Arleigh Perkins passed away peacefully on January 4, 2022, at her residence, in Winnipeg, Manitoba. She was surrounded by her family and dear friend, Mary Braun.

 

She is survived by her sons Casey (Sheryl), and Stephen (Deborah); grandchildren Alex and Holly; nieces, nephews, and many good friends in Canada, the United States, and New Zealand.

 

Arleigh was born in Winnipeg on Feb 20, 1933, to Stephen and Isabella Perkins and was the youngest of four children, Isabel, Georgina, and Stephen.

 

Following her graduation from Daniel McIntyre Collegiate, Arleigh worked in numerous and varied jobs most recently as a bookkeeper for the accounting firm of Dean R Jenkyns. She was a long-time volunteer with the Red River Exhibition and a member of the Eastern Star, serving as its Worthy Matron for a time.  She had a passion for music and loved to sing and entertain, which she did often throughout the years. Her knitting skills were legendary, and she donated countless mitts, scarves, and toques to children in need.

 

As a young adult, a sense of adventure led Arleigh to live in Seattle and Las Vegas. Upon her return to Winnipeg, she met Bill Porter through their common interest in competitive roller skating. They were married for 17 years. Bill’s military service took them to live in various eastern Canadian cities, before settling back in Winnipeg to start a family.  

 

Roller skating took Arleigh to New Zealand as a coach in later years. She made many friends while living there and reconnected with Harry Tomlinson, an ANZAC airman whom her family had billeted during WW2. Their romance ended too soon when he passed away suddenly before they were able to start their lives together. Following this unfortunate turn, Arleigh returned to Winnipeg a final time.

 

Arleigh enjoyed many animal companions over the years including two engaging chihuahuas that befriended many of her condo neighbours. Her most recent furry friend, a cat named Missy was by her side to the end. During her retirement, Arleigh set about writing her life story. She wrote hundreds of pages documenting her many adventures, loves, losses, challenges, and successes—a precious gift to her family.

 

Arleigh was rebellious, stubborn, loving, generous, adventurous, and determined. In her later years she battled against several ailments with the support of family, care workers and especially her friend Mary. She faced her final moments with courage and dignity. 

 

A family gathering of remembrance and celebration will be held later in the year.

 

Arleigh’s family kindly requests that all of her friends and relatives take a few minutes to honour her memory by watching the photo-biography above. Please, also consider sharing your own photos, memories, and stories by making use of the comment section on this page.

 

Donations on Arleigh’s behalf may be made to the Winnipeg Pet Rescue Shelter.