FARMINGTON – The town lost one of its most loyal friends and members of the community Tuesday morning when retired physician Roger Perry died.

“Roger saw things beyond the rest of us,” said Selectman Mary Wright. “There aren’t words to express the loss this community has suffered.”

Perry had been battling intestinal problems for the past month or so, according to Town Manager Dick Davis. It wasn’t until after Perry visited the doctor that he learned of the implications of possible cancer of the abdomen, Davis said.

Considered a “doer” by many in the town, Perry had served on numerous boards and committees, including the Farmington Transportation Advisory Committee, the Recycling Committee and Budget Committee. He had also donated hundreds of hours, helping to create many documents to direct the town’s residential and commercial growth.

Perry helped develop the Zoning Ordinance, Site Review Ordinance and Planning Board Ordinance, among others. Before his passing, Perry continued to play a vital role within town government, serving as a volunteer secretary of the Zoning Board. He was also a member of the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association.

“He was a very dedicated volunteer, and his efforts were tremendous,” said Davis. “I’ll miss him greatly.”

Perry moved to Maine in 1988. He worked to protect Maine’s quality of life by providing standards for businesses and potential developers seeking to change the use of property.

He was a recipient of the Rotary Club’s Citizen of the Year award and shared joint dedication of the 2003 town report.

Both Davis and Wright speculated that there would be a living memorial in town in Perry’s memory.

“He was a special person, and this town doesn’t get many like him,” said Wright.

Perry is survived by his wife, Linda, three children and five grandchildren.