 Memorial page: Soldiers' Last Salute
Memorial fund created for families
By Scott Ishikawa
Advertiser Staff Writer
Derek Kanoa, a former classmate of Army helicopter pilot Chief Warrant Officer George P. Perry, believes his friend is flying in a different place now.
"I know he’s looking for that helicopter in God’s arsenal ... and that he’s clearing the way for us right now," Kanoa said. His friend Perry was among six Army soldiers who died in a crash of two Black Hawk helicopters Monday evening in Kahuku.
Family, friends and co-workers honored the 41-year-old Perry at funeral services yesterday at St. Stephen’s Church in Nu‘uanu.
An American flag was draped over his casket, which was flanked by several wreaths woven with carnations and anthuriums. An estimated 200 people listened to family and friends reminisce about the 1977 St. Louis High graduate and Army pilot.
Perry, who grew up in Hawai‘i and played linebacker for the Crusaders football team, had transferred back to Hawai‘i about a year ago.
His commander, Army Lt. Col. Paul Disney, said Perry’s positive work attitude and competitive spirit were seen in all aspects of his life, including tournament basketball games.
"He was the best player and athlete on the court ... he never stopped running up and down the court for 45 minutes," Disney said. "George was not the biggest or fastest man on the court, but simply played with more heart and desire than anyone else. It helped to see clear who George was and why he was so successful on the job.
"I will remember George as a great friend, a wonderful husband, a loving father and a true professional in every sense of the word," Disney said. "A role model for us all to emulate. He will never be forgotten."
Father Allan Nagai described Perry as "absolutely unselfish, always concerned about others and always thinking of others."
"He was not self-centered, but Christ-centered," Nagai said.
Perry’s younger brother, Gregg, said his brother would have been humbled by the turnout at his funeral.
"He wasn’t a flashy type of guy. He would have been very humbled by how sincere everyone was," Gregg Perry said.
Gregg Perry said his family wanted to express condolences to the families of the other victims.
"Our hearts go out to all the families affected by this; we feel for their loss," Gregg Perry said. "If George were standing here, his first thoughts would be with the others as well."
Perry is survived by his wife, Lovie; sons Michael and Daniel; parents Lawrence and Beverly; and brothers Gregg and Geoffrey. Burial services will be at 11 a.m. tomorrow at the Hawai‘i State Veterans Cemetery in Kane‘ohe.
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