Frank Ardo Perri, our father, passed away January 4, 2014 after a three-year battle with leukemia. Dad was born on July 10, 1942 to Ardo (deceased) and Margaret Florence Perri in Holladay, Utah. Frank grew up with his two sisters, Jill and Brooke (deceased), in Holladay and was surrounded by a large extended family of aunts, uncles, and cousins who loved and admired his spirited personality, despite always looking for mischief.
Dad spent his early years living in the Alpine Rose Lodge at Brighton, Utah. He had a unique and joyful childhood there playing cowboy and enjoying the ski bowls as his playground. He learned to ski and excelled in the sport, bringing home trophies from the many races he had won and was an aspiring Olympic hopeful. Dad then traded in his desire to be an Olympic athlete and his \57 Chevy to serve an honorable mission in Sydney, Australia, which turned out to be a life-changing experience as he grew close to The Lord and found a new love in learning and teaching others.
Dad met his sweetheart, Susan Perschon, while skiing one day. They were later married in the Salt Lake Temple on December 16, 1966. After serving with the US Army Reserve for several years, he obtained a Political Science degree from the University of Utah. He eventually started his own printing business which continued successfully until retirement. Dad also started and ran a clothing business and owned several commercial properties. Dad and Mom raised us wonderful five children in Sandy, Utah.
Dad was energized by the outdoors. He was an avid skiier, mountain biker, hiker, camper, and horseman. He loved taking us on family vacations to the Uintahs, Yellowstone, Jackson Hole, Maui, and his beloved Sun Valley. Dad conquered many Wasatch Peaks, but also summited the Middle and Grand Teton (twice!), in Wyoming. He instilled in us a love for God\s beautiful Earth.
Dad adored his beloved grandchildren. Oftentimes they could be seen taking rides with him on his John Deere. He also showed his devotion and love for them by taking them to the park and for ice cream afterwards, for a day skiing, or making them waffle breakfastson Saturdaymornings. It was common to see Dad relieving the stress of the daily grind on his bike in the canyons. He was a hard worker who used the work ethic he learned from his grandfather and parents to build his legacy. He was quick to learn many skilled trades, including carpentry, framing, cabinet building, construction, drafting/design, landscaping, plumbing, and creating his own Opus, which we children have lovingly deemed \The Lodge\.
Dad served in many positions for the LDS Church, but loved teaching others most of all. He volunteered at the Church History Museum taking youth groups on tours and frequently giving fireside talks on topics of Church History. He had a passion for the history of the Church and read volumes of books on many of the early Church leaders. He also loved military history, particularly World War II and the Revolutionary War. Dad has quite a library of books to show for it.
Our sweet father is survived by his loving wife Susan, his mother and his sister. We five children Jenny, Christian (Candice), Laura (Rob) Hopkins, Gabrielle (Matthew) Crowley, and Francesco (Evelyn) and 9 1/2 grandchildren will miss him dearly.
Our thanks to the many doctors, nurses and staff, family and friends, who have been angels helping Dad, and Mom, throughout these last years of his life.
Funeral services will be held at the Granite View Stake Center in Sandy, Utah (9880 South 3100 East) onWednesday, January 8at highnoon. There will also be a visitationon Tuesdayevening at the same location from6 to 8 p.m.and on the day of the funeral from10:30 to 11:45 a.m. Online condolences at www.larkincares.com
