Ex-News staffer Leo Perry dies

Leo Neldon Perry, 88, who worked for 37 years as a reporter, photographer and the Provo bureau manager for the Deseret News, died Sept. 30, 2008.

Well-known for being a calm and steady leader in the newspaper business, his first job as a cub reporter in 1947 was to cover the Hotel Utah. He interviewed all of the famous people who stayed there.

After a stint covering the state Capitol and Governor J. Bracken Lee, Mr. Perry was transferred to Provo.

When he retired as head of the Provo bureau in September 1984, the Provo Area Chamber of Commerce honored him for his meritorious service to Utah County. He won many journalism awards during his career.

Born on May 6, 1920, in Rupert, Idaho, he attended Provo schools and high school in Arcadia, Calif. He graduated from Brigham Young University in 1954 with a bachelor's degree in journalism. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II.

Active in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, he had served in many positions, including bishop's counselor, stake high counselor and assistant stake clerk. He and his wife, Melba, were ordinance workers in the Provo and St. George temples for many years, They also served full-time missions in Virginia and Hawaii.

Mr. Perry especially enjoyed reading, writing, hunting, fishing, skiing, BYU sporting events and Utah Jazz basketball games.

Funeral services will be today at 11 a.m. at the Kolob 12th Ward chapel, 1627 W. 1200 South (Cadbury Lane), Springville. A viewing will be held from 10-10:45 a.m., prior to services. Burial in the Springville City Cemetery.