When Leland of Cambridge, Massachusetts, passed away, many of his friends poured their comments onto various websites. The comments all said the same thing. This quiet, unassuming fellow was universally loved for his humility, approachability, humor, zest for dogs and people, and his spreading of good cheer. He was always humble, self-effacing, and yet determined. He was easy to like.

Leland graduated from Mathews High School and later, George Mason University majoring in biology. He led research in several scientific arenas in the biotech field and metabolic neurology at National Institutes of Health and Massachusetts General Hospital.

He later found another passion in dog agility. He was a two-time national champion in the National Dog Agility Finals run by the American Kennel Club. Always the student, and eager to learn something new, he kept taking lessons in agility, tracking, and obedience, even a little bit of sheep-herding.

He was preceded in death by parents, Kittie and Clyde Perry; sister-in-law, Mary Massie Perry, and nephew, Perry Wright. Those left to cherish his memory are husband, Charles Popper; sisters, Toby (Roland) Curtis, Candice Perry, Elizabeth (Wesley) Ripley; brothers, Buddy (Betty) Perry, Elston Perry, Gregory Perry; five nieces; one nephew; eight great-nieces; Perry, McNeal and Hooton cousins, and many, many friends.

Charities close to his heart: GiveWell Top Charities Fund, Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, American Kennel Club Canine Health Foundation, Native Plant Trust, and the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.