Ernest Charles Perin

PERIN, Ernest Charles Of Kalamazoo Died Saturday afternoon January 2, 2010. Ernie was born October 18, 1925 in Kalamazoo County to Felix and Vera Perin. He graduated from Kalamazoo Central in 1943. He volunteered for the United States Army Air Corp in 1944 graduating in electronics that same year. His stories of that time were always told as if they had happened yesterday. He had planned to travel the world. Unfortunately due to a minor illness he never fulfilled that dream. Later he attended Western Michigan University for a year. He was join in marriage to Florence Marie Babcock June 5, 1948. Ernie later was employed by Upjohn as a lab technician until he retired in 1985 after 35 years. He was a devoted husband. He never left his wife's side during her illness and long stay at Alamo nursing home. He was a hard worker and wonderful father to his two children Greg and Susan. Ernie was an avid golfer and was a member of the Kalamazoo Elks Lodge # 50 for more than 45 years. Golf was his first love. Two hole in one's at the Elks golf course and several mentions in the Kalamazoo Gazette for his bowling skills. Ernie made many friends throughout his life and was always thought of fondly by all. He was preceded in death by his wife Florence Perin in 2002, his brother Arnold in 1985, a sister-in-law Doris Perin in 2001, and a niece Sandra Hill in 2006. Ernie is survived by his son Gregory (Pamela) Perin; three grandchildren Samantha, Cody and Jessica; daughter Susan Ricard of Dorr; a great-niece Melissa Perin of Arizona; two nephews Mathew Perin of Grand Rapids and Anthony (Tracy) Perin of Battle Creek and three great nieces. The family would also like to acknowledge their unbelievable friend Mary Lou Sanderson for without her love and companionship, Ernie's later years would not have been as meaningful and rich. Internment will be at Ft. Custer National Cemetery at 10:30 AM Thursday, January 7, 2010 with a memorial service following at 12:30 PM at First United Methodist Church, 212 S. Park St., Kalamazoo with Pastor Sandy Elfring officiating. Memorials can be made to Elks special projects, Hospice of Southwest Michigan, or charity of choice. Avink Funeral Home Cremation Society Schoolcraft