Lyle Richard Perkins

Lyle Richard Perkins, of Milton-Freewater, passed away on September 30, 2023. Born on September 26, 1958, to Robert Quentin Perkins and Bethine Mae (Mock) Perkins, Lyle was the cherished youngest of five children. Despite initial resistance from his older brother Bill, who was initially hesitant about welcoming another sibling after three sisters, Lyle's arrival was celebrated, especially since his father had playfully convinced Bill that another boy in the family would be great.

Raised near Milton-Freewater, Lyle's childhood was filled with adventures, from hunting and fishing to water skiing. His academic journey took him from Tum-A-Lum Elementary School to McLoughlin Union High School. A fond memory from his school days at Tum-A-Lum was a baseball game he pitched, with Bill umpiring, where he notably struck out three players who were swinging at every pitch.

Lyle's industrious nature took him to Anchorage for a summer job crafting and painting totem poles. However, his most significant professional venture was alongside Bill, as they co-owned and operated Perkins Brothers' Builders for over four decades. Their hard work was evident in numerous projects, from building numerous homes and the Toy Quest store in Alaska to Hiromi's House in Waitsburg (initially created for his daughter-in-law, Hiromi, and grandchildren while his son, Michael, was deployed in Iraq), and various buildings for farmers in the Milton-Freewater Valley. Lyle's dedication to quality often led him to decline jobs to deliver superior work over sheer quantity.

Outside of work, Lyle and Bill shared a passion for motorcycle racing, participating in various events across the U.S. Their adventures ranged from trials and motocross to cross-country races and enduros. Notable among their racing escapades was a 2000-mile race in Nevada (the Nevada 2000), which they won alongside Pat Sams, though not without its memorable incidents.

Lyle also embraced his wife's love of travel and enjoyed many vacations in the United States and abroad, including Germany, France, Holland, Luxembourg, London, Japan, and of course, many trips to Mexico and Canada. He has an upcoming trip planned for the Bahamas. Lyle and Marci's newest adventure has been taking their RV around the state, visiting with family and friends. Lyle's last weekend was spent camping at Camp Murray, Tacoma, WA. He was able to celebrate the Tough Mudder Finishers, Michael, Nicholas, and nephew Austin, as well as celebrating September birthdays. That weekend he was able to teach his grandson to fish and, despite the rain, brought in quite a catch!

As an engaging storyteller, Lyle always had the family rapt with his tales and photos during dinner. His love for mules, dogs, and storytelling was only surpassed by his generous and playful spirit. He often lent a helping hand, such as driving Bill to every eye appointment in Portland for over a year.

Lyle is survived by his loving wife Marci, his children Michael (Hiromi), Nicholas (Raelynn), and Armelia (Michael), and siblings Bill, Patsy, and Norma. Five grandchildren: Anastasia, Christopher, Benjamin, Sophia, and Alyssa. He leaves behind many families and friends who will miss his lively stories, multiple pictures on his phone, generous heart, and ever-present smile.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Herring Groseclose Funeral Home. Friends and family are invited to sign the online guestbook at www.herringgroseclose.com.