Saturday, May 27, 2023
My fondest memories are the times I spent in my youth with Scott.
We were first introduced when Uncle Frank came to Toronto for work and brought Scott with him. He stayed with our family for about a week and we hit it off.
Scott was a very intelligent boy who grew into a very intelligent man. I marveled at his intellect. He was like a walking computer. He also had this knack of pushing the envelope of life. I remember one night in our youth when we were playing hide and seek in my neighborhood. I can remember hiding in some great spots and waiting for an opportunity to pounce only to have Scott yell out “Hey we’re over here!”. This ended In a mad dash for the finish line. This worked out well for Scott, who ran like a gazelle, and enjoyed the thrill of the race to the finish line, I however, let’s just say it was more than a struggle. Those days we spent together as young teenagers cemented a bond that lasted longer than any I have had. I can remember praying at night that Scott and family would move to Toronto for good.
My prayers were eventually answered, as a few years later, the Perry’s took up residence in Scarborough. I remember receiving the call from Scott to come and spend the weekend at his house. At that time we were living in Mississauga and I had no clue where or, how far Scarborough was. That first trip was a bit of a trek. It took a ride on 2 separate transit lines first a Mississauga bus, then a TTC bus to the Subway. A Subway ride from 1 end of the Bloor line to the other. Then an LRT ride from 1 end to the other. Then another TTC bus to get me to within a 15 minute walk to “2 Francis crescent” in Scarborough. All in all this took about 3 hours but was well worth it to see the man who would become my closest cousin. To make things easier for us the Perry’s eventually allowed me to stay for weekends. This became a weekly ritual that lasted for years.
Scott enjoyed games. Whether a game of Risk, or chess or pick up hockey, Scott enjoyed every moment. His love of play did not receive a lot of support from his parents. I can remember one Saturday morning rushing out to play a game of street hockey with the neighborhood kids. I recall Scott coming out wearing his brand new dress shoes to play. He unfortunately tripped and fell at one point and ruined his brand new and, very expensive shoes. I remember Uncle Frank’s reaction. Scott Perry what were you thinking!
Scott enjoyed living. There were countless pool parties at the Perry residence where Scott would end up with a major sunburn because he didn’t think to apply sunscreen to his delicate white skin. (I’m guilty of this also.) The burn would quickly be forgotten in Scott’s memory, as was the damage, as Scott proceeded to the next item on the daily agenda. He had a flare for adventure.
Scott was also a tender soul. I remember Scott saying, when he found out that I played guitar. You should bring it over and we’ll jam. Many a Saturday we would sit in the Perry basement and play old Beatles tunes. I would strum the chords and we would both sing. Mind you, what Scott lacked in singing talent he more than made up for in enthusiasm. When Steve joined in to play with us, the music changed from the Beatles to Genesis with Steve playing the keyboard parts and Scott playing bass.
It was through these little Jam sessions that I discovered Scott to be a gifted writer. He would show me little poems and phrases he had written. These poems, and stories he created were both thoughtful, and deep. And, his ability to create works of fiction, in my humble opinion, made him a great writer. There was a certain amount of intrigue into the places, and people, he would write about. It made you wish that you were actually there.
When Scott joined the Armories as a summer job, our weekly singalong’s faded. Most of Scott’s summers were spent on maneuvers of some sort. Scott enjoyed the armories as it gave him a different discipline to that which had at home. He enjoyed the camaraderie of the men and women who served along with him and the new relationships that were built as a result. And this is the place where he met Shirley who would later become his wife, his confident, his soul mate and his best friend. We spent many times together with much laughter. Scott your presence will be missed.
Our Prayers to Shirley, Michael, Nichol and Ashley as well as their children in this time of loss. We hold on to the memories we've made and the moments that we have shared.
Love and Prayers;
Kevin, SueAnn George and Ester Fennelly
