Walter Alvin Perrin
Sgt. Walter Alvin Perrin MM, of Truro, Nova Scotia, passed away peacefully at the age of 96 on May 23, 2018 at Colchester East Hants Health Centre.
Born on April 27, 1922 in Dean Settlement/woodside, Halifax County, where he grew up on a farm with his parents Guy and Alice (Dean) Perrin. He married Lois (Dean) in 1946 and they bought a farm in Glenholme and lived there for 30 years. In 1976, Walter and Lois moved to Truro and Walter lived in this home until his passing 42 years later. Walter worked at DND Medical Supply Depot, Debert until his retirement in 1982. Walter joined the Army at age 19 to fight in World War II (WWII).
He served in the 82nd Gaspe Battery, 4th Anti-tank Regiment RCA from 1941 to 1945. He was awarded the Military Medal (MM) for bravery; this medal was presented by King George VI at Buckingham Palace in June 1945. He was an active member of the Royal Canadian Legion Cobequid Branch 72, Great Village; of Erskine United Church & St. Andrew’s United Church; as well as volunteering at the Colchester Historical Museum. He was an avid wood worker and gardener and enjoyed the sport of harness racing, following his favourite drivers until last week. Walter particularly enjoyed revisiting Europe and Gaspe with his wife, Lois to visit with fellow WWII comrades. He participated in the anniversary WWII liberation celebrations throughout Europe for several years. Walter was a recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal. Walter is survived by daughters; Diane Lundie, Masstown, N.S.; Marion Perrin, Edmonton, AB; Alice (Arthur) Pugsley, Five Islands, N.S.; Velma (Eric) Ryan, Stratford PEI; Elizabeth Perrin (Ron) Stewart, Calgary, AB; Joyce Perrin, Calgary, AB and sons; Robert (Bob) (Joan) Perrin, Lower Montague, P.E.I. and Philip (Kathy) Perrin, Windsor, N.S. Grandchildren: Diane’s children Shawn, Sheri, & Derek; Bob’s children Richard & Alison; Alice’s children Andrea, Carole, & Glenn; Philip’s children Joshua, Cameron, Jennifer & Colby; and Elizabeth’s step-daughters Rena and Shilo. Walter had 11 great-granddaughters – Brooklyn, Grace, Gabrielle (Andrea); Courtney, Carly (Sheri); Amelia, Audrey (Richard); Madyson, Olivia, Payton, & Charlee (Glenn).
Also survived by brother Victor of Halifax; sister Ella (Cox) of Upper Musquodoboit; and special friend Elma Dickie; and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his wife Lois in 1997; granddaughter Annette; brothers Edson, Lyman, Ray, David, and George; sister Marion (Lemmon); infant sisters Eleanor & Elizabeth. A Celebration of Life will be held Sunday, May 27, 2018 from noon to 3 p.m. at the Best Western Truro – Glengarry, 150 Willow Street, Truro, N.S., with a Special Royal Canadian Legion Tribute Service at 1 p.m. Memorial donations may be made to Royal Canadian Legion Branch 72, Poppy Trust Fund, 8 Great Village Lornevale Rd, Great Village, NS B0M 1L0; Colchester Historical Society, 29 Young Street, Truro NS B2N 3W3; or a charity of your choice. Arrangements have been entrusted to Colchester Community Funeral Home, 512 Willow St., Truro. Online messages of condolence may be sent to the family by visiting: www. Colchestercommunity.com.