William Marlow Perrin

William Marlow Perrin
July 8, 1966 - Aug. 9, 2022
Shakespeare once wrote that "All the world is a stage" and we are "merely players." However, there was nothing "mere" about William Marlow Perrin's performance. He took that stage by storm. Our beloved "human hurricane" passed on Aug. 9, 2022, in Tokyo, Japan after a brief illness.
Will was born in Columbus, Ohio to Eugene and Marianne Perrin. He was 10 pounds at birth, walked at 9 months, and ran at 1 year. At 2 he was sidelined briefly by childhood cancer, the only toddler at the hospital ever to require a special crib netting to prevent his otherwise certain escape. Will seemed to know instinctively that life could be short and there wasn't a minute to waste.
Will began his formal education at Ainsworth Elementary School after his family moved to Portland. Had the technology been available, his mom would have been on speed dial from the principal's office. His special recognition at graduation was "Class Clown." Perhaps not his parents' dream for their child at the time, but Will's teachers were certain that he had something special that would serve him well. That rare combination of charisma and kindness. And he was funny. Very funny. His humor was always his best defense against discipline.
Will graduated from Jesuit High School in 1985 and from Miami University (Ohio) with a degree in Marketing/Finance in 1989. He was an active member of Beta Theta Pi Fraternity where he made lifelong friendships. His next stop was the Middlebury Institute of International Studies in Monterey, where he studied intensive Japanese and graduated with an International MBA. He set off to Tokyo in 1993 with little more than his trademark optimism and tenacity, a modicum of fluency in Japanese, and a fledgling business plan. Perrin Pacific soon thrived and has been successfully connecting U.S. based medical device companies with Japanese partners for 30 years.
Will loved his life in Tokyo and, as always, lived it to the fullest. Just as he enjoyed success in business, his personal story was forever enriched by his marriage to Juna Kin in 2000. Juna was the calm to Will's storm (or the Ritalin he always needed, as one fraternity brother suggested at their wedding). Juna and Will welcomed their daughters Solar and Pearl in 2007 and 2010, and fatherhood became Will's most treasured role. He was always the consummate imitator, able to read and appreciate the subtlest cues in every person, and fatherhood would only enhance this skill. In typical Will fashion, this proud papa didn't write odes or lullabies to highlight the unique qualities of his baby girls. He crafted raps. And as soon as the girls were able to speak, he made sure that they each owned and performed their ditties. Will would beam as he provided the backbeat.
Will's comedic energy may have been his initial draw, but for every zany Will story there were two about his kindness. Human connections were everything to Will, who was known for his handwritten notes, thoughtful gestures, and impassioned advocacy for young people seeking scholarship and career opportunities.
When the pandemic undermined this connectedness, Will became more creative in maintaining it. He served a two-year term as president of the PTA at his daughters' school, Nishimachi International School. Against all odds, he kept the school community united as never before through inspirational weekly newsletters, themed zoom and socially distanced events, silly skits, and a legendary emcee performance at the annual fundraising gala that featured all of his favorite dance moves. It was hard to say no to Will, as he led by example and was abundant with his praise. As Nishimachi noted, Will embraced this job "with his usual humor and with gusto that matched his larger than life presence." With energy to spare, Will also established a Covid vaccine center at the Tokyo America Club, reaching out to his large network of doctors and nurses to staff the clinic. Will was awed by their eagerness to help. Again, it was hard to resist Will's sincerity and enthusiasm, and a successful community vaccine center was up and running in no time.
There is a deafening silence with the passing of our Hurricane Will. He is survived by his wife, Juna, and daughters, Solar and Pearl of Tokyo; his mother, Marianne, and sister, Jennifer Blair (Bowen) of Portland; and brother, Tom of Los Angeles. He will also be missed by his mother-in-law, Sadako Tei Chung; sister-in-law, Keiko Kin Takenoshita; and nieces and nephews, Louise and Bowen Blair, and Moe and Yuki Takenoshita. Will's pet by default, "Mrs. Turtle", also deserves mention.
We will celebrate Will's life at a future date and in the meantime would love to compile and preserve special memories of him for his daughters. Our sincere thanks for any and all online entries. Please also consider a donation in Will's name to the Evans Scholars Foundation through the Western Golf Association/ Waverley Country Club.
Please sign the online guest book at www.oregonlive.com/obits