Douglas Howard Perkins of East Chatham, NY, originally of Edmeston, NY, passed away peacefully at Columbia Memorial Hospital surrounded by the love of his family on June 1, 2026, at age 82.  Doug had fought a gallant battle with cancer, maintaining his winsome smile, magnetic character, and optimism over the last 8 years.The last 6 years of his life were lived as a paraplegic.

Doug was born in Leonardsville, NY on May 9, 1944.  He is predeceased by his mother, Irna Perkins; father, Paul Perkins; and brother, Philip Perkins. Doug held a bachelor's degree in Art History from SUNY Oneonta.  He served in the US NAVY from 1967 to 1971.  He was a graphic-designer at Champion Knitwear, and a long-time employee of NYSEG, working primarily from the Chatham, Clifton Park, and Plattsburgh offices.  Doug married the love of his life, Naureen (nee Rockwell) Perkins, on October 12, 1974.  Naureen was his full-time, attentive caregiver through his long illness. More than anything, Doug will be remembered for his steadfast faith in Jesus Christ, which was manifested brightly in his last years of physical weakness.  Doug's favorite Bible verse demonstrates his reliance on God, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you." Hebrews 13:5.  He was a founding member of Cornerstone Christian Church in Kinderhook, NY and has for the past few years been attending Immanuel Church in Rensselaer, NY.  Doug was a godly man, with kindness, compassion, open heartedness, and empathy for others making him a trusted friend, a loyal leader in his church, a loving husband, and beloved Dad and Papa to his many children and grandchildren.

Doug was a renaissance man. He loved hunting, flyfishing, hiking, being outdoors, canoeing, archery, and cross country skiing. He was a founding member of the Capital District Chapter of Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, and a founding member of Team Unadilla Motocross team.  He was an accomplished motocross and enduro racer, a lover of mules and horses, a woodworker, a woodcarver, a basket maker, a public speaker, and an archery safety instructor.  While Doug was very skilled in all these things and many more, he loved most of all to teach others.  He taught adult education basket weaving classes, ran archery and basket weaving booths at the Columbia County Fair, and especially loved sharing his passions with his children and grandchildren.  His punny sense of humor and bright smile were well known throughout the greater Albany area medical community.  The family would like to extend special thanks to the numerous nurses, doctors, and other caregivers who served him so well over the years, but especially the team at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston, MA.  He is survived by; his wife Naureen, brother Randy Perkins, children Janel (David) Blackburn, Brandon (Leslie) Perkins, Jonica (Matt) LeRoux, and Danae (Daniel) Ronsani, and grandchildren Gil, Norah, Eoin, Eben, Finnigan, Simon, Peregrine, Elliot, Edmund, Theodore, and a grandson on the way. Gifts in Doug's memory should be directed to the American Bible Society (www.americanbible.org).  Condolences may be sent to Wenk Funeral Home, 21 Payn Avenue, Chatham, NY 12037 (wenkfuneralhome.com).

A celebration of life service will be held at 2pm on Saturday, July 11, 2026 at Immanuel Church, 274 Columbia Turnpike, Rensselaer, NY 12144.  It is not necessary to wear the traditional black attire at Doug's service.  While we are saddened by his passing, we are celebrating Doug's present life in the presence of Jesus Christ, his dear Savior.