Roy Albert Perrin Jr.

Roy Albert Perrin Jr. passed away peacefully on December 24, 2017 at the age of 77 surrounded by his family after a courageous battle with leukemia. Born and raised in New Orleans, Mr. Perrin graduated from Fortier High School with the class of 1957. At Fortier, he was student body president, a member of the Honor Society, and recipient of the American Legion Medal. He played on Fortier's state championship basketball team and the state runner-up baseball team. He earned B.S. and M.S. degrees in Mechanical Engineering from Tulane University. While at Tulane, Roy was President of the engineering student body, and was awarded the James M. Robert Leadership Award as well as the University President's Cup. Consistent with his commitment to civic engagement, he was a founding member and past President of the Tulane Engineering Society. Roy was most recently President and CEO of Perrin Companies, a grouping of investment activities in engineered equipment sales, professional services, commercial real estate, and other entrepreneurial ventures. During his career, which extended over six decades, he was the former President and COO of Stewart Commercial Real Estate, Inc., Senior Vice President of Stewart Enterprises, Inc., and President and CEO of Alexander Industries, Inc. He served as an engineering officer in the U.S. Air Force, and has held professional engineering registrations in the states of Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas. Mr. Perrin was retained in 2001 as Management Consultant to serve as interim CEO of New Orleans City Park, and was cited by the Board of the N.O. City Park Improvement Association for his services that included improvement in the fiscal and operating condition of the Park. A Life Elder and member of Lakeview Presbyterian Church, Roy also served on diaconate and session boards for the church. He dedicated his time and efforts to sustaining the church over many years, including in the restoration of the church after Hurricane Katrina, leading the drive to replace its beautiful pipe organ. Beyond this work, Roy was committed to helping others and improving the greater New Orleans community. In 1977 he was elected President of the Propeller Club – Port of New Orleans. There, he was instrumental in the formation of the School of Architecture and Marine Engineering at the University of New Orleans, and was cited for distinguished service to the College of Engineering. In 1982 Louisiana Governor David Treen appointed Roy to the Governor's Task Force on the Port of New Orleans, and he was named Honorary Harbor Master. Roy served as President of the Metairie Rotary Club, held a Rotary Club Paul Harris Fellowship for his service, and was named Rotarian of the Year. He was also a founding member and Past President of the Metairie Rotary Club Scholarship Foundation, providing financial assistance to college age students to receive a higher education who would not otherwise have the opportunity. Roy's dedication to the Boy Scouts began when he attained the level of Eagle Scout with two palms in 1953. He has served as Vice President on the Boy Scouts SELA Council, was a recipient of the Silver Beaver award for distinguished service, and had the 2013 Eagle Class named in his honor. As head of the Boy Scouts Property Committee, Roy had oversight and project responsibility for the construction of the climbing tower, swimming pool and shower house at Camp V-Bar and its reconstruction after Hurricane Katrina. Because of his work, Boy Scouts throughout the region are enjoying the camp facilities today. Additionally, his professional and civic activities have included the World Trade Center Board, Board of Advisors for the Tulane School of Science and Engineering, Board of Advisors for the UNO School of Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering, Board of the Baptist Community Ministries, Board of Christian Health Ministries Foundation (Past President), Board of Healthy Lifestyle Choices (Past President), and Board of Westminster Foundation (President). He was a member of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, the Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers, Louisiana Engineering Society, and is a graduate member of the Young President's Organization. Mr. Perrin was active in the Metairie Country Club where he was elected president, and most recently served on its Hurricane Katrina Restoration Committee. Most recently, Roy was dedicated to working with his MD Anderson oncologist, Dr. Maro Ohanian, to obtain funding for research regarding prevention of leukemia in the Southeast Louisiana area. Roy is survived by his wife, Kathleen Munch Perrin, his Fortier high school sweetheart with whom he celebrated 56 years of marriage, two children: Roy A. Perrin, III (Michele), Robyn Perrin Richmond (Wayne), and three grandchildren: Tyler Richmond, Colton Richmond, and Isabel Perrin. Relatives and friends are invited to Funeral services Friday, December 29, 2017 at Lakeview Presbyterian Church (5914 Canal Blvd, New Orleans) with visitation beginning at 10:00AM and services at 12:00 PM, with a brief reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Ladies Leukemia League, Inc. of the Gulf South or Lakeview Presbyterian Church are preferred. Roy's family asks to consider donating blood as it truly is giving the gift of life. Donations can be made in Roy's name at the East Jefferson General Hospital Blood Bank Donor Center, or consider donating to any blood center in your area.