Perkins leaves ‘larger than life’ legacy

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This article was published 01/08/2019 (2458 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Former Brandon University president Harold Perkins died last week, leaving behind both a personality and legacy in Brandon that is “larger than life.”

He was 89 years old.

Son David Perkins said that he takes solace in the fact that his father’s accomplishments and impact in the Wheat City will live on for years to come.

Harold Perkins was president of Brandon University from 1977 to 1983 and was a professor in the faculty of education from 1986 until his retirement in 1998.

David, the second-youngest of four siblings, said his father’s life as a research scientist, dean and president of the university had a significant impact on many, many people.

Harold, who is affectionately called “Jack,” was instrumental in starting the Brandon University Foundation, which has so far distributed more than $56 million in scholarships and facility improvements. The Foundation dispersed more than $2.6 million in 2017, including almost $1.5 million in scholarships. In 2018, the Foundation dispersed more than $2.8 million, and $1.6 million in scholarships.

Barry Perkins, the second-oldest sibling, said his father thought the university should become a bigger part of the community when he started as president.

“My dad was part of the community, and he felt that Brandon University should be integrated closely with the community. … He established the foundation to try and see a way to bring funds from outside of Brandon to support the university and help grow the university.”

Before starting at Brandon University in 1977, Harold was dean at the State University of New York at Plattsburgh and worked for the National Science Foundation.

While academics were very important in Harold’s life, he also believed heavily in the arts, and that creativity was a critical part of life. He was also instrumental in setting up the Masters of Music degree and bringing more Indigenous people to the university.

While Harold had a busy professional life, he was always a family man at heart, David said.

“Dad’s accomplishments at Brandon University were significant, but in his personal life with us, he was always very — he wanted us to be our best. … All four of us kids were competitive swimmers and so mom and dad became swimming officially so they could watch us swim,” he said.

“Even into our adult lives, he’s always been there, a teacher to try to help us with various life lessons, but he was always there for us too … he was always there to help us.”

Harold was also a pilot and taught Barry how to fly in his Cessna aircraft. When he was a professor, David said his mother and father would bring students on flights to document wetlands from above. While in the air, his mother would pull out a picnic basket and host a picnic high up in the air.

“My mom and dad rolled like that,” he said.

The family lived west of Brandon and planted hundreds and hundreds of trees, Barry said. His parents cared deeply about the environment.

Harold is epitomized by his care for his wife, Mary Louise Perkins, right up until he died. That’s one of the ways David said he hopes his father is remembered.

“He was trying to do his best for others, at this own expense.”

While going through Harold’s affairs, his two sons found a photo of Mary Louise from before their parents were married. David said the photo is at least 67 years old and his father kept it in his wallet for decades.

“Dad was a real family person and left behind children, grandchildren and a great-grandchild. He was very proud of the whole thing and particularly proud of and devoted to Mom for over 65 years.”

Perkins’ funeral will be held at 11 a.m. on Aug. 10 at St. Matthew’s Cathedral in Brandon. All are welcome to attend. Instead of flowers, the family is asking that donations in memory of Perkins be made to the Brandon University Foundation by mail, online atBrandonU.ca/Give, or by phone to 204-727-7374. The university also lowered its flag to half-mast on Tuesday in memory of Perkins.

“We know that is what dad would want, we felt that deep down his real passion since we moved here in 1977 was Brandon University,” David said. “Dad would want the entire university to benefit.”

» dmay@brandonsun.com

» Twitter: @DrewMay_