Coach and father to Orono students, Bob Perry collapsed at around 4:00 p.m. on Thursday April 25. Despite efforts of first responders, Perry passed away. The cause of his collapse and death is not known.

“One moment I’m talking with him as he walks to the track to coach middle school track, and the next, he’s on the ground, surrounded by medical professionals, ” said senior track member Josh Surver.

Perry was a football and track coach as well as a father to Orono graduate JP Perry and step-father to Nate and Hank Seward. Many students and players looked up to Perry and admire his coaching skills.

“Coach Perry represented the best of what it meant to treat others as you would like to be treated,” said junior football player Ben Turnham.

The families of the Orono community have suffered a great loss and the Seward/Perry family is in our thoughts and prayers.

Football players wore their jerseys in honor of Perry and the student body was encouraged to wear football, track or Orono attire in support and love to the Seward/Perry family.

Orono football players paint the rock in memory of Bob Perry.

Madeline Hill is the Copy Chief for The Spartan Speaks.