F. Michael Perkins
June 28, 1935 - July 17, 2012
F. Michael Perkins
6/28/35 – 7/17/2012
I had a good go with very few regrets.
Born in Salt Lake, moved to Boise and returned to Salt Lake where I grew up in a pretty rough area of South Salt Lake. Moved across town where I attended East High then on to the U where I obtained a Mechanical Engineering degree while enjoying the amenities of Beta Theta Pi fraternity house. Then touring much of Europe when the prices were low and the esteem for Americans high.
Had a lot of luck along the way. The best (while living in San Francisco) was meeting and marrying my soul mate, companion for 48 years, “scuba buddy”, wife, and best friend Marina. We lived in some interesting places including New Orleans, Orlando, Dallas and LA while raising two attractive, talented and well educated daughters – Michelle and Monique. Also Jo Forcade has entered our life whom we view as our daughter-in-law. Have two outstanding grandsons Nicolas and Alexander. Marina and I are extraordinarily proud of our daughters (including Jo) and our grandsons.
Had good and interesting jobs along the way and was lucky to mainly have good bosses. My early career days were involved with Saturn/Apollo programs and the many then highly classified programs underway in the 60’s & 70’s (U2, RS70, Spy Satellites etc.). During the 70’s I ran a construction company and the 80’s were spent in the new world of robotics. Late in my career I was lucky to become a trader in the huge 90’s bull market where every day was an exciting challenge.
Just a few months ago I thought I had plenty of time to deal with my “bucket list” since I was bike riding and working out regularly, but Pancreatic Cancer sneaks up silently and kills quickly. Adios all I leave behind!
I came. I did what I could. I left without much ado.
In Loving Memory
I was sad to see Mikes obituary. I hope you are all well, my families thoughts are with you all during his difficult time.
Dee Nendell
Murray, Ut
Dear Marina and the Perkins Family, I was very saddened to learn of Mike's passing. I appreciated his friendship and support at the Cottonwood Club very much. I've known you and Mike for many years; and it has always been a pleasure to be in your company. Please accept my sincere condolences. I wish you peace.
Brad Beutler
Sandy, Ut
Dear Marina and Family: We were saddened to read about Mike's passing. What a great guy. I think he wrote his obituary and low balled some of his best features. I remember him with Don Irvine in the construction company that he had and all the good times we had hunting. He will be missed by all of his friends and his calm demeanor was infectious. You are in our thoughts and prayers during his difficult time.
Dr. and Mrs. Jim Pickens
Sandy, Ut
Marina & family: We just learned about Mike, what a shock. We had such great times with you two at the club and otherwise. Mike was such a fun guy. His last words were so powerful, makes you think about the future. Your dive cruise stories were delightful Our thoughts are with you and your family. Thanks for being such great friends. Love, Neal and Dianne
Neal and Dianne Beal
Holladay, nan
Our sincere condolences.
Wally and Karen Wright
Salt Lake City, Ut
I want to thank you for your kinds words. Mike will be missed by all of us.
maria perkins
nan, nan
I was sorry to see Mikes obituary. We were two of four close friends at East High. At the U of U two of us pledged Sigma Chi and Mike and the 4th friend pledged Beta Theta Pi. So I didn't see him as much. We both majored in Mechanical Engineering. As I read his obituary I find that we followed different, but similar paths in our careers. Mine took me to three industries and eleven states. His was similar, although our paths never crossed after college. I won't forget him. I wish you the best in your new lives.
Steve Gleave
Phoenix, AZ
Thank you so much fo your kindness. I will miss him so much. Knowing that he had so many friends makes our family s happy.
Marina perkins
salt lake city, nan
R.I.P. F. Michael Perkins
Christopher L. Perkins
Ketchum, Id
Marina, we are so sorry that this is so late, but we just found out about Mike! We had so much fun with you and Mike on our dive adventures, and what great memories we have of you both; we have really missed seeing you on our dive trips the past few years. I'll never forget Mike's jokes about "spooks" and his patience in trying to explain to me the concept of short selling. What a wonderful man and what a wonderful couple you made. Please accept our sincerest condolences. Again, we are so sorry to have missed the funeral.
Randy & Terri Ludlow
Salt Lake City, UT
Marina, Michele & Monique: I am sorry for your loss. I just found out about Mike's passing. He was a good man and a very intelligent man yet he had a great sense of humor. Family always came first to him. Again, I am sorry for your loss.
egis perry
Salt Lake City, UT