Obituaries Australia

The news spread through the city this morning with startling rapidity that the Hon. William Perry, M.L.C., had died suddenly this morning at his residence, Folkestone, Breakfast Creek road. The closure of the establishment of Perry Bros. and the respectful indications of sympathy visible everywhere in Queen street confirmed the sad intelligence. The name of Mr. Perry has been honourably associated with the commercial life of the city for fully 30 years, and he has always been regarded as one of the most reputable, worthy, and wealthy citizens of Brisbane. He was the son of Mr. William Perry, of Sydney, and was originally intended for the profession of a chemist, but in 1860 he came to Brisbane and began business as an ironmonger in the premises now known as the Oxford Hotel. Subsequently a new building was created next door, and the business was transferred to premises at present occupied by Mr. Perry's successors, namely, Perry Bros. After carrying on business in his own line, and generally interesting himself in commercial enterprise, Mr. Perry retired from business about seven years ago, and was succeeded by his sons. Shortly after his retirement from business, with Mrs. Perry and their daughters he visited England and the European Continent. They remained in Europe about four years, during which period the education of the Misses Perry received special attention. Shortly after their return to Brisbane, about two years ago, Mr. Perry was called to the Upper House by the Morehead Government. He took but little personal part in the debates but his interest in the business was of the most intelligent order. Amongst his private friends he was known as one of the best read men in Queensland. His reading was of the most thorough character and embraced a wide range of subjects. He had been confined to his bed for a few days, but no serious fears were entertained concerning him. This morning he was found by some members of his family kneeling beside his bed. Life was extinct, but his face bore no symptoms of suffering. The medical attendants declared the cause of death to be failure of the heart's action. He married in 1862 the daughter of Mr. Harcourt, a well known Sydney commercial man. Mrs. Perry, with two married sons and three daughters, survive the deceased gentleman. The funeral is fixed for to-morrow, and full particulars are announced elsewhere.