Perry Eidum

Perry Eidum was a man for all seasons. Friend to many. Norwegian. North Dakotan. Wise guy with a joke. Hockey skater. Car nut. Beer and coffee lover. Man on the move. Exemplary employee. Seinfeld admirer. Oh, and the music! Fifties and 60s music always on the radio, the computer the TV. Shrink-to-fit Levis and a T-shirt were his basic uniform. Sport caps also were a part of his uniform, one with ND (that’s North Dakota, not Notre Dame), as one of the favorites. Above all else, much-loved son, brother, father, husband, grandfather, employee, friend and in-law.

Throughout his life, many sojourns were made by Perry back to Hillsboro, North Dakota, where it all started. There he was born to Elvina and Palmer Eidum, along with brother, Parnell, and sisters, Paulette and Pamela, prior to moving to Helena, where he attended local schools and went to work for the Department of Transportation at the tender age of 19.

Perry’s life changed forever when he met Elaine Schillinger, an eastern Montana girl. Much fun and many happy times came after that initial meeting. Both hard working state employees for over 30 years, they further expanded their lives with the births of Parker and Fletcher, then with Sarah joining their family and the new love of their lives, their grandson, Logan.

When Perry “retired” from the Department of Transportation, it wasn’t long before his industrious nature got the best of him. He became a key member of a small family-owned Helena business, Smith and McGowan, Inc., and worked for another 12 years. As office manager, it wasn’t long before he had everyone toeing the line. His strict regimen of getting to work right before eight and leaving right at five, not to mention his attempt to get everyone to sign in and out on the calendar, were indicative of his work ethic. However, if Elaine, Parker or Fletcher called, they were his first priorities. As it should be. Perry was still at his desk long after most of us would be curled up with the covers pulled over our heads. Still charming the women across the hall, up and down the Gulch!

Perry was not defined by his brain tumor. He did not battle it. Instead, he lived fully with it. He began each day with a prayer of thanksgiving and gratitude before his feet hit the floor. His example helped his family to appreciate each other more, to appreciate life more, to have new adventures. Perry kept going to work, mowing the lawn, shoveling the snow, loving his pets, buying another vehicle, putting up with “those Schillinger women!” In fact, many people did not even know that Perry had health issues. He didn’t complain, he didn’t ask for sympathy, he made people laugh. He always looked forward: to a new grandson, to the sheriffs’ convention, to trying a new brewery.

Perry Eidum was the complete package. He will be sorely missed. Please put on your jeans and T-shirt to see him off to the world-to-come this Saturday at 11 a.m., Covenant United Methodist Church. If you wish to remember Perry in a memorial, we suggest the Montana Sheriffs and Peace Officers Association (MSPOA) Scholarship Fund.

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