In Memoriam

Remembering 'Contributor' vendor Perry Champion

A drawing of Perry's favorite hat.

By Rachel Terns

Perry was a gentle, quiet soul. He always seemed a little sad to me, like he truly didn’t expect much from life, or feel like he deserved it. He always had gratitude. When I moved him into housing, he slept on the floor in his sleeping bag for weeks because he didn’t want to get “used to” sleeping in a bed. He truly never expected to remain in one. I am happy that he slept in a bed until the end of his life. He will be missed.

– Cathy Jennings, Contributor Executive Director

Perry dealt with health problems for all of the past year. He had a bit of a rough exterior, but anyone who was sincere and caring and good to him, he would truly open his heart to. And that was an honor. He loved The Contributor — the staff, the volunteers, the community and the freedom and challenge of selling papers every day. He survived a lot in his lifetime, but he still had tentative hope, and occasionally a really great and surprising sense of humor. He had a few loyal friends who he was very dedicated to. It was a blessing to know him.

– Rachel Ternes, Contributor Housing Navigator