Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
BORN
1953
DIED
2016
Stanley Perryman Obituary
June 19, 1953 ~ May 6, 2016
Actor, singer, dancer Stanley Wesley Perryman, age 62, died suddenly without preceding illness, presumably of cardiac complications at his home in the Mount Baker area of Seattle on Friday, May 6th.
Stanley was a graduate of Garfield High School and the Dance Department at the University of Washington.
Sonny Newman, one of his first dance mentors, says that Stanley showed up to an audition for All City Dance Group sponsored by the City of Seattle in 1969, for which Mr. Newman was Artist in Residence. Stanley next danced with Black Arts West, and never looked back.
After studying Business and Dance at the U.W., he moved to L.A. and was invited by dance legend Donald McKayle to join the Inner City Repertory Dance Company, where he stayed for two and a half years.
In April of 1975, he moved to New York City and was immediately cast in the National Touring Co. of Purlie. Upon his return he joined The Alvin Ailey American Dance Company. Leading roles on Broadway and Touring shows followed: Bob Fosse's Dancin', Sweet Charity, and Lena Horne's The Lady and Her Music. He also danced with Dance Theatre of Harlem under the direction of Arthur Mitchell and appeared in several films. Locals will remember him for his appearances with The 5th Avenue Theatre, The Village Theatre, Tacoma Actors Guild as well as Spectrum Dance Theater.
The youngest of seven children, Stanley is survived by five siblings: Audria Ann Perryman, Soncie Perryman Cherry (Willie), Wayne Perryman, Anna Rochelle Perryman and Johnie Frank Perryman. He was predeceased by his parents Harrison and Hattie Belle (ne;e Walton) and brother James Arnold Perryman.
A loving partner and father, Stanley will be greatly missed by Robert McCroskey and Avalee Fray-McCroskey.
"What we have once enjoyed we can never lose... All that we love deeply becomes a part of us."
- Helen Keller
A celebration of Stanley's life will be held June 12 from 3-5 PM at the Northwest African American Museum in Seattle.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Stanley Perryman
Sponsored by The Family.
Steven David Brown
May 9, 2025
R.I.P Stan The Man ,very much missed ,Enjoy that crew Bar in the sky my friend X
Steven Brown
May 11, 2024
R.I.P Stan The Man ,Missed by all .The great days on the Cruise ships ,was a pleasure knowing you and being your friend ,,
Steve Brown
May 9, 2022
Still very much missed my friend ,you where a ray of sunshine to work with ,,Rest In Peace my friend
Steve Brown
May 10, 2021
R.I.P Brother always a big smile on your face , sadly missed ❤
DUANE GEORGE
May 9, 2021
I'VE HAD THE PLEASURE OF PERFORMING, TEACHING AND BEING A GOOD FRIEND OF MR. STANLEY PERRYMAN. HE WAS AN INCREDIBLE DANCER AND ARTIST. HE TOUCHED THE LIVES OF SO MANY PEOPLE THROUGHOUT THE WORLD AND HIS GIFTS OF THE PERFORMING ARTS REMAIN PROMINENT TO THIS DAY AS WELL AS TOMORROW. ( MR. DUANE GEORGE ) PROFESSIONAL DANCER,SINGER FROM SEATTLE,WASHINGTON.
Michael VonKorff
June 13, 2016
I got to know Stanley when he was working at the Group Health Center for Health Studies. Stanley was, of course, treasured by his co-workers and the many friends he made here. I had the privilege of seeing Stanley perform on several occasions, once at Spectrum, once in La Cage au Folles and once in a Broadway Revival of a song and dance show at the 5th Avenue Theater. What an amazing performer. I don't think I have ever met such an enormous talent who was such an incredible human being--a true mench. He touched so many lives with his kindness and thoughtfulness.
June 12, 2016
dear friend you will be missed- I had the honor of dancing with Stanley for years at Spectrum and what a wonderful gift! dance on the rainbows dear one!
Heather Schrock Harris
June 12, 2016
Stanley was a bright ray of sunshine, loving and thoughtful. He brought smiles to the faces of all that spent time around him. He will be missed.
Rob, Avalee and other family please know that you all are in my thoughts and prayers.
LaToya
Ernest Palmer
June 8, 2016
You have one of my fav quotes of all time, "Oooh, she needs some powder!" What a sweet, wonderful, talented man. The world is less bright. Love, Ernest
Steve Brown
May 31, 2016
A wonderful man I got to know on the ships ...always a smile always ready to have fun...R.I.P Stanley
Nicki Harrison-Fullard
May 27, 2016
Stanley and I were dancers on the Lena Horne Tour. We were also friends off stage. We had so much fun,as well as a shoulder to lean on. I never forgot those times... and, once you've met him,"WHO CAN FORGET STANLEY". My Prayers to the FAMILY.
I GIVE GOD THE GLORY
Nicki Harrison-Fullard
May 27, 2016
I was simply looking up people that I danced with,that were friends.Truly did not expect to happen upon this sorrowful headline. I was one of the dancers with Stanley on the Lena Horne Tour. We were friends off stage. We had so much fun, as well as someone to talk to,living on the road. I have never forgotten those times, and "HOW COULD YOU EVER... FORGET STANLEY"!! My Prayers to the Family
I GIVE GOD THE GLORY
John Parker
May 17, 2016
I'm so sorry to hear of your passing! You were a great friend and co-worker! Journey well my friend!
Barbara, John and Maggie Peterson Goodfellow
May 16, 2016
Meeting Stanley at a Seattle Lutheran basketball game was a high spot in the season. Seeing him at subsequent games was like spending time with an old friend. What an outstanding human being! Our heartfelt sympathy for your loss.
Mike Hindmarsh
May 16, 2016
I,too, worked with Stanley at the Center for Health Studies. He was a source of joy for me and all that knew him. You couldn't help but be drawn to him. Rest well Stanley.
DUANE GEORGE
May 16, 2016
MR. PERRYMAN, THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR BEING A PART OF MY ( DANCE LIFE ) FOR OVER 35 YEARS. YOU HAVE HELPED ME TO GROW TO BE THE BEST PROFESSIONAL DANCER THAT I CAN BE, AND I AM FOREVER GREATFUL TO YOU AND YOUR MANY GIFTS AS AN DANCER/ARTIST. ( MAY YOU DANCER IN HEAVEN!!!! ( DUANE GEORGE )-PROFESSIONAL DANCER/ARTIST
Christian Helfrich
May 15, 2016
I worked with Stanley at the Center for Health Studies, and he was a ray of sunshine. What a wonderful, wonderful man. I'm so sad for his passing and so sorry for his family's loss.
Tom and Maggie Baker
May 15, 2016
Again. We are so sorry for your loss Rob. Stanley was a wonderful man. We enjoyed being with both of you every time we were with you. All our love.
patrick jones
May 15, 2016
This candle is for you my friend
Ruby Taylor
May 15, 2016
An amazing friend who taught me many life lessons. He was born to dance. His talent was like no other.
Showing 1 - 21 of 21 results
Make a Donation
in Stanley Perryman's name
Memorial Events
for Stanley Perryman
How to support Stanley's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Stanley Perryman's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
