In Memory

Robert H. Perry

Robert H. Perry

 

Judge Robert H. Perry, 68, passed away on December 20, 2011 at Renown Medical Center after a long battle with heart disease. He was surrounded by family and friends.

Bob was born in Salem, Oregon to Mary Neiswender. He grew up in Topeka, Kansas and graduated from Topeka Central High School in 1962. Bob enlisted in the Marine Corp right after high school and always felt the Marines got his life moving in the right direction. He was appointed to the Naval Academy from the enlisted ranks of the USMC and honorably discharged in 1967. He received his BA in 1968 and His Juris Doctor in 1973 from the University of Kansas.

Bob moved to Reno and was admitted to the the Nevada Bar in 1974. He was a deputy district attorney for two years. For 29 years he was a successful plaintiff's attorney. Bob worked for several firms before branching out into private practice in 1988. He worked tirelessly for the "little guy" and was highly respected by his peers and voted Trial Lawyer of the Year for the State of Nevada in 2004. He was a member of the American Board of Trial Advocates, the American College of Trial Lawyers and received a U.S. Congressional Recognition among many others. Judge Perry was appointed to the Second Judicial District Court in 2005 and was re-elected in 2008. During his judicial career he oversaw many high profile cases including the murder trial of James Biela.

Judge Perry was held in high regard for his work ethic fairness, and pathological preparation. He had a keen intellect, dry sense of humor, and treated everyone with kindness, compassion and respect. The two great loves of his life were the law and his children. He wanted to make a difference in the world and he succeeded in large and small ways.

Bob is survived by his two children, Samuel and Camille Perry. The family would like to give special thanks to Jan Stewart and all the doctors and nurses who cared for him during his lengthy illness. A memorial service will be held on January 13, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. in the ballroom of the Joe Crowley Student Union Building at the University of Nevada. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Big Brothers Big Sisters in Judge Perry's name.

Published in Reno Gazette-Journal from January 8 to January 11, 2012