The Council Room

[Mike Freeland]

I was just informed that Perry Neilson, who spent summers at Wyanoke from 1965 through 1971, died recently after a five-year battle with ALS. Perry was one of Garth's and my proteges - a shoe-in for taking over as director of the Wyanoke trip program. However, he took his hiking, camping and other outdoors skills to Camp Kehonka, where he did direct their trip program for years. We were sorry to lose him, but Kehonka badly needed someone of his caliber, and they were fortunate to get him.

John, his brother, sent this obituary a few minutes ago.

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Robert Perry Neilson Jr. (“Perry”) of Morristown passed away peacefully March 9, 2021 at home with his family. Perry courageously fought his battle with ALS for five years. He was 66 years old. Born in Boston to the late Robert Perry Neilson and Joan Garvin Neilson. Beloved husband of Kristina Kiernan for 29 years and devoted father to Kevin Kiernan Neilson(25) and Caroline Patricia Neilson(20). Brother of John G. Neilson of Ossipee, New Hampshire.

A graduate of The Rivers School in Weston, Massachusetts, Perry went on to Williams College to study History, Economics, and Geology, graduating in 1977. Perry then embarked on a year-long trip around the world with his best friends, touring 21 countries, including Nepal, Kashmir, Australia, New Zealand, and Papua New Guinea. Upon his return from this worldwide expedition, Perry began his professional career with the Hines organization in Houston where he learned commercial real estate development from the best in the business. In 1984, Perry was accepted into the first class of Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Center for Real Estate Development (CRED), graduating in 1985 with a Master’s degree in Real Estate Development. Career opportunities included assignments in Atlanta, Boston, and Westchester County, NY. Perry went on to become Director of Real Estate for Sony Corporation of America at their New York City headquarters.

Perry met the love of his life, Kristina, at a dinner party hosted by her cousin Sarah. The next day Kristina left for Hawaii on a two week business trip. Perry got in touch with her office to determine her itinerary and Fedexed her a gift of golf balls and a guide book to Maui. She was five thousand miles away but all Perry could think about was when he would see her again. Their romance flourished despite their high pressure jobs with busy travel schedules. Their wedding at St. Rose of Lima, followed by the reception at Baltusrol where he was photographed on the 18th green with his new bride, was indeed one of the happiest days of his life.

As a young boy, he spent countless summers on Lake Winnipesaukee, NH as a camper at Camp Wyanoke. Perry was also a counselor for many years at Camp Kehonka leading hiking trips in the White Mountains. An enthusiast for the outdoors, Perry was an avid hiker, skier, rock climber, photographer, and golfer. Perry was a member of Morris County Golf Club and served on the board of the Academy of St. Elizabeth Parents Association. A loyal fan, Perry’s voice echoed throughout the stands at Delbarton and the Academy of St. Elizabeth with creative chants and encouragement for his children and their teammates. In 2018, Perry was awarded Parent of the Year at the Academy of St. Elizabeth. He also served as the President of the MIT Club of NJ, along with serving on the board of the Dartmouth Club of Suburban NJ. While he held many titles throughout his life, his favorite title was and always will be “Dad E.”

Perry was an inspiration to all. In the face of unimaginable adversity, he approached each day with a smile and a positive attitude. He was immensely grateful and always optimistic. His positive spirit was indomitable. Naturally charismatic, Perry brought his kindness and selflessness to everyone he met, excited to make a difference and to connect with those around him. Perry was a friend to all he met, and cherished relationships with his many lifelong friends. His love and devotion for his family was unmatched. Perry touched the hearts of everyone he met and shall be missed dearly by one and all throughout the world.

Due to the Covid pandemic, a private burial will be held. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Gladney Center for Adoption (https://iamgladney.org/support-gladney) or Lakes Region Conservation Trust (https://lrct.org/join-support/donate-now/). A wonderful celebration of his life is being planned for the summer once we are able to gather again in large groups.
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'56-C-9 C. Mosher '57-C-9 Bill Feaster
'58-J-14 H. Peavy '59-J-11 G. Wood, C. Duncan
'60-S-8 R. Leavitt, D. Hemphill '61-S-1 E. Slocum
'62-JA-1 H. Dunbar '63-C-2 (JC)
'64-C-5, (JC) Councilor
'65-C-9 '66 - '72-J-8
'73-JA1 '75-J-6

[Alan Neagle]

I remember Perry. If I remember correctly we were tent mates in J8 with Kevin Ryan and Ben Badger councilor and junior councilor 1965. Everything Mike said about his character is true. I never remember him saying anything negative about anyone. I will remember him.
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Alan Carter Neagle