Perry, Roland “Rollie” Arthur, MD – 81. With deep sadness we announce the death of Rollie Perry, age 81, on February 25, 2016, after a long battle with Lewy Body Dementia. Beloved husband, father and grandfather, Rollie passed away peacefully with Ira, his devoted wife, at his side.
Rollie is survived by his loving wife of 37 years, Ira (Buhot) Perry; children, Julia (Bert) Brown, Craig (Stefanie) Perry, and Brad Perry and his five grandchildren, Kaitlyn, Taylor, Justin, Jakob, and Austin; mother-in-law, Valentina Buhot; sister-in-law, Irene (Raymond) Perry and many nieces and nephews as well as his former wife, Elaine Byers.
Rollie was predeceased by his parents, Albert and Agnes (Hope) Perry; brothers, Raymond (Irene) Perry, Laurence (Myrtle) Perry, and Ronald Perry in infancy and sisters, Anita (Leo) Boland and Inez (Stan) Smith - all of Halifax.
Rollie was born in Halifax on October 21, 1934. He grew up and was educated in Halifax - a city he loved. He attended Chebucto Road School, graduated from Queen Elizabeth High, obtained his Bachelor of Science in 1957 from Dalhousie and graduated with a degree in Medicine from Dalhousie Medical School in 1961.
In 1962 Rollie went into family practice in Rockingham where he was a respected and much-liked doctor for the next 15 years. Rollie was asked to become a part-time Medical Examiner for Halifax in 1964. This became a full-time position in 1977.
In 1984, Rollie became the first Chief Medical Examiner for NS. He was involved in many high-profile investigations including the Westray Mine Disaster. Rollie “spoke for the dead” and his sincere compassion was greatly appreciated by many families of the deceased.
Rollie was as senior officer of the National Association of Chief Coroners and Chief Medical Examiners and a board member and past president of the Nova Scotia Medical Legal Society.
Rollie was doggedly passionate about seatbelt safety. He helped the Insurance Bureau of Canada in their program “Seatbelts Save Lives” on 1980. He was on the leading edge of the Premier’s Subcommittee on Highway Safety. He provided a considerable service to the cause of motor vehicle safety in Nova Scotia.
Rollie liked to share his knowledge and was a good teacher. He was appointed assistant Professor of Pathology at Dalhousie medical School in 1988. Rollie served the citizens of Nova Scotia with passion and dedication for 31 years.
Rollie was a natural born athlete who quickly became a local sports star. Rollie played for the Halifax Monarchs for several seasons and in 1953, he played semi-professional ball for the Halifax Cardinals. He played left-wing for the Halifax Toppers. Rollie went on to play Varsity Hockey for the Dalhousie Tigers for 4 seasons. Rollie was a member of Ashburn Golf Club for over 50 years, served on the Board of Directors and practiced when he could no longer play.
Multi-talented Rollie enjoyed working with wood. He made executive antique cars and toys. For nearly two decades, Rollie made toy trucks for the Parker Street Food and Furniture Bank. Rollie and Ira were active members of the Nova Scotia Wildlife Carvers and Artists for many years
Rollie loved to make people laugh. He loved music, was an avid reader and enjoyed TV. He liked exploring Nova Scotia with his family and enjoyed family gatherings. He had a fondness for animals – specially his stray cat “Puss”.
Rollie touched many lives. He was an original. A fated meeting between Rollie and Ira became a 40 year partnership of love, support and humour. Rollie loved his children and grandchildren and always gave them unconditional support. His quick, dry wit, determination, compassion, and sense of justice live on in them.
The family wishes to express special thanks to the wonderful staff on the 3rd floor of Arborstone. The extraordinary dedication, thoughtful and passionate care and wonderfully positive and cheery demeanor provided Rollie with tremendous comfort in the last months of his life. Special thanks to Tammy, Roselyn, Carol-Ann, and Jeff for their continual support. Thank you to Dr. Dan Reid, Dr. Ken Rochwood, April Negus and Dr. Meehan.
Rollie’s brain has been donated to research and cremation has taken place. By request there will be no visitation. A Celebration of Rollie’s Life will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Dalhousie Research Foundation – Neurological research or the Alzheimer’s Society of Nova Scotia.
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