Photo: Hubert and Louise Perry with President Nixon and Dr. Henry Kissinger at a conference on US-Japan relations held in Los Angeles in 1993.

Lifelong friend of Richard Nixon helped launch his political career and build his library

Hubert Perry, longtime friend of Richard Nixon and enduring supporter of the Nixon Library, passed away Saturday, February 20. He was 102 years old.

Perry’s years as a friend and classmate of Richard Nixon go back to their time as students at Whittier High School and Whittier College. In college, Nixon played for the football team and Perry was team manager.

Nixon and Perry both served during World War II. Following the war, Herman Perry, Hubert’s father, was the first to urge Nixon to enter politics and run for congress. With the support of the Perry family, Nixon unseated a five-term incumbent in 1946 to launch his political career.

Following his service during WWII, Hubert Perry returned to work at Bank of America and became regional vice president until his retirement in 1973. Perry continued to advise and support Nixon throughout his ongoing political campaigns.

Mr. Perry helped build the Richard Nixon Library and Birthplace in 1990 and served on the board of directors of the Richard Nixon Foundation for many years.

Until 2015, Perry continued to attend programs regularly at the Nixon Library, always receiving recognition from the program host and a roaring applause from the audience.

“Mr. Perry was one of the greatest friends President Nixon’s Library and Foundation has ever had,” said William Baribault, President and CEO of the Richard Nixon Foundation.

“He will be missed dearly by his friends and fans in the community,” Baribault said.

Around town Perry was known as “Mr. Whittier” and was active in community affairs. He served as Treasurer and Trustee of the Presbyterian Intercommunity Hospital in Whittier, Trustee of Whittier College, and past president of the Whittier Chamber of Commerce, Whittier College Alumni Association and the Whittier Lions Club.

Memorial services will be held on Saturday, March 5 at 2 p.m. at Whittier First Friends Church, 13205 Philadelphia Street in Whittier, California.