Chester (Chet) Ronald Perkins
September 29, 1925 – January 6, 2017

Chet Perkins of Danville, Quebec, Canada, passed away peacefully on January 6, 2017, with family by his side, at the Wales Home in Richmond, Quebec. He was 91 years old. He was a man of utmost integrity, character and faith. All who were blessed to know him were impacted by his positive outlook and his commitment to live a life of faithfulness and gratitude.

He was married to the late Joan (nee Webb) for 58 years, and together they raised four children who deeply loved and respected their mom and dad. His passing leaves a tremendous void in the family, but each one is thankful for the blessing God bestowed by giving them the dad he did. Ken (Darlene) of Bear River, Nova Scotia / Ruth (Wayne Lucas) of Walterboro, SC / James (Shana) of Ottawa, Ontario / and Esther (Doug Peters) of Pointe-Claire, Quebec all miss their Dad terribly, as do the 14 grandchildren he cherished: Candi (Ralf), Abram, Hannah, John, Sarah (Jon), Matthew, Elizabeth, Laura, Jessica (Justin), Justin (Kelsee), Jenna, Jacob, Corabella, and Alice, as well as his 4 (almost 5) great-grandchildren – Victoria, Noah, Marley, Aurora (and he just missed meeting baby Joanna).

A funeral service was held on Friday, January 13th at The Wales Home in Richmond, with a large crowd assembled to pay their respects and honor a man whose influence ran very deep. There was lots of music, many laughs and many tears shared, and much thanksgiving to God for his grace and presence. Family and friends from near and far shared of the impact Chet has had upon their lives.

Chet grew up on the farm, the youngest of three brothers born to James and Blanche Perkins. In his late 20s, while tending to the family farm (and now married to Joan with toddler Ken), Chet was stricken with polio, resulting in paralysis from the waist down. They did not know what would happen to them, how they would get through such a devastating affliction or what he would do after the inevitable loss of the farm. Chet’s most desperate prayer throughout the year that followed – a year of rehabilitation and sometimes seclusion, much of it away from Joan and Ken – was a plea to his Heavenly Father that God might not let him become bitter. If you were blessed to know Chet, you’re smiling right now, because you know that prayer was answered.

Chet was known, loved and respected by many people – in the community where he lived, in the Danville Advent Christian Church where he served for decades, in the Beebe Advent Christian Campmeeting where again he willingly served throughout the years, at the schools where he worked in finance (which gained him the opportunity to befriend teachers, staff and students), and at The Wales Home, where he served on the board of directors, even as president for a term. He and Joan attended numerous Eastern Regional Association Conventions and had the chance to be part of one Triennial Convention, all gatherings they very much enjoyed. They had many friends throughout the denomination, and his humble and positive spirit made a significant imprint on numerous lives. All who knew him will continue to be inspired, encouraged and challenged to do more, complain less, and laugh until the tears flow.

A colleague and friend from Danville who knew Chet well from his days working with the school board, upon learning that in 2011 Chet again had a significant health issue to overcome, penned this note in a card:

“Dear Chet,
We are so sorry that you have yet one more burden to bear. Your deep faith that the Almighty knows
what is best has always allowed you to meet these tests with stoicism, strength and dignity. Your
exemplary character has always stood forth like a beacon to the rest of us, showing by example how
life should be lived. Our prayers are certainly with you.”

What a blessing to know that God used Chet to reveal himself to others, and that his life well-lived continues to point others towards our Father in Heaven.

Chet’s memoirs were printed in December: 364 pages of inspiring memories, insights and perspectives. “My Selective Memory – the Memoirs of Chester R. Perkins” is a real treasure. On the back is his quote, “If you can look back on your life with contentment, you have one of God’s most precious gifts to man – a selective memory.”

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for
me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award me on that day – and
not only to me, but also to all those who have longed for His appearing” (2 Timothy 4: 7-8)