Remembering the Life of
Marilyn Dale Perry
“Dale”
1956-2019

Dale passed away at her home peacefully at the age of 62 on Monday, April 8, 2019 in Eureka, with her husband at her side. She was born April 19th in Scotia at Scotia Memorial Hospital to Etsel and Gracie Ward. The early years of her life were spent living in the company town of Scotia, where her father was a supervisor at the lumbermill. Her mother worked at the Scotia Inn for many years. Her childhood days were filled playing on the Eel River bar and running around Scotia and Rio Dell with friends and her older sister Melba.

In June 1972, she married Larry Alan Perry. She and Larry were childhood sweethearts and had many adventures together. Larry and Dale both had a love for muscle cars, owning a variety of different cars over the years. Dale’s passion for motorcycle riding began early in life at the age of 13 and continued on even after she became a grandmother. She and Larry traveled all over the western United States on their motorcycles and to various events such as the Selmac Lake Rally in Oregon. She cherished her family and family events tremendously while raising two boys, Greg and Tierney “Bear” Perry. The family thoroughly enjoyed the outdoors. Camping, white water rafting, and fishing the lakes, rivers and ocean were some of their favorite activities. She loved the holidays, especially Halloween. She would help every neighborhood child who wanted help with their costumes, and was known for having the scariest, spookiest house in the neighborhood. This came naturally, thanks to her love of scary movies (Zombies were her favorite). Her home on Humboldt Hill was always open and welcoming for the neighborhood kids to enjoy. Sheila Westman describes her as “The neighborhood mom and all who knew her, loved her with all their hearts”. One of Larry’s favorite memories that took place at the family home was a surprise party that Dale threw for his 50th birthday. He thought that they were having a small get-together, but the next thing he knew, Stanford Drive was lined with motorcycles, trucks, cars and even a tour bus! The house quickly filled with nearly one hundred guests consisting of people Larry had befriended over the years from all over the state and beyond. To this day, Larry doesn’t know how she was able to get in touch with all of the folks that she did.

She is survived by her husband of 48 years, Larry Perry, her sons Greg Perry of Redding and Tierney “Bear” Perry of Eureka, and four grandchildren: Cameron Perry of Eureka, Connor and Bailey Perry of Blue Lake, and Kayden Perry of Eureka. She is also survived by extended family of four nieces, Sandrena “Sandy” and Michelle Erickson, Connie Barrett and Wendy Bianco as well as three nephews, Keith Erickson, Jack and Jay Jones and many great-nieces and great-nephews.

She was preceded in death by her son Brook James Perry (age 6 months).; her parents Etsel (age 89) and Gracie (age 91) Ward; her sisters June Melton, Sue Erickson, Melba Jones and nephews Bill and John Melton and niece Dawn Melton.

Per Dale’s wishes, her remains are to be cremated and a private family ceremony will be held. A celebration of Dale’s life will be held Saturday May 4th at 1 p.m. at the Blue Lake Volunteer Fire Department, 111 First Ave, Blue Lake. All who cherished her are welcome to gather in celebration of the daughter, sister, wife, mother, aunt, woman and friend everyone knew and loved.

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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Dale Perry’s family. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here.