On Friday, January 27, 2012, Former UC High Science Teacher Raymond Perkins passed away.

Perkins was born in 1953, and worked with the San Diego Unified School District for 23 years, from 1989 to 2011. According to English Teacher John Middleton, Perkins’s family learned last year that he had been diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor, which caused his death late last month.

Science Teacher Susan Hooker revealed that Perkins began his career at UC by coaching the wrestling team, as well as teaching for both the science and math departments. Throughout his years, he taught earth science and physical science, and then later taught biology and marine science courses. He extended his responsibilities at UC by sponsoring the Marine Science Bowl Team.

Junior Desiree Peterson had known Perkins since she was eight years old, and had him as a teacher for biology during her freshman year. She said, “Mr. Perkins was honestly one of the most wonderful teachers I have had, and a wonderful person in general. In his class, he used many different techniques to teach and was always happy, which helped our learning process.”

History Teacher Michael Brown called Perkins “…a man of integrity, sincerity and determination.” He added, “This is not only a loss for the school but also for the community.”

According to UC High Alumni Elaine Luong, Perkins was a well-rounded educator, a great father, and a wonderful role model. She said, “Mr. Perkins was a beautiful human being who will forever be remembered for his tireless commitment to the education of his students. I am honored, inspired and grateful to have been a part of his teaching legacy at UCHS.”

Luong added, “The funniest memory I have of Mr. Perkins still makes me laugh to this day. In 2008, I had these light denim jeans on that had a tint of gold in the center of the thighs,… They were absolutely fabulous…I entered Mr. Perkins’s classroom to his warm morning greeting, and heard him say, ‘Man, girl! Did someone drag you around the dirt before you got here?!’ … I laughed hysterically. His honesty was one of the many grand characteristics that truly made Mr. Perkins one of a kind.”

Family, friends, students, and colleagues were invited to a memorial held for Perkins to celebrate his life on February 11 at the Pacific Beach Christian Church.

Brown shared  a quote that he thought sums up his and many of his colleagues’ feelings. The quote is attributed to a headstone in Ireland and it reads: “Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal.”