Arthur Perkins (9 Feb 1928 - 12 Feb 2018)

Location
The City of London Crematorium - South Chapel Aldersbrook Road Manor Park E12 5DQ
Date
26th Feb 2018
Time
12.30pm
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Location
Golden Fleece 166 Capel Rd Manor Park E12 5DB
Date
26th Feb 2018
Time
2pm

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Arthur Perkins, who recently celebrated his 90th birthday, died of a heart attack on 12 February at 2.15pm in Hammersmith Hospital, London, with his two sons present. He had been suffering from dementia for several years.

Arthur was born in Southwark, London, on 9 February 1928 to Bill and Grace (Dawson) Perkins. He had a brother, Bill, who died a few years ago. Bill married and had a child Karen. Arthur spent many happy times in Sheffield and the surrounding countryside when he visited Karen and her family.

One of his proudest moments as a child was passing the 11-plus exam. This allowed him to attend Westminster City Grammar School. A grammar school education led to him following a career as an architect.

Living his teenage years during World War Two, he experienced the horrors of armed conflict. This led to him wanting a life of peace. He was a socialist/communist from a young age and set up a branch of the Young Communist League at school.

In the 1950s, he took many trips to Europe to attend the Festivals of Youth for Peace. These occurred in various cities throughout Europe including Prague, Berlin, and Bucharest. In 1955, it was held in Warsaw. It was at this particular festival that he met Nadia Larking.

They were married in 1958 and had three children: Andy, Lizzy, and Ben. Later in life, he was blessed with three grandchildren: Sam, Daniel, and Hannah.

Arthur thought that being married and having kids was the culmination and happiest time of his life.

During his 50s, he started to explore a spiritual life. He had two spiritual teachers: firstly, Swami Muktananda and after Muktananda died, Adi Da Samraj. He made many friends in the community of Adidam. He loved his spiritual teacher deeply and for many years, lived a life of devotion and service.

Arthur was a gentle man and a generous one. He enjoyed hilarity and silliness, and could easily bring a smile to your face. He was also considerate and thoughtful. He was well travelled and loved meeting new people.

He will be greatly missed.

Alex Gibson posted a picture
Mates! Alex with Arthur in Greece 1989

Mates! Alex with Arthur in Greece 1989

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Arthur of Arabia x

Arthur of Arabia x

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Tina Jess posted a picture
Arthur enjoying a comradely day out - calling for fairness for all

Arthur enjoying a comradely day out - calling for fairness for all

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Arthur calling for fairness and dignity and enjoying being with comrades.

Arthur calling for fairness and dignity and enjoying being with comrades.

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Tina Jess lit a candle
Stephanie Prior wrote

Sorry I can't be with you all in person but will be thinking of you all. Arthur had a profound and lasting effect on my thinking and personal development. My mum Eileen sends her love and sympathies too xxx

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Stephanie Prior lit a candle
Lizzy Perkins posted a picture
Nats, Arthur, and George in Sheffield

Nats, Arthur, and George in Sheffield

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Lizzy Perkins posted a picture
Arthur on a visit to Karen and family

Arthur on a visit to Karen and family

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Lizzy Perkins posted a picture
Arthur in Yorkshire visiting Karen and family 2010

Arthur in Yorkshire visiting Karen and family 2010

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Lizzy Perkins posted a picture
Arthur and Karen 2010

Arthur and Karen 2010

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Lizzy Perkins posted a picture
George and Arthur 2008

George and Arthur 2008

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George and Arthur 2010

George and Arthur 2010

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Lizzy Perkins posted a picture
Sam and Arthur with fireworks

Sam and Arthur with fireworks

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Lizzy Perkins posted a picture
Arthur, Daniel, and Hannah with fireworks

Arthur, Daniel, and Hannah with fireworks

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Lizzy Perkins posted a picture
Nadia, Sam, and Arthur on the pier in San Francisco 2009

Nadia, Sam, and Arthur on the pier in San Francisco 2009

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Lizzy Perkins posted a picture
Nadia and Arthur in Armstrong Woods, CA, 2009

Nadia and Arthur in Armstrong Woods, CA, 2009

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Lizzy Perkins posted a picture
Nadia, Sam, and Arthur at the Jewish Museum in San Francisco 2009

Nadia, Sam, and Arthur at the Jewish Museum in San Francisco 2009

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Lizzy Perkins posted a picture
Arthur and Kelly out on the tiles 2016

Arthur and Kelly out on the tiles 2016

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Lizzy Perkins posted a picture
Arthur, Nadia, Kelly, Sam, and Lizzy - San Francisco 2009

Arthur, Nadia, Kelly, Sam, and Lizzy - San Francisco 2009

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Lizzy Perkins posted a picture
Nadia, Lizzy, Arthur, Ben, and Sam early 1990s

Nadia, Lizzy, Arthur, Ben, and Sam early 1990s

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Lizzy Perkins posted a picture
Andy and Arthur sporting fine noses

Andy and Arthur sporting fine noses

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Lizzy Perkins posted a picture
Arthur and Sam with some of the Adidam community late 1990s

Arthur and Sam with some of the Adidam community late 1990s

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Lizzy Perkins posted a picture
Arthur contemplating the woods in California 2009

Arthur contemplating the woods in California 2009

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Lizzy Perkins posted a picture
Sam and Arthur 2009 in San Fran - action shot!

Sam and Arthur 2009 in San Fran - action shot!

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Lizzy Perkins posted a picture
Kelly and Arthur on the way to hospital appointment eating at Garfunkels

Kelly and Arthur on the way to hospital appointment eating at Garfunkels

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Kathy Hulme wrote

Thank you Arthur, for not chucking me out when I landed up in Wild St for a summer. I never forgot your tolerance and kindness and have only fond memories of you.

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Kathy Hulme is attending the reception
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Lizzy Perkins is attending the funeral and the reception