Rick Perrigo passed away at age 72 at 3:48 am on May 15, 2017 in Las Cruces surrounded by his loving family. Rick attended high school in Milwaukee, Oregon and was a track runner. He later took college classes while serving his country in the Air National Guard (ANG). Following in his father's footsteps Rick served 13 years in the ANG as a Weapons Maintainer and was stationed in Portland, OR and Spokane, WA. Rick and Cheryl were happily married on March 24, 1986 in Eugene, Oregon.He was a banker and realtor for most of his career and his biggest frustration was stupid people. Rick's favorite hobbies were cars, woodworking (making furniture), RVing with Cheryl, fishing and crabbing in Oregon, and his favorite 6 shooter. Rick was a member of the Free Masons and the Rotary Club. One of Rick and Cheryl's favorite stories was when their granddaughter Gracie let her grandpa know that he was too old to learn Spanish. Gracie was 5. Rick's favorite pet is Miss Gypsy Rose Lee who he fondly named after a famous Burlesque Dancer. As most of his family and friends know Rick had the need for speed and while driving 160mph in his 1966 Jaguar XKE he was questioned by the police on the off ramp and explained that he was just "cooling off his engine." Surprisingly, no ticket was issued. Rick's car passion started at his first job washing cars, and in his 72 years on this earth Rick owned over 90 vehicles. He successfully cursed his son Bret with this same passion. Cheryl will always have cherished memories of she and Rick RVing throughout the western United States at mostly normal speeds. Rick's love of life, thoughtfulness, and generosity were shared with family and friends. His organization of always memorable Independence Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas gatherings were attended by numerous family and friends, and created a special social network where everyone is family. To this special extended family his love goes out to all of you. Rick's charisma, twinkling eyes (especially at pretty girls!), and winning smile will be sorely missed by all that knew him.Rick is survived by his beautiful wife Cheryl Lynn Perrigo; his four children Rich Perrigo (and wife Brandi Perrigo), Wade Perrigo, Bret Perrigo (and wife Michelle Perrigo); Nathan Smith; and grandchildren Mick Perrigo, Matt Perrigo, and Gracie Perrigo. Rick was born on October 13, 1944 in Oregon City, Oregon and is the son of Clyde Richard Perrigo and Marjorie Elizabeth Perrigo. Rick is one of four children to include Dianna Strowbridge, himself, Steve Perrigo, and Chris Perrigo. A Celebration of Life Party will be held at a future date. Arrangements are with Getz Funeral Home 1410 E. Bowman Ave., Las Cruces NM 88001. Please visit
www.GetzCares.com to sign the local online guest book.
You can to the family or in memory of Rick Perrigo.
Guestbook