Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Marshal Perry,
On today, the 100th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of St. Helens.

BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol(Retired)

November 22, 2024

Rest in peace Marshal Perry.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

March 30, 2022

Jesus Christ proclaimed, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons [children] of God.” [Matthew 5:9]

Chaplain Steven R. Closs, D.Div, MSBS, NCCA
Ordained/Licensed Independent Christian Clergy
Merrimack, NH 03054

Captain Steven R. Closs (Ret.)
Nashua NH Police Department

February 22, 2021

It did not seem that long ago when Officer Eric Bunday and I discovered your line of duty death that was long forgotten. It has been 95 years since your death, but your memory and legacy will never be forgotten. I will never forget. Continue to rest in peace my brother officer.

Sr. Trooper Randall Fargher (Retired)
Oregon State Police

November 23, 2019

How nice of you to honour this young man for serving his community.

scunningham citizen
none

November 22, 2015

Marshal Perry:
In a few days I am going to retire with over 30 years of
service. One of the most rewarding events of my career was the discovery that you had died in the line of duty and it went un noticed for over 80 years. I was so honored to research the event with St. Helens Police Officer Eric Bunday and participate in your ceremony that you so much deserved. I am so happy that your two son's, Robert and George before they passed away got to know the hero that you were. I will never forget you and the ultimate sacrifice that you made. During my retirement photographs one is taken next to your memorial marker. God bless you Marshal Dale Perry

Sr. Trooper Randall H. Fargher
Oregon State Police

November 25, 2013

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 87th anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater, PPD, eow 4/24/05

November 22, 2011

I'm sorry I didn't leave my annual posting on the 22nd, Dale. I may not have done it on time, but you are still on my mind constantly. You know that both of your sons, George and Robert, joined you in Heaven this past year. I had the opportunity to speak with your grandson Matthew on the telephone a few weeks ago. He's an optometrist with his own practice. You would have been very proud of him, as I know you would have swelled with pride over the many accomplishments of George and Robert.

For one man to leave such a legacy behind on Earth is something most of us can only dream about. You lived your life to the fullest, and your sons did the same. They served their country admirably during the Second World War, and they continued to serve their community after they returned from combat. A sergeant with Columbia County SO told me once that George, who was a teacher of his many years ago in Portland, made him into what he is today. To hear people speak of your sons so glowingly makes me proud for you.

I wish I could have spent more time with George and Robert in their final years. I spoke many times with Robert after the inquiry into your death was complete, and I grew very fond of him. I regret that we were never able to play 18 holes together. I hope you are happily taking my place as you play some wonderful course with him now that you are together again. I miss Robert deeply, as he was the closest thing I had to knowing you. Speaking with Matthew, however, showed me that your spirit is still very much alive. He had that same bright, vibrant personality shining through in his voice that Robert had, and I know that he inherited that quality from you.

You are missed, Dale. Even if it's only by me, you are deeply missed. I know, however, that it's not only me that misses you. An entire city still misses you 84 years after you died. Your legacy will never die. Rest in peace, Dale.

Sergeant Eric Bunday
Hillsboro Police Department

December 1, 2008

Rest in Peace Sir

Pat Van Den Berghe, Manchester, NH
Neighbors for a Better Manchester, NH

November 29, 2007

It's been 83 years today since you left us, Dale, and I still think of you every day. I'll go by your grave later today before I head into work to visit you. I wish so much that you could have seen the incredible men that George and Robert became, but I know you knew they would turn out the way that they did because they were your sons. It's amazing how much they both resemble you. There is a photo of Robert from the late 1930s at St. Helens High School, where you are both members of the athletic hall of fame. The photo looks almost exactly the same as you did at that age.

Even though I don't work in Columbia County any longer, I still call the area home. Every time I drive past the location of your crash, I think of you. I wish I knew how it happened exactly. We learned so many things about your incredible life and the tragic way it ended, but I doubt I'll learn exactly what happened until you and I meet in Heaven.

You are and always will be my brother. You left an incredible impression upon the city of St. Helens. So much in the area bears your legacy. From the many legendary athletic feats at SHHS to the Cedar Ridge Sports Camp in Vernonia to your memorial in McCormick Park, the many things you touched in both life and death still bear your impression. I will visit you every November 22nd until we are able to meet.

Officer Eric Bunday
Hillsboro Police Department

November 22, 2007

Rest in Peace Motorman. You are not forgotten.

Motor Officer Danny Johnson
Metro Nashville Police Dept.

November 28, 2006

It has been 82 years today since you left us, but not a day goes by where I don't think of you. Randy and I went to your grave today, and we left some things there that we thought you would appreciate. We are making sure that you will never be forgotten. While we were there, we met the widow of a great nephew of yours you were never able to meet. She told us what a fantastic family you had and the wonderful things they have accomplished over the years. You never knew it, but your younger sister ended up being the first female superintendant of schools in our county. She accomplished this feat in an era when this was rare.

Everyone who knew you and loved you misses you deeply, even now so many years after you left this earth. I continue to be impressed by your sons and the legacy of yours that lives on through them. I know they miss you very much. I thank God that I was able to learn of you and your tremendous life. It was a life cut far too short, but you lived more in your 29 years than most of us can do in 80.

Though I have left the St. Helens Police Department for the Columbia County Sheriff's Office, I will forever take pride in knowing that you and I served the same city.

Deputy Eric Bunday
Columbia County Sheriff's Office

November 22, 2006

Marshal Perry, it's a sign of the tremendous respect we have for your sacrfice that two of your fellow officers in 2005 would go to such lengths to make your story known. I read the full article in the local papers and heard about the memorial service downtown held by the City of St Helens. Thanks to you and everyone who's come after you, St Helens is an idyllic place to live.

Jon Peahl

November 2, 2005

Whether you served 80 years ago or 80 years from now, you are still my brother. Eight months ago, I knew nothing of you. Now I feel as if I have a fine understanding of just what a tremendous man you were. You brought two amazing sons into this world, and they have done you proud in their lives. While I wish with all my heart that you had not perished at such an early age, it was truly the greatest honor of my career to have been one of the officers who looked into the crash that claimed your life. I hope that one day we are able to meet in Heaven, so that I can shake the hand of a man I admire so deeply. Rest in peace, Dale. You will be forever missed.

Officer Eric Bunday
St. Helens Police Department

October 17, 2005

I am very honored to have discovered and help research the tragic death of Marshal Dale Perry. Even though you had been forgotten as a fallen hero for over 80 years your day has finally come. Marshal Perry was a strong, dedicated, and loyal guardian of our community. After his death The legacy and strength of Marshal Perry continued through his two young son's who both were B-17 bomber pilots during World War II. I am so honored to have participate in a memorial ceremony for the two son's who are now in their 80's to remember their father. As mentioned in the bible, there is no greater love than he who lay down his life for his friends. Marshal Perry you will never again be forgotten and may you rest in peace.

Sr. Trooper Randall Fargher
Oregon State Police

October 12, 2005

Marshal Perry,
It has taken over 79 years, but you are finally being honored. I would like to say thank you for your service to the citizens of St. Helens.

R.I.P.
Anonymous

October 8, 2005

MARSHAL PERRY REST IN PEACE.YOUR NOT FOR GOTTON.

GILBERT DANIEL

October 6, 2005