Friends gather to say goodbye to Meredith Perkins (VIDEO)

“And remember, my sentimental friend,” says the Wizard to the Tin Man, “a heart is not judged by how much you love, but how much you are loved.”

By that measure, Meredith Perkins was much loved, as attested by the capacity crowd at the celebration of Meredith’s life. It was a clear day, and beyond the wide glass walls and terrace, the Rio Hondo Golf Course sparkled, all gentle knolls and curves, with trees in every shade from pale lime to dark summer green.

“Welcome to the house that Meredith built,” said former mayor Mario Guerra, opening his arms to the vista before us.  Meredith Perkins spearheaded the drive in the 1990’s to tear down the old clubhouse and build a contemporary event center that could be an attractive money-maker for the city. It is constantly booked, for meetings, parties and weddings.  Rebuilding the golf course made it a prime draw, and dues from out-of-city players help pay for it, as Meredith foresaw.

Friends of all ages filled the Bob Winningham Banquet Room, and extra tables had to be brought in and set up. This contemporary-design event center is designed to take advantage of the endless natural view, and it is surrounded by ample parking accommodations. Servers brought extra tables to seat all comers. I think I got the last parking space, and the last seat at a table, and I came early.

There was a full YMCA table in honor of fellow board member Perk, with former Chairmen of the Board Tod Corrin and Charles Gregorio. Former Executive Director Lori Tiffany, now tanned and retired, and Martha Medford Sodetani and son Gordon were there, with Juan to represent the maintenance staff. 

There was no need to try to tie all the Downey people there with phases of Perk’s life, because in Downey the boundaries blur when it comes to volunteering. For example, Gigi Perez-Saab, school board member, former Chair of the Y Board and Soroptimist, and husband, Kiwanian and former mayor Alex, were with the Y group. School board member Nancy Swenson arrived, and former mayor Rick Rodriguez, looking hale, and Janet Hare Molinaro.

Sam Matthis, Perk’s fellow Optimist and active with the Foundation for Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Hospital, was another Perkins connection. Every year the Optimist and Soroptimists of Downey sponsor the Pumpkin Patch, a free Halloween evening of hot dogs and costume parades where Downey families can enjoy themselves in a safe outdoor setting, and Sam and Perk always made an appearance.                

The event was chaired by Greg Perkins, Meredith’s son, and I was sitting with Matt Knox and his family, friends of Greg’s family. The crowd was young, not just the older stalwarts of Downey. I had come to write a story about Perk’s life, but it had already been written by Perk himself, and everyone there   already knew it. Tables of memorabilia, like Perk’s Lynwood High sports uniform shirt, were displayed by the windows, next to a prized plaster bust of Abraham Lincoln.

Meredith instigated so many good changes for the City of Downey like the skate park that now bears his name. His friends, too numerous for me to know them or name them all, were there to thank him. Dress was casual but a number of the men looked smart in a suit, and there were a good number of masks worn during the program.

 “Perk was a nuts and bolts guy, who wanted to know how things worked,” said former Mayor Keith McCarthy, who remembered Perk from City Council days in the ‘90’s. Perk’s attention to small details, like being city liaison to the County of Los Angeles’ Sanitation District, Vector Control (pests and bugs capable of transmitting diseases), and SEAACA (Southeast Area Animal Control Authority) showed he cared about creatures and comforts, small items, but you would know if they weren’t being properly managed.  Burying the Edison power lines along Imperial Highway is another hands-on beautification project from Perk to Downey.

“Perk was my friend,” said Mario, there with his wife Ann. “He was kind, humble, decent, and honorable. He was a good and faithful servant.”

Mario had the room laughing with the pleasure of remembering good times with Perk, but at times some were close to tears.  

From left: Kirk Cartozian, Mario Guerra and Meredith Perkins in 2014.

“Perk was always Big Guy to me,” said co- presenter Kirk Cartozian, “a sweet, kind soul. He was funny, generous, caring and always thinking of others. He may have called himself ‘The Little Guy,’ but he’s always been ‘The Big Guy’ to us.  We have to remember, good things come in small packages.”  

The buffet demonstrated just that point: not a brunch, not a lunch, but many small delicious hors d’oeuvres: bacon-wrapped wild scallops; Brie and apple phyllo kisses; and mac and cheese panko croquettes. The carvery table did serve full-size turkey slices, and there were sauces and gravies to compliment the pastas.  Fruits and cheeses galore.

A sweet final touch was the table set with elegant crystal jars filled with wrapped candies, and bags to put them in, and a tall epergne of chocolates.  

“We had a Candy Bar on my dad’s 80th birthday,” said his son Greg, “and it seemed natural to have one now.”

Hector de la Torre with wife Christine, and Bill and Mary deWitt, came from neighboring South Gate. “He gave you this beautiful place,” said Hector. “He was always showing up and wanting to help.”

Dorothy Pemberton remarked on how humble Perk was, and yet how his life touched so many of us. The present mayor of Downey, Claudia Frometa, closed the program by saying how much Perk’s words of wisdom guided her when she was first elected to the City Council.

“Now I know I have a heart,” the Tin Man says as Dorothy is saying goodbye to Oz, “because it is breaking.” A bundle of energy and cheer was Mayor Perk, as his friends and family remembered him and came together to celebrate his well-lived life.