John Crosbie Perlin CM, CVO, ONL, LL.D.
March 2, 1934 to October 9, 2022
Obituary
For those unable to attend the service for the Late John Perlin on Friday, October 14th, at 11:00 a.m. at Cochrane Street United, may view it by following this link: https://youtu.be/qw89JN242BA
John Crosbie Perlin, CM, CVO, ONL, LL.D., of St. John’s born March 2nd, 1934, passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday, October 9th at age 88. He was predeceased by his loving parents Albert B Perlin and Vera Crosbie Perlin, sister Ann Harvey, brother-in-law Dr. Philip G. Harvey and sister-in-law Jean Perlin. Survived by his brother Dr. George Perlin (Patricia Peppin) special friends Susan Gardiner, Brian Noseworthy, Theo Noseworthy and Debbie Powers as well as numerous relatives and other friends.
Perlin had a storied career in Newfoundland and Labrador and across Canada. For many years he was the Director of Cultural Affairs for his home province appointed by the first premier Joseph R. Smallwood. His responsibilities included running all of the province’s Arts and Culture centers while helping develop and showcase the province’s cultural community to the world.
He would serve as Canadian Secretary to the late Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and served as an advisor to many of Newfoundland and Labrador’s Vice Regal representatives. He coordinated and oversaw many Royal Visits to the province. If the Royal family came to Newfoundland and Labrador John Perlin was called upon to serve. One of his last public acts was to offer public commentary on the passing of Queen Elizabeth II.
There is barely a committee or board in the province or country John did not lend his time to. Even in his last days he was still supporting his beloved Fluvarium and the Rising Tide Theatre among others too numerous to mention though no less important to John.
While he epitomized duty and public service, the importance of which he learned from his parents, he is beloved by so many for his kindness, friendship, mentoring and other support he offered to people. His professional accomplishments are many, but his warmth and decency far surpass the multitude of achievements he had. Perlin was authentic, unique and will not be forgotten.
His family and friends would like to thank Dr. Rebecca Rudofsky for the fantastic care she provided John throughout the course of their time together.
Family will receive visitors at Carnell’s Funeral Home, 329 Freshwater Road, St. John’s, on Thursday, October 13 from 2-5 and 7-9 p.m. Funeral service will be held from Cochrane Street United Church, 91 Cochrane Street, St, John’s, on Friday, October 14 at 11 a.m.
In lieu of flowers donations in John’s memory can be made to The Vera Perlin Society https://veraperlinsociety.ca/index-html or The Fluvarium https://fluvarium.ca/.
Schedule
Visitations
2-5 p.m. on October 13, 2022
7-9 p.m. on October 13, 2022
Carnell’s Funeral Home
329 Freshwater Road
View on Map
funeral
11:00am, Friday October 14th
Cochrane Street United Church, 91 Cochrane Street
Condolences to his family and his friends
I am so very saddened to learn of John’s passing
My heartfelt sympathy goes out to all of the family
Your letter was very much appreciated Susan. Thank you
Esther Farr
We are saddened to hear of John’s passing. He was our friend for more than 60 years.. First met while stationed at the U.S. Naval Base in Argentia. Jean and I will miss him – he was a true gentleman and a true friend. May you rest in peace John.
I have known Mr Perlin from his days at the arts and culture centre and more recently when he came for care at the aquarena.
.l admired his courage in the face of physical disability. He was always dignified personable and a fountain of historical knowledge. We reminisced about the second world war.. l would tell him how much l had enjoyed his Dad’s CBC program
He told me how grateful he was for the support he was receiving from the Crosbie family. John had my respect and admiration. He will be remembered!
We were sad to learn that John had passed away. He was a lifelong family friend, generous, kind and a true gentleman.He loved our city and province and gave much of his time and effort to foster the growth of his fellow citizens, especially our arts community. We will all feel his loss.
We extend our condolences to John’s extended family and friends and to all those who loved him.
Gordie & Eileen MacNab
Our condolences to the family and friends of John Perlin , sorry for your loss .
I remember John Perlin so well from NTTC’s season in the Basement Theatre in the winter 1975. John not only gave us space in the basement of the Arts and Culture Centre but frequently welcomed us into his office to share his philosophy of inclusion: “if a play has a role for a bunny and 50 children want to be bunnies the play will have 50 bunnies.” Not as simplistic as it may seem. Because there were so many aspiring bunnies in Newfoundland in 1975. Many Newfoundlanders and as many from away. It was an exciting time in theatre in Canada and twice as exciting in Newfoundland. And so it was also complicated. John easily negotiated the complex space between Newfoundlanders who rightfully took centre stage and non-Newfoundlanders who wanted to be included. I never felt anything but welcome by John Perlin who also (very bravely) included us in theatre parties in his home. He was an open, generous gentleman and I am the better for having known him.
Well, he certainly lived life to the fullest on his own terms. His support for the crown was unwavering & stronger than any resident of the UK. He constantly donated his time to charitable organizations throughout the city. John was a good friend to many & great supporter of many more. He will be missed for all his contributions to the province of NL. Godspeed.
I only met John in person once. He was very kind, generous, and supportive. Our conversation was incredibly interesting and wide-ranging. He was an amazing person. I was very privileged to have been able to spend time with him, talking to him about his life, and recording his thoughts about his illustrious career. He will be missed.
Sincere Condolences to the Family of John Perlin.
Regretfully I am unable to participate in the Regatta Committee’s Honour Guard. I do know this quiet tribute reflects the deep Respect our membership holds John’s contributions to the Regatta.
May he Rest In Peace.
John worked on many Committees in and for Newfoundland and Labrador. I worked on Royal Visits with John as well as Rising Tide Theatre Board, and St John’s Days. It was a pleasure and fun to work with him. Rest in Peace, John. Edna Hall and Kevin Pittman
My previous comment went prematurely!
John would certainly be amused and forgiving.
Always helpful with worthy causes and their protocols. Always candid. John will be missed by NL.
Sorry to hear of JCP’s death. Cultural Affairs was fortunate to have had him at the helm, as were those of us who worked with him daily. He steered a good course and has earned his rest. Sincere condolences to all.
John was a kind person and a true gentleman who always had something interesting to say. He was our next door neighbor for decades and a friend to generations of our family. He will be missed and remembered on Bonaventure Avenue. Condolences to his family.
R.I.P. Mr. Perlin
Very saddened to learn of John’s passing.l He and I were early school mates and while we went deferent ways it was always a such a pleasure meet again a renew our friendship. John did much to make this world a better place. He will be missed but well remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him
Bob MacLeod
The Knights, Dames, Members and Friends of The Military and Hospitaller Order of Saint Lazarus join me in expressing our condolences on the death of our confrere and, in many instances, our mentor. He served loyally and provided sound advice to many facets of the work of the Order. His unfailing courtesy and generosity will long be remembered as an example of chivalrous behavior. We are saddened by his demise but grateful for the gift of his life of service
Dame Jane Anema
Grand Prior
I was saddened to learn of John’s passing. My sincere sympathies to family and friends.
I enjoyed many wonderful games of bridge with John. He dearly loved his egg sandwiches!
Three no trump to you John.
With many memories
Marilyn Hollett
John was a remarkable and generous human. He was a tireless advocate and supporter of many causes across the province and country. I was so impressed with how he shared his wisdom and wit with others through mentorship. I will greatly miss our chats, and his candour and humour. May he rest in peace and may we all be inspired by his dedicated life of service.
My deepest sympathy to the family. Mr. Perlin, was my first boss when I started work at the Arts & Culture Centre in 1974. He was an utmost professional at all times and extremely fair. There were two of us in the office and each morning he dictated letters alternating to make sure we kept up our skills. When I left he wished me the very best. I have very fond memories of my time working in his office. The province has truly lost an icon.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and many friends of Mr. Perlin. We will remember him well as one who naturally engaged with royalty, leaders and the rest of us, often on the same day. He had a “wicked” sense of humour and always loved a chat with the crowd. His kindness and character were his trademarks. God bless Mr. John Perlin!
I was so saddened to hear of John’s recent passing, my heartfelt sympathies & condolences are with John’s friends & family. May his spirit and joy for life never be forgotten.
To John’s family I extend my deepest condolences. I came to know and fully appreciate John through my relationship with him in Rotary. I helped him in some small way in the “Duck Race” a fundraiser for his beloved Fluvarium . John was the quintessential Newfoundlandlander, loyal and faithful to the province he truly loved. He was nature’s gentleman. May God hold John in His eternal peace.
Kevin
My condolences to Johns family. I first met John in 1969:as one of a group of “theatre rat’s” who spent most of our teen years at the St. John’s Arts and Culture Centre. John always treated us with respect and humor and endured our many antics as we rehearsed for various productions. John never forgot our names and years later when most of us were mature adults we joked about those younger days. He will be missed
John was an institution in and of himself. He dedicated his entire life to serving others , never complaining , always striving to make his country and his province a better place.
I will forever cherish and remember fondly his quick wit , the twinkle in his eye, his delight in sharing news and his vast knowledge of all things St.Johns.
Rest in peace dear friend.
Steve and Wanda Belanger
My deep condolences to John’s family and special friends. For a number of years family and I lived across the road from John at Hogan’s Pond and we spent many a sunny afternoon chatting about mutual friends and acquaintances and the world’s goings-on. Most recently we shared email conversations. He was so kind, humour filled and keenly interested in everyone, and in his beloved Newfoundland.
My deepest condolences to John’s family. I had the profound pleasure of having John as one of my best and favourite customers at my SDM location in Churchill Square. It was a delight to welcome him into the store with Good morning Mr Perlin which he responded with to you it’s John. We had many conversations over the years , ones that help me through my business career. His humour, his zest for life were only a few of his outstanding attributes. The many tickets I bought on the Fluvarium Duck race when he come into the store and with a tinkle in his eyes he would say Good Luck friend. I think he was totally surprised and maybe a bit jealous when one time I won the second place prize. He retorted maybe we should have put the number back and do a redraw with a a sly look. All in all, a great man and gentleman, one who will be greatly missed. RIP John my friend
Our deepest sympathy to John’s extended network of family and friends who cherished John’s friendship and and saddened by his passing.
We have lost a very devoted citizen , a good man and a cherished. friend of many years.
John will be remembered for his remarkable generosity in sharing of his time and many talent throughout his life.
Our children and many other young friends will remember John for his sense of humor, his mentorship, his kindness and his remarkable ability to to young people.
We are fortunate to have known him. and to have so many wonderful shared memories of a special friend.
Shannie and Frank Duff,
Frank jr./Suzanne, Siobhan, Stephanie and iain .
Rest in peace dear John.
We send our deepest sympathies to John’s family and friends. We are grateful for the evenings spent chatting with John enjoying his stories and great sense of humour at Susan Gardiner’s home. John always had a twinkle in his eye! He will be sorely missed.
Sending my condolences to the family and friends of John Perlin. I had the pleasure of working with John. May he rest in peace.
My heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of John Perlin, a man who knew no bounds when it came to a passion for philanthropy and a love for St. John’s and this province. Grateful for his long list of contributions. May he rest peacefully.
Sorry to hear the news about John. May you have comfort in knowing that you have family and friends who share your sorrow for he was a real gentleman.
John has been a life long friend and his kindness, understanding and fun loving good humour will long be remembered. I am so grateful for all his help and support in so many ways. Rest in Peace Dear John, you will be sorely missed.
Sincere Condolences to all his family,
with Love and Prayers.
Sorry to hear of John’s passing. I have fond memories of him, our conversations and his kindness. Condolences to John’s family and friends.
John was a fine individual in so many ways. Always friendly and ready to serve his community. He will be dearly missed. Rest In Peace friend John! Sam & Eleanor Walters
I have known John Perlin since 1974. We have developed a very special friendship since then.
My wife Carmen and I even spent some time at his cottage back in 1992, and our son Patrick and wife Caroline were so impressed with Dr. John when they met him in St. John’s a few years ago..
We miss you already, dear John. Rest in peace, and have a good Visit with our beloved Queen Elizabeth II.