David Alfred Perkins

Peacefully in the Veteran’s Wing of Parkwood Institute, London, Ontario, David Perkins in his 86th year. Beloved husband of Susan (Sue) Perkins for 60 years. Dear father of Michael (Mike) Perkins of Kitchener. Cherished grandfather of Christopher Ormsby of Kitchener and  Alexander Ormsby and his wife Vikki of Shanghai, China. David is also survived by his son-in-law David Ormsby and his wife Tracy and their son Aaron.

 Much loved brother of  William (Bill) Perkins of Toronto, Reginald (Reg) Perkins and his wife Peggy of Toronto, Margaret Ferguson of Eastern Passage, NS, Kathleen Brink and her husband Cal Groening of Mission, BC, Doris Nichol and husband John of Portage La Prairie, MB, his sister-in- law June Sidwell of Gloucestershire, England, his nieces Emma Brae of Bolton, England  and Kathryn Sidwell and her partner Nick Brown of Toronto. David also leaves behind numerous nieces, nephews and extended family throughout Canada, England and the United States.  Predeceased by his daughter Victoria (Vicky) Ormsby (1997) and his youngest brother John Perkins.

 David was born in York, ON but grew up in the Halifax and Kentville area of Nova Scotia. Dave started his career with the Bank of Nova Scotia in Halifax, but soon wanted more adventure in his life.  He joined the RCAF in 1957 and after training and school in Ontario was posted to Marville in France.  On July 4th, 1961, whilst on leave he and some friends visited Ostend in Belgium, where he met his wife-to- be Sue, who was there on vacation.  After a long distance romance of short visits to England, letters and phone calls, Sue sailed for Canada in September 1962 where she and David were  married in Belleville,ON on September 21st, and just celebrated their Diamond Anniversary.

After some 21 years in the RCAF, Dave moved his family from North Bay to London, ON and went to work for Kelloggs where he enjoyed 20 years, eventually becoming Instrument/Electrical Supervisor.  His time in London included a great deal of live theatre; seeing it, performing in it, designing lighting for plays and working with the group of people in London Community Players who made the purchase, renovation and the move to the Palace Theatre go from a dream to a reality. Dave grew up in a large family and they were all very important to him, as was the family he established with Sue.   Despite the miles separating them all most of the time, the entire family has maintained their family ties.  

Visitors will be received  in the O’Neil Funeral Home, 350 William St., London on Tuesday, December 20, 2022  from11:00 a.m. until the time of the Funeral Service in the Funeral Home Chapel at 12:00 Noon. Followed by interment in St. Peter’s Cemetery, London.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to London Community Players (www.palacetheatre.ca) or to the Veteran’s Wing of Parkwood Hospital (www.SeasonofCelebration.com)