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Grandison K.M. "Grandy" Perry had a full life, making friends at his kamaaina family's Willows restaurant, working in travel, politics and real estate, and avidly pursuing sports interests. Make-A-Wish director
‘Grandy’ Perry diesHe will be honored at the
worldwide Make-A-Wish DayOBITUARIES
By Mary Adamski
Star-BulletinIn recent years, as an officer and director of Make-A-Wish Foundation, Perry worked to bring joyous highlights to the lives of dying children.
He believed that "even though they would be short lives, there's no reason why they shouldn't be full," said his companion, Louise Cavanagh.
Perry died Feb. 10 in Queen's Medical Center at the age of 69.
"He benefitted thousands of kids," said Ron Haranda of the Make-A-Wish Foundation Hawaii board of directors.
"He spent a large percent of his waking time on foundation business at the national level, as well as locally. He was an organizer type of guy," Haranda said.
Perry was instrumental in setting up the endowment that funds special events or trips for an island youngster with a terminal illness, granting the wish of about 40 local children each year.
"He'd do anything -- lick stamps or lead through strategic planning," Haranda said.
Perry's contributions to the worldwide organization will be marked at the April 29 Make-A-Wish Day at The Hague, in the Netherlands. The display will include quilt squares contributed by 72 affiliates; the American entry will be dedicated to Perry.
For many years he assisted his mother, Kathleen McGuire Perry, in the management of the family-owned Willows, which was sold in 1980 after her death.
He was employed by the "Hawaii Calls" radio show -- his father Al Kealoha Perry was musical director -- and by Pan American World Airways for 10 years.
Perry was a legislative researcher and assistant to the state Senate president in the 1970s.
He also worked for J.M. Urner Realtors, Pono Realty and Independent Travel Makers of San Francisco.
A dedicated amateur golfer, Perry was elected to the World Golf Hall of Fame after scoring his fifth hole-in-one, and he went on to shoot a sixth. He also participated in deep-sea fishing tournaments.
Perry served on the board of the American Cancer Society Hawaii branch and was active in other organizations.
He was born in Honolulu and attended Punahou School.
He is survived by his companion, Cavanagh; son, Mark; daughters Kathy and Robyn; stepdaughters Vickie Munoz and Kristi Perry; and four grandchildren.
Graveside services will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday at Hawaiian Memorial Park. The family asks that aloha attire be worn and flowers be omitted.