Foreign Minister and NZ First leader Winston Peters spoke yesterday at the funeral of respected Tinui farmer, family man and political supporter Jock Perry. Mr Peters, speaking in the Tinui War Memorial Hall, described Mr Perry, father of his former parliamentary colleague Edwin, as a "great New Zealander, a hardworking man,a family man, with fundamental values that this country needs." He said Mr Perry's "successful cross-ethnic marriage" was also an inspiration. Mr Perry, one of the earliest Wairarapa members of New Zealand First, is the father of Edwin Perry, former NZ First MP and current Masterton District Councillor, and Owen Perry,who has just stepped down from Masterton District Council. Guests at the funeral included Masterton Mayor Garry Daniell and some Masterton District Councillors, and NZ First MPs Ron Mark, who lives in Carterton, Pita Paraone and Doug Woolerton. Mr Perry had supported his son Edwin as well as Wairarapa's first NZ First candidate, George Groombridge, and NZ First MP Ron Mark, who lives in Carterton. Mr Groombridge, who led the memorial service, said that Mr Perry always reminded the party of its "fifteen principles", and had set his family "a model that has stood the test of time. Several eulogies recognised Mr Perry's contribution to his family, the Tinui district and Wairarapa. Former neighbour Brian Whitehead recalled when he first moved to Tinui Mr Perry had helped him muster the farm's stock and had shaken his hand. "He said, 'welcome to the valley. If you ever need anything, give us a yell," Mr Whitehead said. "And he meant it." Mr Perry's granddaughter Debbie summed up his many tributes with six words she said had been often repeated by those who spoke of him. He was described as "independent, hardworking, honest, knowledgeable, caring and loyal." Mr Perry's daughter-in-law Lorna compiled some tributes from Mr Perry's grandchildren, including the words, "I love the way you led our family. You are honest and kind, and that is how we want our children to be throughout their lives." Mr Perry's record as a World War II soldier was remembered, with a rendition of the Last Post, and he was honoured with songs and haka from his family.
