"Bill Perkins (lovingly nicknamed "Grandpa" by Katie Reid and I during our trip to Europe in '98) will remain with us in our memories. I'd had him for World History that year at MVHS and was gifted the 15 day tour by my parents who, like Bill, knew the value of travel in developing a sense of oneself. That tip, and his kindness, equipped me for a stellar Senior year, and for so much more. I've had the opportunity to earn a master's degree and teach at the college level and I see in myself the same spark for my material that Bill always had for his. Thank you for a life well lived. My condolences, even these years later to Cheryl and his family. Best, Jennifer Egolf Morin Chandler Heights, AZ"
In loving memory of
William Perkins
William Floyd Perkins, 61, of Phoenix, Az died Thursday , April 25, 2013. Bill died at his desk while substitute teaching at Thunderbird High School. He is survived by his wife of 34 years, Cheryl Ann Perkins. Bill is also survived by his Mother Jackie Rogers, her husband Bill Rogers, brother Edward Perkins, sister Deborah Johnson and his beloved companions Cockers Dore and Patty. Bill graduated from Moon Valley High School in 1970 and returned to teaching after receiving his diploma from ASU in 1974. His years of teaching included coaching and taking groups of students to Europe. His other joys of life included runs with the Mummy Mountain Running Group, reading, traveling and spending time with his wife and Cockers. The Memorial service will be held at 4:00 pm on Tuesday, April 30th at Hansen Mortuaries located at 8314 N. 7th St. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Glendale High School , The Bill Perkins Fund, Account# 0021 and mailed to 7650 N. 43rd Ave, Glendale, Az 85301. The money will be used for the band programs at Thunderbird and Moon Valley High Schools. Online condolences may be made at www.hansenmortuary.com.
Tributes
"a:4:{s:4:"file";s:70:"/home/content/77/10370777/html/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/IMG_0011.jpg";s:3:"url";s:65:"http://hansenmortuary.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/IMG_0011.jpg";s:5:"error";b:0;s:4:"desc";s:354:"I will always remember Bill, whose smiling face and happy pats on the back always sent me off on my runs. This photo is from the 2010 Rock & Roll marathon, while we were inside the the mining museum next to the starting line. He always enjoyed poking fun at my red wig, and my next run, San Diego, will be dedicated to him. He will be missed by all. ";}"
"Bill you will be missed in the Legends community. Loved your smile!"
"I lost a friend last week. Not a long-time friend. Not a close friend. Nevertheless, a good friend. I met Bill and Cheryl just a couple of years ago running the track at Bally\'s. He was kind enough to invite me and Donna to one of his carbo-loading parties even though I was not going to race. At these parties we got to meet wonderful people and make other good friends. For knowing Bill and introducing us to these people I will be forever grateful."
" I will always remember your History class. You were the best History teacher a person like me could have asked for. I am sad to hear you passed away, but I know you are in a better place. Rest In Peace"
"Lost a true \"Moon Valley Rocket\" and am very sorry for our loss in both our MV family and his family. Always had fun talking \"Bahston\" with Bill, especially when he returned from running the Boston Marathons. I pray for peace for his family and friends. Way too young! RIP Bill."
"I am so very sorry to hear about the passing of Mr. Bill Perkins. He taught my youngest daughter; Chandra Vincent, World History at Moon Valley High School and she went on a trip to Europe with him the summer between her junior and senior year. She had the best time with him and such a great experience. This trip was done after 911 and the GUHSD had cancelled all out of state or country trips. He still planned the trip and we just met off campus. He was truly and great teacher in the class room and out of it. He will be truly missed. My deepest sympathy, Christy (Vincent) Buchanan"
"Bill, Thanks for the many fond memories over the years & your inspiration & encouragement in my life. I\'ve appreciated & treasured our friendship over the the 25 years plus. You have made an impact in many lives that will be long remembered. Miss you...RIP "
"Mr. Perkins taught Arizona History at Apollo High School in the early 1980\'s and I was blessed to be a student of his. He had both passion and compassion for the student as well as the individual person. Lessons I learned from him have stayed with me. Perhaps the most important was the importance of voting, which I believe he registered me to do. He made a difference in this world, and in my life. May you rest in peace."
"I will miss you, Bill. It was a pleasure to talk, gossip, and plan revenge with you. "
"I was saddened to read this in today\'s paper. I knew Bill in high school and was in \"Up with People\" with him. Bill was a great guy back then and we had lots of fun times in UWP. He was much too young to leave us. My sincere condolences to Bill\'s family and friends. RIP, Bill."
"I\'ll always remember Bill\'s booming voice and runs around Mummy Mountain. Back in the day I would always spot Bill and Cheryl\'s blue Toyota in the parking lot near the Trader\'s Joe off Scottsdale Rd. Years later I would often bump into the two of them at the Trader Joe\'s at Shea and Tatum. Bally\'s was another location where I would often see Bill and/or Cheryl working out. In fact, once at the pool I got some useful pointers to improve my freestyle swimming stroke from Bill. Then there were the famous annual PF Chang\'s Rock and Roll pre-marathon carbo loads at the Perkins home. Besides the company, I always enjoyed his Boston memorabilia along with other running souvenirs. So many memories. Bill packed a lot of life into his years."
"The Moon Valley family has a big loss here, after all his years teaching, coaching, traveling, and running swim meets. Bill was larger than life and his colleagues and former students are so sad that he is gone. He always had plenty to give and plenty to say! Condolences to all his loved ones."
"To the family of Mr. Perkins, I was a student of Mr. Perkins in the late 70\'s at Apollo High School. I was privileged to be asked to work on his political campaign when he ran for the legislature. My friend, Kerrie Earle and I both worked on the campaign and were invited to his and Cheryl\'s wedding. One of my fondest memories is of watching Bill and Cheryl swing dance to Chattanooga Choo Choo the night of the election. Mr. Perkins was a wonderful teacher and truly enjoyed working with students. He was a special man and I was lucky to have him touch my life. Karen Zieser Gould "
"Mr. Perkins was one of my coaches on the Apollo High School swimming team my senior year. Always sporting a cheesy moustache and screaming at me to keep my head down... A great coach, teacher and friend. Rest in peace coach Jeff"