Dr. O.D. Perkes discusses his 53 years of service to Star Valley
By Dahl Erickson on Jun 25, 2009 in Afton, News, Star Valley Ranch, Video
If you and your family have lived in Star Valley for more than a handful of years, the chances are some of, if not all of clan was delivered by Dr. O.D. Perkes.
In his 53 years, he’s performed thousands of surgical procedures, delivered thousands of children and also provides a link to the past with the doctors who helped settle the area.
In one man, his conversations with Dr. West, Star Valley’s first doctor, provides a connection to over 100 years of medicine in the area
Click below for an exclusive interview with Dr. Perkes as he talks about his methods, his thinking and how he dealt with months of little to no sleep.
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Andy Peavler | Jul 2, 2009 | Reply
Thank you
Noma Perkes Walton | Jul 6, 2009 | Reply
My dad has been practicing medicine in Star Valley for so long–I’ve often wondered if people realize how unique it is for an old country doctor to have practiced in the same town for 53 years and still be working a full-time schedule. His career has bridged generations, and his medical intuition developed during the pre-CT scan and MRI days is rare indeed. Thanks you, SV Independent, for honoring him with this series. He has done more for the people of Star Valley than most can comprehend.
Curt Haws | Aug 30, 2009 | Reply
Who can forget Dr. Perks! When we were little we called him “Dr. Pokes” because of the ever present possibility of a shot. Thanks Dr. Perks for your service and your laugh!
Dallas & Tammy Warren | Aug 30, 2009 | Reply
Not many doctors can be compared to Dr. Perkes whom still believes in “patient care”. He has always insisted on attending to his patients no matter day or night– E.R. or in the true “walk-in” office! One can still depend on his follow-up call to the home and in the sincerity of his compassion for all.
Dr Perkes has always shown his love for this valley and he will always have a place in our hearts! “Thank you” does not seem to be enough for our level of gratitude to this good man, father, husband, and friend. God bless you, Dr. Perkes!
Randy Erickson | Aug 31, 2009 | Reply
Dr Perkes delivered all four of my kids and patched me back together after a car crash.
I still remember when he joined the staf at Star Valley Hospital
Mary Ann (Gardner) Allmaras | Sep 1, 2009 | Reply
Thank You sooo much Dr. Perkes.
He was the best doctor. If only more doctors were like him, our nations health care would not be in such a sad state.
It is truly a privilege to have known him and benefited from his kindness and knowledge.
Duane Grasse | Nov 20, 2009 | Reply
Incredible–unheard of today. Bless you, Dr. Perkes and family.
Nice, too, to hear the name of Marybelle Grasse. We miss you, Grandma.
Julie (Barnes) Morrell | Jan 19, 2010 | Reply
Remembering the terror of going to Dr. Perkes for my Kindergarten physical . . . and years later, the absolute relief of him delivering my daughter after a difficult labor! I’ll never forget his words: “Ah, Julie-Girl; there’s nothing to it. It’s just like pulling a calf”! LOL
Doctor Perkes is an icon of Star Valley! Thanks for being there for so many of us, Doc!
Tena (Leavitt) Williamson | Jan 25, 2010 | Reply
Doc Perkes was the first and only Doctor I had growing up and he delivered 2 of my children. After leaving the Valley I discovered how unsusual it is to have a Doctor totally available to his patients. He told me once “people don’t plan to be sick so how can they schedule an appointment”.
Years later while visiting, Doc pulled out a big book that he kept all the births of the children he had delivered in the Valley. He asked for the dates and turned right to it showing me each of mine.
Doc you have been a godsend to that area.
Thanks for your time and devotion.
Hal A. Gardner | Mar 29, 2012 | Reply
When Dr. Perkes first came to the valley he lived in the Afton South Ward. One of his first Church assignments was to teach a bunch of us teenagers: Mary Lou Titensor, Scott and Marvin Schwab, Hal Gardner, Carolyn Cranney, Jackie Tolman, Lael Nield, Valdean Perry, Betty Jean Roberts, Janet Nield, Gary Dabel and several others in Sunday School class. He was a fun teacher with good gospel knowledge and could present things in an interest keeping way. He also could give us some great counsel that we as teenagers needed to hear some frank talk about health and the value of it. I treasure this memory. Years later he was very kindly when my mother Estella Gardner was dying of Colon Cancer. He was very helpful and loving in trying to make her last times as best they could be but also he never pulled any punches always telling us how things really were so there would not be any false hope. I think that was one of his great traits as a doctor to always tell you what he thought and give you advice appropriate to what he had found would be most helpful.