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BORN
1945
DIED
2020
Per Schelde Obituary
September 23, 1945 - June 22, 2020
Schelde, Per, 74 of Scottsdale, AZ formerly of Denmark and New York City.
Per leaves his partner of 38 years, Warren Albright of Scottsdale, his brother Søren, sister-in-law Marianne Sødring, nephew David Sødring, and niece Rosa Maria Sødring. Per also leaves his best friend Lis Vibeke Kristensen.
Per studied linguistics and anthropology at the Graduate Center at City College of New York and was a student in Paris.
Per was a true renaissance man, speaker of seven languages, a reader, cyclist, lover of the arts and an artist himself and a true friend to so many. A memorial will be held at a later date.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Per Schelde
Joe Newman
July 1, 2022
I can't believe Per has been gone a year!. I still miss seeing him at the MIM. He was one of the best at presenting the Orchestrion demonstration. And anytime he did I was always able to learn something new.
Debbie & Fred
September 26, 2021
Warren, My husband and I just learned of Per´s passing and we are so sorry for your loss. We met Per in 2009 and he was our guide in Paris with our young family. Per was an amazing tour guide and we felt such a bond of warmth and friendship that we stayed in touch and decided to go to Paris again in 2012 just to spend more time with him! Per had such energy, delight and passion for Paris, and his love was contagious. Our three young girls were enamored with Per and so were we. We are so incredibly sorry and saddened to hear of his passing.
Amy Casale
April 16, 2021
I just learned of Per's passing and I'm so sad. I went to send him a link of a play reading that I'm doing. We acted together many years ago when I lived in Phoenix. Enjoyed so many meals together..Per was a fabulous cook. I'm sorry we didn't stay in touch much...But I always thought about you. I'll miss you old friend. xoxoxo
Georges and Marie-France Ganansia
July 28, 2020
He was our good friend, we enjoyed having him over for dinner, meeting him at the French conversation group.... He had a great culture, was very enthusiastic about everything. A very warm personality. We miss you Per.
Paula Sherman
July 16, 2020
Wonderful man. I feel privileged to have known him . He was unique , he was a star, and he will be missed by many MIM staff and volunteers
Sue Fagan
July 15, 2020
A fascinating Francophone friend who brought life and enthusiasm to every conversation, Per is missed. I feel fortunate to have known him.
Colleen Sanger
July 14, 2020
This news of Per's passing is very sad indeed! Per and I met in class to become future museum guides at the Musical Instrument Museum. Per's knowledge of the world, his gift of languages, his love of cultures and the arts, his distinct voice matched by his big personality, will be dearly missed by MIM team members and museum guest alike! To his family, and friends, please accept my deepest condolences. Per truly was, a limited edition and he will be greatly missed!
John & Pauline Crone
July 14, 2020
Dear Warren,
We are so sorry for your loss. We just learned of Pers passing via a MIM announcement. We had recently reached out to per to set up our monthly dinner. John and I are out of town and wanted to reach out. Please call Pauline at (602) 578-8427. Take care, John & Pauline Crone
Julie Olson
July 14, 2020
Per and I were Artist Liaisons at MIM. In Fall when I returned from Wisconsin I would ask Per about his summer. And off he would go-telling stories of his international travels and delightful experiences. Then a pause "And how was your summer?" And each year my reply was the same: I watched the sunrise over Green Lake and read books. He would always laugh.....fond memory.
Sylvia Dorosh
July 13, 2020
I am so sorry and saddened to learn of Per's death. Our paths crossed as volunteers at the Musical Instrument Museum and he always had a big smile on his face. My sincerest condolences to his partner and family.
Michael Perkins
July 13, 2020
The MIM community is a wondrous collection of life journeys, talents and passions, creating an aggregate that has helped our beloved museum race to the top of many global "best of" lists. Per's expertise, grace and generosity were a standout within that elite squad. His presence will continue to be felt whenever we welcome guests into this house, and we will ensure that his marvelous smile will never fade. I join all his friends and family in a nod of respect to a life well lived.
Dan Elder
July 13, 2020
It was my distinct pleasure to have known and volunteer with him at the Musical Instrument Museum - he was one of the first volunteers to greet me when I first started and was an inspiration to me in his presentation of the Orchestrion - I will miss him dearly
Joe Newman
July 13, 2020
I always enjoyed working with Perat MIM. I shall miss his smile and energy. His Orchestrion presentation was a joy and definitely one of the best
Ileana Salinas
July 13, 2020
Per always shared a friendly greeting and smile to team members, artists, and guests. I am sorry to hear of his passing. He will be missed at MIM.
My condolences to the family. May he rest in peace.
Don Livesay
July 13, 2020
I will miss Per. I was fortunate enough to see him perform as an actor in Phoenix many years ago in a two person play. He was a warm and caring guide at MIM. My deepest condolences.
Madelon Yarows
July 13, 2020
Per was a delightful person to work with at MIM. He was a bright, energetic person who always made me laugh. He will be missed.
Marie Mitchell
July 13, 2020
Per was quite the MIM volunteer! He always had a smile, something to contribute, and a love of life, music, the world! What a loss for those of us left here. Now he can enjoy the banjo to his hearts content!
John Nesbit
July 13, 2020
So sorry to hear ... Among the friendliest, cleverest, and delightful volunteers at the MIM. I shall miss him there ....wish all the best for him on his journey
Fran Johansen
July 13, 2020
Per made my life so much richer. I will miss him terribly. When we spotted each other in the halls of the MIM, it was time to run, hug and share cheek pecks. His worldly experiences continued to give me the courage to go forward. When he met visitors from other countries, he made them feel so welcome speaking in their language. His stories about guiding at the Louvre, his acting days in Denmark, and all of his cosmopolitan experiences are precious. My heart goes out to his partner of 38 years. They were a marvelous pair. His flight from the bonds of this earth has made our world less interesting and full of wonder. When I view "Babette's Feast" in the comfort of my den, I will remember this dear friend -- we both enjoyed the movie, but while he could just appreciate it in his native Danish, I have to read the subtitles. My condolences to his partner and family.
Jan Wood
July 13, 2020
This is sad news. Per and I frequently worked together at the Musical Instrument Museum. He was always smiling and sharing fun facts about music and arts and cultures, and he loved to entertain MIM guests. We will miss him.
Steve Hinders
July 13, 2020
It is with great sadness to learn that dear Per has passed away. Not only have I enjoyed seeing Per and chatting with him @ MIM, I also had the pleasure of painting the interiors of two of his homes in 1998 and 2006.
Per and his partner Warren were so kind and generous to me while I spent many days painting. Thank you Per for your kindness, your generosity, your warmth and good humor. I will miss you, good sir.
Stephanie Oliver
July 12, 2020
i am so sorry to learn this sad news. Per was part of a Spanish book club whose meetings I attend. His charm, forthright candor and humor was a delight. We frequently took opposite sides to discussing the works which made it even more fun. My condolences to all who had the pleasure of a longer and closer relationship with Per. His death is a great loss.
John Friedman
July 12, 2020
met and worked with Per at the Musical Instrument Museum and saw him at many concerts around Phoenix, particularly at those of the Phoenix Chamber Music Society. A very nice, intelligent and lovely man. I shall miss him.
Helen Leslie Hall
July 12, 2020
Dear Warren:
I am so sorry. I knew Per from our Spanish group and so enjoyed his enthusiasm, his sense of humor, and knowledge. I felt cosmopolitan and smart just being around him. I will miss seeing his smile, laugh and his wonderfully Danish accented Spanish.
Leslie Hall
Meredyth Corbett
July 11, 2020
ne of my favorite volunteers at MIM. He always had a smile for everyone.
Showing 1 - 25 of 25 results
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