July 16, 1938-August 27, 2015
Grandpa Gerald is now in heaven enjoying the reunion with his parents, Lyman and Fern Perkes, his parents in law, Winston and Ramona Crawford, brother Craig, his oldest daughter Pam and his granddaughter Mallory. He died August 27th after a lingering battle with myelofibrosis, an uncommon type of chronic leukemia. He did his level best to set it aside as he lived, and did all he could to overcome. Surrounded by his dear wife, children and grandchildren, he slipped away into a “better world.” Our sorrow at his parting is matched only by the joy with which we know he was received, by loved ones eagerly awaiting his arrival there!
A committed husband, loving father and grandfather, we each look to him for inspiration. We will miss his steady heart and helping hands. He loved collectively and individually, equally and well, such that each member of his family rightly thinks, “I am his favorite!”
His most recent and final calling was as Stake Patriarch, a responsibility that one receives for life; and without doubt, a service he would have preferred to continue to provide for just a little longer. He served faithfully in that holy calling, including the special opportunity to bless a few of his own grandchildren, gifts they will forever cherish. Grandpa was always willing and able to lift, inspire and encourage with his wisdom and kind words. He is a singularly good man and is profoundly missed.
His legacy of love is in his dear wife Carloyn Crawford Perkes and family. Children, Pam (David), Patrice (John), Debbie (Mark), Darren (Missy), Natalie (Jason), Angela (David), Chaconne (Jeremy) and Cole (Angelyn) and grandchildren, of which there are 32! Each benefitted from counsel and encouragement in times of need or uncertainty. We will miss his warm embrace, tireless joviality, and the time he spent with each and every one of us.
A viewing for Grandpa Gerald will be held Thursday evening September 3rd at Nelson Funeral Home, 162 E 400 N Logan, Utah from 6 to 8 pm.
Funeral services will be Friday September 4th at the Eastridge Ward Chapel, 1350 Eastridge Drive Logan, Utah at 11:30am. A viewing prior to the service will go from 10 to 11am.
Please come and visit and bid a fond farewell to a wonderful son, brother, husband, father, uncle, neighbor, grandfather, friend, Patriarch and all around good guy! He loves you!
Interment will be at Orem City Cemetery on Friday after a short graveside service at 4pm.