Reginald Rey Perkins

Reginald Rey Perkins, 92, passed away on September 22, 2018, in Cambria, California, just as he had hoped: peacefully at home, in his favorite sunny spot, where he had spent 41 years savoring his view of the park, people, ocean, and sunsets. Reg was born in Mangum, Oklahoma, the second son of Lorena (Freeman) and Willie Perkins. At 17, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served his country bravely as a Seaman First Class in both the Atlantic and the Pacific Theatres of WWII. After the war, he returned home and began his 49-year marriage to the love of his life, Betty (Yeo of Maryville, MO). They raised four children in southern California where Reg had a lifelong career as a firefighter, serving 5 years with the Huntington Park Fire Department, then 27 years with the LA County Fire Department, the last 5 years of which he held the rank of Battalion Fire Chief. After a nationwide search for their retirement paradise, Reg and Betty chose to move north, to Cambria, CA. There, he dove into the Cambria lifestyle, joining the Fishing Club, the Tennis Club, Post 432 of the American Legion, as well as getting deeply involved in local service organizations. He helped to train the volunteer firefighters, and eventually, during his 13-year tenure as an elected Cambria Community Services District Board Member, led the successful transition of the volunteer fire department into a professional fire department with a new fire station. Reg was proud to be honored by the Cambria Fire Department for his service and guidance from 1979-1994, by the CCSD for his dedication, and by the Cambria Chamber of Commerce as Citizen of the Year. Reg's compassion and civic-mindedness extended to his community. He served in leadership positions in the American Field Service, the American Legion, CCSD, and the Cambria Oddfellows. Over 30 years ago, Reg and Betty were co-founders of the Cambria Easter Egg Hunt and Cambria Anonymous Neighbors, both of which continue today. He was an avid tennis player until age 90, with a wicked drop shot which some friends referred to as a "Reggie." He was a Cribbage master, a mentor to many, voracious learner, and, in his later years, a prolific forwarder of email jokes. Reginald is survived by his daughters: Susan Hook of Boise, ID, and Cybil Perkins of Manhattan, KS; his AFS foster daughter, Letticia DeLuna; as well as 7 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren. He is predeceased by his wife, Betty; two children: Peggy and Paul; and grandson, Andrew. His passing has left a large hole in the hearts of his family, friends, and community. In Reg's honor, let us remember the world as he saw it, in his own words: "Ho hum, just another day in paradise." Please join his family for a Celebration Of Life on Saturday, October 27th, at 5:00 p.m. at the Jocelyn Adult Recreation Center in Cambria. In lieu of flowers, gifts may be sent to Cambria Anonymous Neighbors or the American Legion Post 432.