Elwood Harry "Perk" Perkins Jr.

Elwood Harry Perkins Jr., known affectionately as “Perk,” passed away peacefully at home on June 12, 2025. Born on April 5, 1932, in Oakland, California, to Elwood Harry Perkins Sr. and Gladys (Erickson) Perkins, Perk was a man of faith, curiosity, intellect, and deep devotion to his family.

From a young age, Perk displayed a sense of independence and wonder. He explored the streets and culture of Oakland via public transportation and found his peace in nature during frequent family camping trips to Yosemite. As a youth, he famously summited Half Dome—making the final ascent solo after hiking alongside his father.

Perk’s early years were defined by a passion for sports, academics, and music. He played piano by ear from age six and enjoyed writing, math, and journalism—serving on both his high school’s yearbook and newspaper staff. Following in his father’s footsteps, he embraced craftsmanship and precision, becoming the Junior Crossbow Champion at 16.

A lifelong sports enthusiast, Perk especially loved golf—serving as a marshal at Pasatiempo in retirement and maintaining an encyclopedic knowledge of the game. He also enjoyed basketball, softball, bowling, and was a devoted fan of the Oakland A’s, always ready to share the intricacies of baseball with anyone willing to listen.

On June 1, 1954, during the Korean War, Perk enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. As a radio operator, he mastered the demanding task of transcribing Morse code in real time. Ever punctual, he was late only twice in his life—once at the end of radio school, when a late arrival spared him from a Korean assignment and sent him to the UK instead.

After his military service, Perk attended San Jose State University on the GI Bill. There, he met the love of his life, Elizabeth “Ann” Perkins. They married just eight months later. Perk began a 30-year career with IBM, which took the family from California to New York, to Paris, France, and back. Their years in Europe sparked a lifelong love of travel, and later in retirement, Perk and Ann explored the world by cruise ship, including five visits to Alaska and a memorable journey through the Panama Canal. He also realized a dream with a photo safari in Africa.

Perk’s life was grounded in faith and family. He and Ann raised three children, and though he may not have called himself a feminist, he fully supported his daughters’ ambitions—wherever they led. His church community remained central throughout his life, with the Congregational Church of Soquel serving as his spiritual home for many years. He participated in numerous youth “Missions to Mexico,” sharing both construction skills and life wisdom with the next generation.

Perk is survived by his beloved wife, Ann; his daughters, Linda Cooke (Jim, dec.) and Colleen Bathen (Conrad); his daughter-in-law, Kelly; grandchildren Kylie, Mackenzie, Haylie, Allen, Julia, and Sarah; and four great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his sons, Jerry (2013) and Kent (1962).

In his final days, Perk told Ann with gentle certainty that he would soon be leaving her to “go to work for God in Heaven.” His life was one of service, humor, grace, and enduring love.

A celebration of life will be held on July 12, 2025 at 1:00 at the Congregational Church of Soquel. Donations in Perk’s memory may be made to the Congregational Church of Soquel or to a charity of the donor’s choice.