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WILLIAM (CLYDE) PERRY
Date of Passing: Oct 13, 2024
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryWILLIAM (CLYDE) PERRY
Clyde Perry died peacefully on Sunday, October 13, 2024 two months and three days short of his 100th birthday. If he was writing this obituary, it would simply say “Clyde died.” He definitely did not want a funeral or any flowery accolades. But he would love those who remember him fondly to raise a glass in his honour.
Clyde was predeceased by his first wife, Audrie; as well as his three siblings, Thelma, Helen, and Dorothy. He leaves behind his three daughters, Donna Robertson (Murray), Cathy Cable (Doug), and Susan Keith (Ron); six grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; as well as nieces and nephews. He was a beloved Poppa to his grandchildren, especially Gillian and Daniel Keith.
Clyde was born at the Lakehead (Thunderbay) but grew up on the mean streets of downtown Winnipeg during the depression. In 1943 he joined the Royal Canadian Navy to "help make the world safe for democracy" but also to get a warm coat and new boots. He always appreciated the Canadian government veterans’ support program which enabled him to complete his education.
Clyde went into teaching and was a long-term employee of the Winnipeg School Division where his last assignment was as principal at Tec Voc High School. He loved working with young people and was a great support to many. He touched many lives with his generosity, kindness and common sense all in the name of "just doing my job". His impact on some may never be known by most. He was a good man even though he would often drop a sharp F into his conversations, a habit he picked up in the navy.
Even though Clyde did not play team sports he was a firm believer in the value of sport for young people. He worked tirelessly to foster the growth of basketball in Winnipeg. He organized, refereed, and even coached basketball at the high school level. His efforts in this area were recognized when he was inducted into the Manitoba Basketball Hall of Fame.
Clyde enjoyed snooker, bridge playing, bowling and took up golf in his retirement where he was known for having a sweet swing. He spent many happy hours at Niakwa golf course until his foursome dwindled into a onesome. He enjoyed conversation and sharing ideas and was frustrated in his later years when his hearing loss made listening to others difficult for him.
He will be greatly missed by his second wife, Jill Fox; their housemate, Karla Yallits; and their two dogs, Henry and Oliver. He was a sweet man, a loyal friend and a great companion. An energetic force for good in this world. Rest well, my love.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 19, 2024, Oct 19, 2024
Condolences & Memories (19 entries)
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I had already graduated from Sisler High School when my girlfriend at the time encouraged me to enroll in Tec Voc partially for the music program, but mostly for the advertising art program, which was the strongest in the city at the high school level. I was introduced to Mr. Perry and was immediately enrolled. I don't recall ever filling out any paperwork! Fast forward to today and now I'm working for a creative agency on Wall Street in Manhattan and owe much of that to him. Thank you Mr. Perry, you were a good man. - Posted by: Kevin Barclay (Student 1985) on: Aug 18, 2025
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My sincere condolences to the family for your loss. - Posted by: Michael Nickerson (Former student ) on: Nov 13, 2024
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Clyde was a wonderful person and educator, always encouraging, supportive, inspiring. Without his mentoring I wouldn’t have completed high school! Rest in peace☮️🥃 - Posted by: Colin Sanders (Former student, Youth Re-entry and Argyle.) on: Nov 10, 2024
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Mr. Perry! Oh my, what a lovely man.... even when I was in high school at Tec Voc, in the mid 70's I knew how lovely he was. He was funny, he was caring, and he knew, I swear, the name of every student in that school (and there was like 1000 of us). Rest peacefully Clyde. xo - Posted by: Kathy Magnusson (Student @ Tec Voc) on: Oct 29, 2024
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Clyde entered my life 50 some years ago when, as a very young teacher, I passed him in the hall of Andrew Mynarsky school and he greeted me with “how you doin’ champ!? In my insecurity I found the greeting a patronizing condescension. It was only later when he was the Principal of Argyle Alternate School and I was a “seasoned” teacher of 2 years that I got to really know him and realize that, to Clyde, everyone was sincerely a “champ”. He was a good man. - Posted by: Allan Collier (Acolyte) on: Oct 29, 2024
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We were so sorry to learn of Clyde’s passing. Our deepest and sincere condolences to you. (And Carla as well). Miki and Ken - Posted by: Miki & Ken Stewart (Friend) on: Oct 27, 2024
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Mr. Perry was a fixture in my teen years while attending Tec-Voc. While it seemed that Mr. Perry could be stern and rigid, when we students actually delved into it, it always came from a place of caring and of being in our interest. Winnipeg has lost a person that has literally touched and inspired the lives of countless people. R.I.P - Posted by: Joe Diniz (Past student ) on: Oct 24, 2024
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What Clyde did for Tec Voc after he came on board in the mid-1970s was so massive, impactful, and long-lasting, it will never be forgotten. One of the first things he did was hire the late Ric Bender as the boys basketball coach and I hesitate to think what direction I might have gone in life, were it not for those two and how they re-made Tec Voc. I'll always be grateful. https://theprairiemaritimer.com/on-dying-grief-postscript/ - Posted by: Jerry Iwanus (student) on: Oct 24, 2024
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I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Clyde was a very caring and interesting principal. I worked with Clyde as his school secretary for many years. He was and always will be remembered as one of the best principals Tec-Voc ever had. Rest in peace. - Posted by: Beverly Boklaschuk (Friend) on: Oct 24, 2024
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I am a friend of Jill’s. So sorry for your loss Jill- Clyde was lucky to have you in his life. 🤗Yumi - Posted by: Yumi Falk (Friend) on: Oct 22, 2024
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Although I had the fortune to meet Clive on a couple of occasions my association was through Jill and thus I simply wish to pass along my condolences to Jill initially and wish her well but of course to all the family who will miss his presence greatly. Michael - Posted by: Michael Stuart (Friend) on: Oct 20, 2024
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My fave principal in the whole world and I will miss him to the moon and back and Rest In Peace Mr. Perry and you were a great person, sweetheart and I will never forget you and you always made it worth coming to school everyday and you were so kind and a very very nice caring man and my deepest condolences to your family and dogs 🐕 and you will be missed and always loved! 💔💔😢😢🙏🙏love your former student Sherri Mayne - Posted by: Sherri Mayne (Good friend ) on: Oct 20, 2024
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He remains one of the most influential men in my life til this day. I was very sad to hear this, may you go on, and be the man you were, in my heart, and in my mind forever an angel sent, 💗💋see ya on the flip side Mr.P Tec Voc Student 1980🥂 - Posted by: Lori (Student) on: Oct 20, 2024
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I recall stories of Uncle Clyde as a rebel growing up and then becoming a teacher. Lots of fond memories of him and Auntie Audrey when I was young. He gave the toast to the bride at my wedding 60 years ago. I always marveled at his stories of former students who kept in touch with him long after they had graduated. He was a legend at Tec Voc. He had a great wit and was some times sarcastic but most importantly he really cared about people. I always looked forward to a visit with him over lunch at Niakwa or wherever, each summer when I would be back in Winnipeg. I am blessed to have seen him this past August. Thank you Jill, for your wonderful care of Clyde over the years! RIP Uncle Clyde, Barb - Posted by: Barbara Hartwell (Niece) on: Oct 20, 2024
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Clyde Perry helped me to become one of the first students at Argyle Alternative School (Youth Re-entry). He recognized something in all of us that, while not fitting the mold of regular schools, could flourish in a different atmosphere. This group produced artists, renowned musicians, teachers and at least one politician. Thank you, Clyde for believing in us. May your memory be a blessing. - Posted by: Maureen (Former student) on: Oct 19, 2024
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Clyde Perry was my phys-ed teacher in the late 50s at Isaac Newton. He had a reputation at the time for being quite tough. He obviously enjoyed a successful career and a long life. - Posted by: Ernest Babynec (Former student) on: Oct 19, 2024
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Mr. Perry was not just the Principal he was the General Manager. He was always walking around the school checking on students and their well being. If you were not in class and seemed to be loitering around he would give suggestions as to what you should be doing. I got kicked out of school 1981 (for skipping out) and he promptly got me back in. He never gave up on me, which I never forgot. For this I am truly grateful. Mike Boyd. - Posted by: Mike Boyd (Former student of TEC VOC) on: Oct 19, 2024
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Mr. Perry was the coolest principal (Tec Voc High School), awesome man, many fond memories of him. - Posted by: Carmina Hiebert (Alves) (Student) on: Oct 19, 2024
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You’re in our hearts and thoughts Jill❤️. We thought Clyde was a lovely man. Jim and Lynn. - Posted by: Jim and Lynn Baker (Friends) on: Oct 19, 2024
