards world peace.

Online condolences may be shared at www.AshleyValleyFuneralHome.com