Obituary of Markwell Perry

PERRY, Markwell James - It is with great sadness, the family of Markwell James Perry announce his passing, on Monday, October 5th, 2009, at the Brantford General Hospital. After a valiant effort, he succumbed peacefully, with his loving son and daughter, Douglas and Laurene, and his daughter-in-law Susan at his side. Dedicated husband of Nan for 66 years, and beloved grandfather of Dante Winkler and his wife Paula, Markwell and Kathryn Ottolino-Perry and Evelyne Perry. Half brother to William Perry and mentor and friend to Wayne Watson. Mark served as President of the Royal Canadian College of Organists and in 2005 was appointed Honourary President of the R.C.C.O. He was past President and Honourary Member of the Ontario Registered Music Teacher's Association. Past Vice President of the Canadian Federation of Music Teachers. Markwell was a dedicated teacher of piano, organ and theory, many of whose students have gone on to professional careers in music. He was past President and Honourary member of the Brantford Symphony Orchestra. He was a founding member of the Brantford Kiwanis Music Festival and in recognition of this volunteer service was appointed an Honourary Member of the Brantford Kiwanis Club. He was also an Honourary Member of the Brantford Musicians Association, local 467. For 53 years Mark was the Music Director at Colborne Street (Heritage) United Church and for more than four decades served as chapel organist at Beckett-Glaves Family Funeral Centre. Through all these years Mark helped lift the spirits of families as they faced the loss of loved ones. Friends will be received at the Hill & Robinson Funeral Home & Cremation Centre, 30 Nelson Street on Wednesday from 7-9 p.m. and Thursday from 12 - 1 p.m. A Funeral Service will follow in the Chapel on Thursday at 1:00 p.m. Interment Lakeview Cemetery, Midland, Ontario. Donations to the Kiwanis Club of Brantford (Music Festival), or the Brantford General Hospital would be appreciated. A tree will be planted in memory of Markwell in the Beckett-Glaves Memorial Forest.