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Perry Orlando Gooch
Perry Gooch
Posted
Perry Orlando Gooch, our beloved husband and father, passed away in his sleep while at home in Fountain Hills on Nov. 16, 2015. He was born on May 10, 1939 in Phoenix to Annalee Green and Arlo Orlando Gooch. Perry was the oldest of five boys. He attended Phoenix Union High School before serving an LDS mission to the Northern States for two years.
Perry attended Arizona State University where he served as student-body vice president and received a Master’s Degree in Educational Psychology from the University of Utah. During graduate school, he met Margaret Turner of Heber City, Utah, who later became his wife. They were sealed in the Los Angeles California Temple and together they raised three children.
Perry’s successful sales career involved travels throughout the world. As an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, he served faithfully in numerous positions including bishop. As an environmental advocate later in life, he earned a PhD in Environmental Agroecology. He founded an NGO and worked internationally promoting sustainable farming practices.
Perry volunteered in the community as a Master Gardener and his yard always blossomed. He was an avid sports fan who enjoyed playing golf, tennis and attending sports events and rooting for ASU and University of Utah.
Perry is survived by his wife, Margaret Turner Gooch, of 46 years; son, J. Christopher Gooch (wife Rachel); daughter, Elizabeth G. Charles (husband David); daughter, Megan G. Hoybjerg (husband Christian) and his 10 grandchildren. Also surviving are three brothers, Richard, John and Jim Gooch all of Phoenix metropolitan area. Perry is preceded in death by his mother, father and brother, William (Bill) Gooch.
Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 21, at the LDS Church 15507 East Bainbridge Ave., Fountain Hills. The family will be accepting condolences prior to the services from 9 to 9:45 a.m.
Perry will be interred at the Heber City Cemetery in Heber, Utah. Condolences and memories are gratefully accepted at perrygooch.blogspot.com
