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DR. HAROLD T. PERRY Jr.

DR. HAROLD T. PERRY Jr. obituary

HAROLD PERRY Obituary

Dr. Harold T. Perry Jr., 86, professor emeritus and former chairman of the orthodontic department at Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, died Friday, Feb. 3, at home in Florence, OR. He and his late wife, Lynn, had retired to Florence in 2000 from Elgin, IL. Dr. Perry was born on Jan. 26, 1926, in Bismarck, ND, to Isabel McGillis Perry and Dr. Harold T. Perry. He spent many hours in the outdoors with his brother, Duncan and enjoyed hunting and searching for arrowheads along the Missouri River. He participated in Boy Scouts, attaining the rank of Eagle Scout. He left Bismarck High School during his senior year to join the U.S. Army, 109th Infantry, 28th Division, serving in the Hurtgen Forest, Rhine Crossing and Central Europe. After his military service, Dr. Perry was a firefighter in Montana. He attended Bismarck Junior College and the University of North Dakota. He earned his DDS, MSD and PhD from Northwestern University Dental School. Dr. Perry mentored more than 360 residents at Northwestern University Dental School. He served as chair of the Department of Orthodontics for 25 years and earned professor emeritus status in 1992. Dr. Perry lectured on the temporomandibular joint, craniofacial pain and neurophysiology internationally and published extensively. In Elgin, Dr. Perry practiced orthodontics in the Tower Building for over 42 years. He had 24 associates in his private practice and was known for his kindness, generosity and sense of humor. After retirement, Dr. Perry was a visiting professor at Marquette University, Milwaukee, WI. Dr. Perry's interests included hunting, fishing, canoeing, photography, music, poetry and the archaeology of the Plains Indians. Dr. Perry could not have accomplished all he did without the love and support of his wife, Mary Lynn Moss Perry, to whom he was married for 52 years. As a parent and grandfather, he will be remembered for his jokes, stories, compassion, unconditional love and support. Dr. Perry is survived by his son, Ty (Karen), of Florence, OR; daughter, Dana Perry Tanner (John), of Kansas City, KS; and four grandchildren, Dylan, Max, Luke and Mary. He was preceded in death by his wife, Lynn; and a brother, Duncan. A celebration of life will be held at 2 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 25, 2012, at the Presbyterian Church of the Siuslaw, Florence, OR. Remembrances may be made to the Siuslaw Middle School Library, 2525 Oak St., Florence, OR 97439, the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, 1100 Fairview Ave. N., P.O. Box 19024, Seattle, WA 98109 or a favorite charity. Burns Riverside Chapel Florence Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

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Published by Chicago Tribune on Feb. 14, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for HAROLD PERRY

Sponsored by Dana Tanner and Ty Perry.

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Laura Murphy

July 10, 2024

To the Perry family, Dr. Perry was my orthodontist from ages of 12 to probably 20 in Elgin Illinois. He was always gentle and so smart. He had pictures of all his travels on the walls in the reception area! Apparently I had quite the case because he asked my parents permission to take me with him to Australia. My teeth were so messed up, of course my parents said no! Oh I wish I could have gone now!! I am 68 years old now and just thinking of Dr. Perry. I think that says a lot about him! love to you all. He was a great man.

Sabine Leonard

December 10, 2022

To the Perry family

My name is Sabine and I am 55
When I was 23 years Dr Perry did my braces and I had them for 3 years. We lived in Elgin but moved to Germany , still had my braces then.
Dr. Perry was the best , gentle , funny and kind man.
In Germany the orthopedic was amazed by a perfect job Dr. Perry did
Over the years , I thought about him. We are now living back in st Charles Illinois for about 26 years
Thank , thank Dr. Perry
And my teeth are still all the original full set and so good
Still with 55 , I get alot of compliments from people
By the way my brother in law first name is Perry
So Dr Perry and I always had great conversations
Deeply missed

Donald Quillman

February 8, 2022

Hey Doc: Still have your bar stools and have put them to good use. Thanks for fixing my teeth.

Leszek Gliwski

February 8, 2021

I am thankful to God that He made me happy to meet Dr. Harold T. Perry in my life. It was a great honor and pleasure for me to meet this exceptional man and learn the art of life from him. I am happy for every memory of the time spent together with HT and his wonderful wife, Lynn Perry

Van Ackerman

May 27, 2014

Dana, John, and Ty,
Ty, I never met you, but as Dana and John will attest, your father was truly a unique human being. Having read all the messages from folks who had various interactions with him you can appreciate his impact on people. I've met people in Minnesota and other states who served witness to Hal's gentleness and non-judgmental appraisals and advice. Your father was a strong, forceful yet fair person; he lives through our memories.
Bless you and yours,
Van Ackerman
NUDS

Kitae Park

February 4, 2013

Dear Ty and Dana:

Thank you for your card to inform me that Dr. Perry is not there anymore. I would like to extend my deepest sympathy.

I was so sad to know his passing. I have been sending Christmas cards every year since my graduation from Northwestern Orthodontics. His life and teaching influenced me so much during my orthodontic residency. With him, it was always a lot of fun for any works or seminars. Great, great teacher of my life and career...I will always remember him!

January 22, 2013

Dana and Ty,

Somebody said " Truly great friends are hard to find , difficult to leave and impossible to forget"...
Hall Perry was one of the most fantastic person I have ever chance to met. He was not only my great friend but also my "second" father and guide while I stayed in USA long time ago. He taught me life, laugh and love. He will be always in my heart. Me and my family will never forget him.

Leszek Gliwski, Lesko, Poland

Van Speas

July 6, 2012

Hal, thanks so much for having faith in me when I applied to NUDS ortho dept. I have been practicing orthodontics for 40+ years now and hope I made you proud. Not a day has gone by that I haven't given you thanks for the opportunity and training.

Gerry Samson

June 8, 2012

Amidst “The Greatest Generation” and in memory “The Chief” remains a powerful inspiration to all who had the privilege of his influence.
Gerry Samson (Northwestern Orthodontics, 1981)
Atlanta, GA USA

Jeff Okeson

April 15, 2012

To the Perry Family,
Hal and Lynn were wonderful individuals. My wife and I had the privilege of traveling with them on several occasions and we will never forget the fun and laughter. Hal was a pioneer and giant in the field of TMD. He positively influenced so many professionals, including me. Such a kind, gentle, considerate man with the wonderful ability to lead and teach. He made a great impact on the field. Thanks Hal.
Jeff Okeson

April 12, 2012

Ty and Dana: Just heard about your father passing. He was a great guy. I really enjoyed knowing him for many years. He was funny and interesting to talk to:always upbeat. He was the kind of guy that makes life so good.
Donald P. Quillman, Anchorage, AK

Bob Morrish

March 27, 2012

Dear Perry Family, I first met Hal at Northwestern University on a side visit from the Mid Winter meetings in the late 70's. As Chuck Greene has said, our thinking of TMD was changing and I was impressed with Hal's preceptions of those coming changes. He became a personal friend and colleague to this young general dentist. We were standing around that evening and he was going around in his Irish way with a sheet of two dollar bills. Cutting them off the large sheet he had gotten from the US Treasury? for each of us as a good luck charm. Well that $2 bill with Hals' hasty cuts is still in my wallet. Thanks Hal for leading me the way.

Lori Bateman

March 23, 2012

Dear Perry Family,
I was saddened to hear of Dr Perry's passing today. I worked with him on the Journal of Orofacial Pain for many years when he served as editor-in-chief. He was a wonderful man and such fun. I think of him often when working on the journal and it always brings a smile (especially when I remember him in his roadkill skunk coat). He was an original. I will never forget him.

Maryann Wascher'leone

March 23, 2012

Dear Ty and Family. My thoughts and prayers are with you all! What a wonderful man, so very kind, and what an amazing life. May Our Heavenly Father Comfort you in your time of loss, and rejoice in his promise of Eternal Life!
God Bless All

Maryann Wascher'leone

March 23, 2012

Dear Ty and Family, May you find comfort in our Heavenly Father and his Promises , in your time of great sorrow. Your Father was an amazing man and what a wonderful life he lead. He was loved by all. What an amazing legacy. God Bless! You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
God Bless

March 12, 2012

Dear Ty and Dana,
Sorry for your loss. I remember your dad being a very kind,caring and patient man who respected his children's choices.I always felt welcome in your home. Thanks Dr. Perry
Wendy [Roberts] Engler Minneapolis, MN

Jim and Kathy Kreamer

March 12, 2012

Ty, Our condolences to you and your family. Of the few times I met your father way back when, I recall him as jovial and kind spirited.

March 6, 2012

Dear Dana and Family - We just learned of your dad's death. He was such a great man and loved by our family. Mike and Jane have much straighter teeth thanks to Dr. Perry. We actually enjoyed going to see him and we felt well cared for. Our sympathy to you all. Jane, Mike and Laurie Sullivan

Elaine Gillam

March 4, 2012

Ty and Dana - My deepest sympathy to you and your family on the loss of your father. I was his very 1st dental assistant when he opened his practice in the Tower Building in Elgin. He was a remarkable man, caring for not only his patients, but also his employees. His sense of humor made it a joy to work for him. I have never forgotten him and your mother, Lynn. May they both rest in peace. He will always be remembered with love by all who knew him.

Brad Freeman

February 27, 2012

Dr. Perry was a friend and also the orthodontist for my 2 boys. A terrific and fascinating man.

Bob Wilke

February 26, 2012

Dr. Perry was my Orthodontist starting in 1967. He was a great and caring man, and I actually enjoyed going to see him every month. I still think about him often and was greatly saddened to hear of his passing.

Dr Perry had a significant impact on so many people that there will be a very special place in heaven for him. May he rest in eternal peace with perpetual light shining upon him.

My deepest sympatyies go out to the members of his family. May fond memories soon replace the saddness of your loss.

Ernie & Shirley Raia

February 24, 2012

G., I will always remember the gracious hospitality you and Lynn afforded us at your home.

Nancy Miner

February 21, 2012

Dana and Ty - I had the privilege of working with your father in the early 80s. He was a remarkable man, orthodontist, and teacher, and a very proud father! Reading this guest book brings back many fond memories for me. After all these years, I still run into former patients who have great stories about Dr. Perry. Please accept my deepest sympathy in your loss.

February 19, 2012

Thank you, Dr. Perry, for my beautiful smile : )

Kathy Small

Pam (Kamphoefner) Zoller

February 19, 2012

Deepest sympathy to the Perry family. He was my orthodontist in the 60s. Still remember him.

February 17, 2012

Perry Family,
Dr. Perry fixed the teeth on all the Cooper children in Elgin. He was kind, gentle and always tender hearted. Our sympathies to you. Susan Cooper San Juan Capistrano, California

Robert Hermann

February 16, 2012

To TY - I hope and pray that you and your family are okay. Your father was a good man nad lead a long and full life. May GOD bless him and you too.

Elizabeth Ward

February 15, 2012

Perry Family--deepest sympathy to you for your loss. I was one of Dr. Perry's patients and I always enjoyed his jokes, as well as all of the photographs of wildlife in his waiting room.

Tricia Cerecke

February 15, 2012

As a former patient of long ago, I still remember Dr. Perry asking how I was (fine), and him quipping "We'll fix that". A fine man.

Nancy Weber

February 15, 2012

To Dana and Ty - I loved your dad so much! I worked for him for years and bragged about him even longer. For all of us who worked for him - we learned to love the opera and life! I am a better person for knowing him. My love to all of you at this sad time.
Nancy (McBride) Weber

Rod

February 15, 2012

Perry Family,

Please accept my deepest condolences. Doc Perry was someone I enjoyed visiting, enjoyed his humor, etc., even though pain may end up being a precipitant. :-) I went from a buck-toothed adolescent to someone who has frequently gotten complimented on my smile. As you can imagine – a great self-esteem boost!

Years later, I also recommended my nephew take advantage of good ole' Doc Perry. He's definitely a good one that will be missed. Enjoy the memories!
Thanks sooo much!

February 15, 2012

We were colleagues and friends for many years at NUDS, knew each others children and shared students. You always gave the best speeches and ALWAYS told the best jokes at graduation. A life well-lived, and we all benefited from knowing you! Patricia Schostok Reese

Chuck Berndt

February 14, 2012

Thank you Doctor Perry. It was an honor to be a patient of yours and your staff. I wonder how many people, like myself, left your office with a greater appreciation for classical music. I secretly looked foward to that part of my visits as a youngster. My condolences to all who knew Dr.perry.

Bob

February 14, 2012

I am grateful for the life of Dr. Perry. Thanks to his service and to the service of others in our armed forces, my family and I have been able to lead our lives in freedom and peace.

Tom Lawrence

February 14, 2012

Dr. Perry, you where the greatest! I don't need to say anymore. To your family, make sure you smile every time you think of him...that's what he loved to see..smiles.

Eric Anderson

February 14, 2012

One of my cherished mentors. It was Harold who motivated me to become a dentist and made sure I succeeded in my quest. I was a fellow son from Elgin and I owe so much to his guidance. I express my deepest condolences.

Holly S

February 14, 2012

I adored Dr. Perry. He saw me for years, free of charge, in an effort to undo the effects of another, much less skilled, orthodontist. He was generous, kind and gentle and will be remembered with much love.

Joanne Coquillard

February 14, 2012

Dr Perry was a very special person. 5 of our 6 children were "braced" by him. The 6th was always mad because she couldn't go-her teeth were too straight. They always enjoyed their visits to the office because they knew he'd be fun tho he might be causing pain!

Jean Folster-Boston

February 14, 2012

Dr. Perry's Family - Four out of 5 siblings and myself went to Dr. Perry in the early 80"s. He worked wonders on my mouth. I was told by another orthodontist that if I didn't get my teeth fixed, I wouldn't be able to eat by the time I was 20. The orthodontist recommended I see Dr. Perry. His memory will live on with all the orthodonists he taught and all the straight teeth in his patience. My condolances to you and your family. Jean Folster-Boston

Jorita & David Jensen

February 14, 2012

Ty and Dana, it was a joy and education to work for your father. He was not only a generous man, but encouraged good work ethic. He loved wild life (including crows that stole your neighbor's clothes pins.) There was never a dull moment nor a patient that was not important in the office of Dr. Harikd T. Perry. His work lives on through the doctors who use his techniques. We join you in remembering him with love and pleasure. He was unique!

Susan Homuth-Eckdahl

February 14, 2012

Thank you, Dr. Perry, for my beautiful smile : )

Bob Arnet

February 14, 2012

Ty, so sorry to here of the loss of your father. Sounds like he was an incredible man.
Bob Arnet

Susan Arnold Schoon

February 14, 2012

Dear Family, Dr Perry was my orthodontist as a kid and I loved him. He could make me laugh. I remember him telling me I wouldn't be very tall because of the xray taken of my hand and I told him that I wasn't going to be short. I'd show him!! He missed it by an inch and a half and just laughed at me! It was a great moment. I knew he always cared about me and was grateful! He was delightful and kind and I will remember him with great thanks that he was in my life and our families as well. May the memories continue to bring you great joy in the days ahead. Love, Susan Arnold Schoon

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