Feb 28, 2022
Peter Perkins, a former Co-owner and Senior Partner of GLP passed away on January 25, 2022. Here we celebrate the tremendous impact he had on the people of Vermont through his work with Global Learning Partners.
We invite you to leave a comment below to join in the celebration of Peter’s life and work.
A Tribute from Andrea Van Liew
Peter Perkins, known by many as a kind and loving human, lived into the core principles that create the foundation for Dialogue Education: Safety, Respect, Relevance, Inclusion, Immediacy and Engagement. Peter was my guide, friend and mentor.
I was blessed with opportunities to learn and work with Peter here in Vermont. He always encouraged me to tell a good story and listen deeply to what emerged. Peter offered a powerful question like a gift to be unwrapped, admired, considered, and then grappled with. The result was new and shared meaning, like water and wind re-creating the beach with each tidal cycle.
I cherish the memories of meeting Peter at a favorite café to plan a learning event; and always to connect and share a good laugh. I miss Peter and his humor, wisdom, smile, and whole heartedness. I know Peter touched many hearts and minds.
In this video tribute, you will hear from a few Vermonters who are grateful to have known Peter.
A Bird’s-Eye View
The map below charts a few of the many organizations that Peter worked with in Vermont throughout his career.
Obituary
Peter John Perkins, 66, of Calais, VT passed away on January 25, 2022 at Woodridge Nursing Home in Berlin, VT.
Peter was born on December 5, 1955, to Harold and Beverly (Schmale) Perkins, in Beloit, WI. On August 22, 1992, he married the love of his life, Susan Wahlrab. Together, they had three boys – Forrest, Grayson, and Jules.
Peter was a man who loved life, and would live everyday to the fullest. His favorite thing to do was to go for a walk in the woods and be surrounded by the beauty of nature. He would go sailing the coast of Maine with his men’s group, and troll around Curtis Pond for a sunset gin and tonic. As long as he was on the water, he was happy.
Peter loved caring for his land and being on his tractor doing yard work. He could be found dancing to bluegrass and jazz music, or going on a road trip as he did with Forrest all the way to Oregon. During his life Peter traveled the world, visiting Italy, Nepal, Thailand, Honduras, Germany, Russia, Canada and much of the US. Peter loved his Green Bay Packers and the Boston Red Sox. He would always enjoy throwing the ball in the yard with his sons and going to the Maple Corner Whammy Bar for some live music.
Peter grew up a farm boy, one of 9 children, Penny, Janie, Jim, Joe, Sara, David, Patrick and Lynn. He was raised Catholic and would remain spiritual throughout his life. Peter enhanced the lives of many, many people through his career – first as a Vermont and national leader in adolescent well-being and drug abuse prevention, and later as a founding co-owner of Global Learning Partners (see this recent tribute to Peter for highlights and photos).
Peter was predeceased by his parents, Harold and Beverly Perkins; as well as his son Grayson.
Survivors include his wife Susan, and his two sons – Forrest and Jules.
A private burial was held for family at Robinson Cemetery on January 28, 2022. Online condolences may be left at www.guareandsons.com.