Media Release

For Immediate Release

February 29, 2008

PERKYNS, Richard John Hardy

PERKYNS, Richard John Hardy - 75, Blandford, passed away Thursday, February 21, 2008, in the QEII Health Sciences Centre. Son of the late Charles and Muriel Perkyns, Wootton, Isle of Wight, England, he was educated at Newport Secondary Grammar School and King's College, London University.

There he obtained a B.A. Degree with Honours in English Language and Literature, a B.Ed., and Ph.D. For the latter he wrote the intensive study "The Impact of the Expressionist Movement on British and American Drama and Theatre Practice."

After teaching in higher education in England, he emigrated to Canada in 1969 to take up an appointment in the English Department at Saint Mary's University, where he remained for almost 30 years, rising to the rank of Full Professor.

He instigated and developed courses in European, British, Canadian and American drama, overseeing the acquisition of relevant library materials, and an extensive video collection. He wrote widely on Canadian theatre, editing "Major Plays of the Canadian Theatre, 1934-1984" and writing "The Neptune Story-Twenty-Five Years in the Life of a Leading Canadian Theatre."

As an active member of the Association of Canadian Theatre History, he contributed articles to "Canadian Drama" and to "Theatre History in Canada."

Throughout his life he was involved in community theatre as both actor and director. Over the years, he was associated with Theatre Arts Guild, Saint Mary's University Drama Society, Pier One Theatre, and Halifax Independent Theatre. After his retirement to Blandford, he joined Chester Drama Society, appearing on stage and directing two productions at Chester Playhouse. He was a member of St. Stephen's Anglican Church in Chester, and of Writers' Federation of Nova Scotia. Richard is survived by Dorothy, his wife of 52 years; daughters, Ruth (Karem) Simon, Charlottetown; Rachel (Dwight) Siemens, Duncan, B.C.; son, John (Jane), Houston, Tex.; granddaughter, Emily; grandsons, Matthew (Amy), Joshua, Stephen, Nicholas, and his sister, Audrey, Morpeth, England.

He was a devoted husband, brother, father and grandfather. Richard never missed an opportunity to support family and friends in their endeavors. He will be remembered for his kind, gentle and generous nature, his warm sense of humour, and his great love of gardening and animals, especially his dog, Charlie.

Cremation under the care of Donald K. Walker Funeral Directors (469-5601), Dartmouth. Private family service has already taken place, and a memorial and thanksgiving service is planned for a future date. Donations in Richard's memory may be made to a charity of choice. On-line condolences may be sent to: donaldkwalker@accesswave.ca

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For More Information:

Paul Fitzgerald
Public Affairs Officer
Saint Mary's University, Public Affairs
(902) 420.5514
E-mail: paul.fitzgerald@smu.ca
www.smu.ca