William Bradford Perkinson

1932 - 2021

William Bradford (Brad) Perkinson

Mesa - William Bradford (Brad) Perkinson, 88, passed away peacefully at his home in Mesa, Arizona, on Thursday, July 15, 2021, surrounded by his loving wife and children.

Brad was born in Onarga, Illinois, on August 13, 1932, to Pearl Colebank and William Robert Perkinson. His family owned and farmed land in Goodland, Indiana, and Onarga, Illinois, where he grew up learning how to work hard and become self-reliant. The lessons Brad learned, and the characteristics developed, during his early years prepared him to become a successful husband, father, businessman and disciple of Jesus Christ throughout his life. During the Korean War, Brad served in the United States Army and was stationed in Sapporo, Japan. Following his military service, Brad graduated from Arizona State College (ASU) in 1957, where he met his true love Pauline (Pauli) Udall.

Brad worked in the Financial and Insurance Services industry until 1972, when he purchased an engineering photography and printing business with his brother, Bob Perkinson. He worked the rest of his career in the printing and graphics industry, owning businesses in Phoenix, Arizona, and Albuquerque, New Mexico. Brad loved to work. Even more, he loved teaching his children and grandchildren the value of work.

Brad and Pauli celebrated their 63rd wedding anniversary on June 28, 2021. Before marrying Pauli, Brad joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. One year later they were sealed in the Mesa Temple. Brad remained a faithful member of the Church throughout his life. Brad learned early in his life that when he was serving others, he was serving God. He served in many capacities in his community and in the Church, including twice as a Bishop. In 2001, Brad and Pauli served a mission for the Church in Washington, D.C.

Brad served for 25 years in various capacities in the Mesa Temple, including as a Sealer since 2001. Words cannot describe the love and reverence Brad had for the ordinances and covenants taught in the Temple. One of Brad's young granddaughters once said while passing the Temple, "That's where my grandpa lives."

Brad is preceded in death by his parents, Marilyn Perkinson (sister), Barbara Wilken (sister) and Bob Wilken (brother-in-law). Brad is survived by his eternal companion Pauli; seven married children John (Verna), Scott (Suzy), Lisa Blair (Wendell), Amy Kerr (Todd), David (Suzie), Jenet Knight (Greg), and Julia Williams (Todd); 40 grandchildren; and 71 great grandchildren (with another four on the way). Brad also is survived by his brother Bob Perkinson (Carolyn) and many extended family members.

Visitation will be held on Friday, July 23, 2021, at 5-7 pm at the Citrus Heights Stake Center, located at 2549 N. 32nd Street in Mesa, Arizona. Funeral services will be held the following morning on Pioneer Day, July 24, 2021, at 9 am at the same location. The funeral service will also be broadcast via this Zoom link https://zoom.us/j/92312400900. Bunker's Garden Chapel will assist the family with arrangements and services, for which the Perkinson Family is very grateful. The family also expresses special thanks to Hospice at Home of Arizona.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to one of Brad's favorite charities, a few of which are listed below. Thank you for your love and support.

Wounded Warrior Project - https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/

American Indian Services - https://www.americanindianservices.org/

Sharing Down Syndrome Arizona - https://sharingds.org/

Phoenix Children's Hospital - https://phoenixchildrens.org/

Helen's Hope Chest - https://helenshopechest.org/