Perry H Sorenson

Perry H. Sorenson, 76, born Dec. 28, 1945, passed away Feb. 28, 2022. It all started in a small town in central Utah. "Don't say you're from Richfield," Perry's dad, Harvey Sorenson, would say. "Tell people you're from Glenwood." His mother, Leola Gillespie Sorenson, would probably remember the five-mile trip from Glenwood to Richfield on that cold December day in 1945 when the last of their four children was born. Perry's three sisters, Ila Dean Kludt (Mel), Erma Jensen (Phil), and Kathy Hyatt (Mel) were all quite a bit older than he, so he often claimed he had four mothers. But Kathy says they were best of friends, and he received more spoiling than scolding. He loved exploring with cousins, fishing with his uncles, and camping. In Richfield High School, he participated in the debate team and performed in school musicals where he honed his singing skills and stage presence and developed a love of photography. His niece, Vicki Kludt Peterson, was only a year younger. She and Perry spent many days and activities together, including marching band. A new chapter began when he left home for college. He spent two years in Germany on a mission for the LDS Church, which kindled his wanderlust, so much so that after graduation from the University of Utah he went back to Germany to work, to travel, and perfect his fluency in the language. During senior year, he met fellow yearbook staffer, Sally Slagle. They discovered they had so much in common that the best way forward surely must be together. They married that same year and began a partnership that led them through multiple moves, travel adventures, and challenges of raising a family. They stayed happily married for the next 51 years. Following two years of grad school for an MBA, Perry was offered a position with Rock Resorts' Grand Teton Lodge Company where he and Sally had worked summers. It launched a lifelong career in the hospitality industry. Promotions and opportunities popped up. Their first child, Eric, was born in Puerto Rico. Second son, Bjorn, arrived when his dad was assistant manager of the Muehlebach Hotel in Kansas City. Karin joined the family in Honolulu. From there to Illinois, another job in Texas with the expansion of the new concept Embassy Suites, and finally a return to Hawaii as Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer for Outrigger Hotels. He served as president of The Pacific Club, chairman of the Hawaii Hotel Association, and various other professional and civic organizations. He had a knack for balancing personal and professional life. Whatever the challenges at work might demand, he never lost touch with his family and friends. Whether tennis or skiing with buddies or SCUBA diving with his sons or a daddy-daughter date, he won people over with his kind spirit and welcoming smile. He led by example and shared time and talent with generosity. Many describe him as their mentor. Retirement opened yet another chapter. He now had time to pursue his interest in outdoor photography and combined it with travel whenever possible. He and Sally joined friends on bike trips in Europe, dive and beach vacations, and hikes in Spain. He made two treks in the Himalayas of Nepal. Best of all, they welcomed groups of friends for ski weeks in their Deer Valley home or summer hikes and concerts in the Utah mountains they loved. Open doors, open hearts. Perry embodied the Hawaiian concept of ho`okipa, hospitality. The final chapter has yet to be written. He is survived by his wife; children, Eric (Jen), Karin, and Bjorn (Ida); and grandchildren, Wren Sorenson, Zachary Mastervich, and Mila and Carina Sorenson. And he's left a legacy of wisdom and leadership to those who worked with him or crossed paths in other endeavors. Loved by many, he will be missed.