Olive Muriel "Mickey" Perkins

October 29, 1934 - July 2, 2024

In loving memory ~

Mickey passed away gracefully on July 2, 2024 in Grand Forks, BC with her loved ones by her side.

Born at home on the family farm in Manitoba in 1934 Mickey and her three younger siblings (Roger, Doug and Leona) were very close. As the oldest, she was always in charge. She did her first two years of school in Grandview boarding with a host family at six years old (only coming home on the weekends). The family moved to Burnaby in 1945. Whether it was riding on horseback to elementary school with her brother Doug in Dauphin, MB or leading the group on bikes down Kingsway in Vancouver (a dirt road at the time), the many stories of her younger years always added colour and laughs to family gatherings.

Mickey moved the family to Christina Lake in 1967 and the community quickly became home. Mickey worked incredibly hard to provide for her kids, taking on three jobs to purchase a home on the lake with two cabins, which she rented out in the summer for extra income. As a single mom, she was fiercely independent, smart and incredibly determined.

She met Dick Perkins in 1972, which was life-changing for them both. Together, they were an outstanding team in business and in the kitchen. Mickey was a solid cook in her own right but her and Dick took it to the next level, entertaining family and friends over a meal and a glass of wine. As the two of them neared retirement, they took the opportunity to travel. They spent time in Salt Lake tracing Dick's family tree. They bought a 5th wheel and explored the Eastern United States visiting Civil War battle grounds. As a couple, they covered many miles, going to games in every single NFL stadium (and even a few Super Bowls). After all those games, Mickey became a football fan. One summer Mickey and Dick, did a bucket list trip up the Alaska Highway all the way north to Tuktoyaktuk and eventually into Alaska, covering the content from tip to tail. They made multiple trips to Hawaii, Thailand and continued exploring until Dick's passing in 1999.

She was very fortunate to meet another wonderful partner, Chuck Salisbury, in 2004. Chuck and Mickey spent 16 winters in Yuma where Chuck promised he'd take her dancing every day; and he did. They made many wonderful friends while down South that they looked forward to seeing each winter. Her and Chuck continued traveling to New Zealand, Australia, China and Canada's East Coast as well as cruises to Alaska, the Panama Canal and other destinations. When Chuck's health declined and they came back to Grand Forks permanently where they continued to dance in the kitchen. Mickey and Chuck were beautiful dancers. Family was important to them both and their two families blended extremely well. After he passed, Chuck's family remained close to Mickey still calling weekly just like when their Dad was alive.

In 2005 - 2006 she passed her love of exploring onto her Granddaughters, gifting them both a trip around the world for one year. They in turn framed a map with all of their stops on it, which hung in her office where she enjoyed it daily.

Mickey was blessed to have her family live close to her. She was able to see her kids, grandkids and great grandkids often and was incredibly proud to watch them all grow up. She remained a first class entertainer, hosting family dinners, tea with friends, cooking and baking with the inspiration of her vast cookbook collection.

Mickey lived life to the fullest right to the very end. In June, she flew to Prince George and then onto Mackenzie to attend the graduation of the Salisbury triplets. Mickey had a passion for sewing her whole life and had spent her final months making the girls a set of quilts, which she proudly gifted to them. She came home exhilarated from the journey and wanted to plan another road trip back for the whole family. Right up to the very end her spirit of adventure shone brightly.

She is survived by her three younger siblings, two brothers Doug (Carol) Shannon, Roger Shannon and her sister Leona Collins and their families, her three children; Pam (Gord) Smith, Doug (Sandra) Walter, Kirk (Wendy) Walter and children (Devon, Kelly and Kevin), her grandchildren Robyn (Travis), Stacey (Julian), Steven and Brayden, great grandchildren Lucy and Tripp, and her Salisbury family. She will be remembered by her family and friends for her vibrancy, elegance and determined spirit.

No flowers requested, please make a donation in Mickey's name to the charity of your choice.

Funeral services will take place on July 27, 2024 at 11am at Sacred Heart Church in Grand Forks.