W. Bradford Perkinson, 1932-2021
William Bradford (Brad) Perkinson, 88, passed away peacefully at his home in Mesa, Arizona, on Thursday, July 15, 2021, surrounded by his loving wife and children.
Brad was born in Onarga, Illinois, on August 13, 1932, to Pearl Colebank and William Robert Perkinson. His family owned and farmed land in Goodland, Indiana, and Onarga, Illinois, where he grew up learning how to work hard and become self-reliant. The lessons Brad learned, and the characteristics developed, during his early years prepared him to become a successful husband, father, businessman and disciple of Jesus Christ throughout his life. During the Korean War, Brad served in the United States Army and was stationed in Sapporo, Japan. Following his military service, Brad graduated from Arizona State College (ASU) in 1957, where he met his true love Pauline (Pauli) Udall.
Brad worked in the Financial and Insurance Services industry until 1972, when he purchased an engineering photography and printing business with his brother, Bob Perkinson. He worked the rest of his career in the printing and graphics industry, owning businesses in Phoenix, Arizona, and Albuquerque, New Mexico. Brad loved to work. Even more, he loved teaching his children and grandchildren the value of work.
Brad and Pauli celebrated their 63rd wedding anniversary on June 28, 2021. Before marrying Pauli, Brad joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. One year later they were sealed in the Mesa Temple. Brad remained a faithful member of the Church throughout his life. Brad learned early in his life that when he was serving others, he was serving God. He served in many capacities in his community and in the Church, including twice as a Bishop. In 2001, Brad and Pauli served a mission for the Church in Washington, D.C.
Brad served for 25 years in various capacities in the Mesa Temple, including as a Sealer since 2001. Words cannot describe the love and reverence Brad had for the ordinances and covenants taught in the Temple. One of Brad’s young granddaughters once said while passing the Temple, “That’s where my grandpa lives.”
Brad is preceded in death by his parents, Marilyn Perkinson (sister), Barbara Wilken (sister) and Bob Wilken (brother-in-law). Brad is survived by his eternal companion Pauli; seven married children John (Verna), Scott (Suzy), Lisa Blair (Wendell), Amy Kerr (Todd), David (Suzie), Jenet Knight (Greg), and Julia Williams (Todd); 40 grandchildren; and 71 great grandchildren (with another four on the way). Brad also is survived by his brother Bob Perkinson (Carolyn) and many extended family members.
Visitation will be held on Friday, July 23, 2021, at 5-7 pm at the Citrus Heights Stake Center, located at 2549 N. 32nd Street in Mesa, Arizona. Funeral services will be held the following morning on Pioneer Day, July 24, 2021, at 9 am at the same location. The funeral service will also be broadcast via this Zoom link https://zoom.us/j/92312400900. Bunker Mortuary will assist the family with arrangements and services, for which the Perkinson Family is very grateful. The family also expresses special thanks to Hospice at Home of Arizona.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to one of Brad’s favorite charities, a few of which are listed below. Thank you for your love and support.
Wounded Warrior Project – https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/
American Indian Services – https://www.americanindianservices.org/
Sharing Down Syndrome Arizona – https://sharingds.org/
Phoenix Children’s Hospital – https://phoenixchildrens.org/
Helen’s Hope Chest – https://helenshopechest.org/
Oh how we love this dear man. And his beloved wife Pauli. I am thankful for the gospel of Jesus Christ that teaches me that families really are forever. Pauli, and your dear family, please know how much we loved your husband and father. I will miss his smile and I will miss the way I heard him talk about his sweet granddaughter Hannah. He has given me a good advice regarding my nonprofit. He has been very generous to us. He’s so proud of all of his children and grandchildren. May God bless you always. I love what President Nelson said, “ The only way to take sorrow out of death is to take love out of life. “ I am so sad at our loss of his passing but I’m so grateful for the love your family has . Love, Gina Johnson
I have known Brad since I was a teenager! I have loved him since the day we met! I saw him many times in the Temple! He is truly a man that is Christ like! I remember years ago that he did a charity for someone struggling. He always saw the need for others and helped! Prayers are with the Perkinson family! LOVE YOU!
I am grateful for the wonderful example of Brad and all of his family. Our McLaws family are with all of you these few weeks in thought and prayers as you celebrate the life of this valiant man. Hugs to you all. Craig and Barbi McLaws
Brad Perkinson was not only a relative via his beautiful wife, Pauli, but a dear friend to me and my husband Dave. He had a way of making everyone feel good and Dave and I always appreciated his kindness to us each time we would see him. He has influenced many lives and will be greatly missed. I know Dave, who recently passed away, was one, of many, to welcome Brad and express his love to him. I wish to express my love and support to Pauli who I have always admired greatly and their wonderful family. I am extremely grateful for the gospel of Jesus Christ and the gift of the Holy Ghost. They are the greatest source of peace and comfort we have. Love Norma Hastings
Whenever I think of someone who is Christlike, I think of Brad. We loved to see him in the temple. I think his favorite color must have been white. He always had a smile and a friendly hug. We loved how he always had time to speak to our daughter Brooke. We love the Perkinson family. Paul and Debbie Nielsen
I will always remember Brad as the coach of our jr. softball and basketball teams in the old 15th ward . He was always patient and longsuffering with us in the early years when we weren’t very good. He was one of my parents dearest friends. Mom always told us she wanted Brad to speak at her funeral which he did 6 years ago. He will be greatly misses . Our love to Pauli and the kids.
I am so sorry to learn that Brad has passed away. I knew that he was having health issues but totally did not expect this. I go back many years with Brad to when our boys were competing against each other in church softball. To say Brad was competitive would be an understatement. I later enjoyed interacting with Brad when we both worked in the Mesa temple, Brad being a sealer and a frequent patron. He definitely will be missed by all. Thoughts and prayer going to the family!
It was a honor to know Brad! His smile and positive attitude were infectious! He always had a kind word for you, and genuinely wanted to know how you were doing. I’m grateful to have known him! Heaven is a better place. Till we meet again.
Brad was a lifetime friend even though we moved from Mesa to Colorado many years ago. We still kept in touch. I have many memories of going with Brad on camping trips with the youth including going down into the Grand Canyon at the Havasupi Indian reservation. He was always a great example to me of how to engage people in uplifting conversation and of willing serving others. He loved others greatly and especially Pauli. Brad will be missed by us all. My love to Pauli and the family.
It was a very sad day when I heard the news of Brad’d passing. I knew his health was not good but never expected that he would be called to the other side this soon. I was looking forward to seeing him at the Mesa Temple after it reopens. He was a fixture there as we all know. He was our “Sealer” and will always remember his challenge to treat Marcy like a Queen. He is so special to all of our family. Always has a smile and friendly comment for you, whenever we meet. He was our Bishop twice and will remain in our memories as a true friend and brother in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We pray for comfort and peace for Pauli and the entire Perkinson family. They lost a great man. We all did. Thanks Bishop , for all you did as a spiritual leader and Christlike example for us all. Love you.
I’m so thankful for Brad and his thoughtfulness toward me. He holds a special place in my heart and he knows how special. Almost every time I went to the temple he was coming or going. He always took time to give me a hug and see how my sisters and I were doing. His interest was always genuine and his kindness was always appreciated. He made me feel like if I needed anything he would be there for me, which is crazy because I’m not family, yet he made me feel like he was watching over me, as I’m sure so many felt also. Thanks for caring and letting me know❤️
Brother Perkinson/Temple! For me, there was never one without the other. Brother Perkinson was especially gifted at making one feel welcome to the temple and grateful for being there. In my heart, that is where he will stay… smiling, welcoming…as if beckoning me to where he felt I truly belonged. “Greater love hath no man…”
Debbie and I first met Brad and Pauli as we traveled in Guatemala touring Book of Mormon sites. What and unbelievably outgoing and optimistic man, he is truly one of my favorite people.
No matter where we saw Brad he always uplifted us, and everyone he comes in contact with.
He is truly one of the noble and great ones.
I first met Brad almost 50 years ago when our family moved from Scottsdale to Mesa. The first acquaintance was in Rotary, followed by association in church matters, where Carol and I enjoyed a special friendship with Brad and Pauli and our children became best of friends. I have never met a man who was more friendly, more interested in the life of his friends, and who always had a radiant smile. We will surely miss his enthusiasm for life, his friendly greetings and his genuine interest in the life and activities of his many friends.
Bishop Brad was and will always be an example to Cindy and I and to our family of a friend and disciple of Christ. There was never a moment when we met when he did not express his concern for both of our parents and our siblings. As my Bishop and genuine friend, Brad took time to install in me a desire to be a better person and to take real time for others. His concern for me in my youth was indeed a precursor for the choices that I made in early teen years. Such a kind and caring man to both of our families. When you look at the Perkinson family legacy, it is not by chance that two loving parents made such a difference to their children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Dear Pauli – Thanks for the memories! Thanks for being good friends with my parents, Zoe and Wayne Phelps in 21st Ward so many years ago. We love you and pray for a blessing of peace and happiness for you and your wonderful family. — Stephen and Carolei Phelps
Pauline.. The bread mixer that Brad generously gave us over 30 years ago is still going strong! We both had very much respect for each other both personally and professionally. I have fond memories of working with him for the benefit of others.. a good man with a wonderful wife. .Daphne and I will be making a contribution to The Wounded Warrior Project in Brad’s name. Respectfully,Frank and Daphne
Brad has a very special place in the hearts of all the Charles and Harriet Rush family. (On and off the ball field 😁) My parents often talk of the time they were blessed to serve on a mission with Brother and Sister Perk. He always made you feel like family. We love you and will be anxiously waiting for that day when we get to see you again.
Oh how we love and admire dear Brad! When we first moved to Mesa we were sitting by Brad at his granddaughters volleyball game (as well as our daughters), when he found out Daves dad had been Temple President in Washington DC while they served there. He instantly had lots of wonderful stories of working with Daves parents on their mission. He made us feel soo welcome and at home and never missed a chance to greet us with love and affection every time he saw us. I know of many people who had regular calls from brad during difficult periods in their lives. This world needs more men like Brad. He will be soo missed! But his legacy lives on in the wonderful children he and Pauli raised. Until we meet again.
A few months ago I had the privilege of meeting Brad. I had heard about the kind of man that he was prior to that meeting and he certainly lived up to the billing. In the 45 minutes or so that I was able to spend with him I understood why he was so highly thought of. Brad had the rare ability to make you feel that you had known him all your life. When it was time to leave, he got out of his chair and hugged me. I wish we could have had more conversations. People like Brad are rare in that he had the ability to make you want to to go back and spend more time with him. No doubt, I could have learned a lot from him. We’ll have those conversations some day.
We loved Brad so much. Not only were we fortunate enough to be in the same ward…we lived in the same neighborhood with him. Everyone there knew Brad and loved Brad. He truly was the grandfather of the neighborhood!
For the more than 20 years we lived there, one thing you could count on was seeing Brad out for his daily walk. He probably could have got it done in 15 minutes. But Brad had such a love for people that he would stop and visit with each person he saw. That short daily walk must’ve turned into an hour, maybe longer, with his kind, thoughtful visits.
His sense of humor was always on display, if you knew Brad you knew that twinkle in his eye—-and that a smile and a laugh was soon to follow!
His love for the Savior was something you could never miss—-whether he was serving as bishop, before after and during his mission to Washington DC, or if you were just sitting next to him in a Sunday school class.
Thank you Brad for brightening the lives of so many people over a lifetime.
The news of Brad’s death has saddened me. I knew Brad from our service as sealers in the Mesa Temple. During the time that I served as a coordinator in the sealing office, it was not uncommon for Brad to be requested as the sealer for many couples being sealed. He was the sealer of choice for many. It was such a pleasure to know him and to learn from him. He so enjoyed people and it seemed as though he knew most people who attended the Mesa Temple. He certainly impacted the lives of many. That he will be missed is certain. Those who know Brad also know that his next destination is also certain. My heart is heavy as I salute him and join the many who know that he cherishes this next step in his progress.
If you had Brad Perkinson for a friend, you had a friend forever. We will always remember his radiant smile and friendly greeting whenever we met. We first met Brad and Pauli while he was serving as a bishop in the 15th Ward in Mesa. They truly were an exemplary family. Brad’s sincere acts of kindness never went unnoticed, and he had a unique way of making others feel their great worth. Brad’s great and powerful influence will forever be felt.