Samuel Victor Perry

Samuel Victor Perry FRS (16 July 1918 – 17 December 2009) was an English biochemist who was a pioneer in the field of muscle biochemistry.

Perry's later career saw him serve on several of the British research councils, and working with the charities the British Heart Foundation and the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign. He was made a Fellow of the Royal Society in 1974.

Early life and education Samuel Perry was born on the Isle of Wight in 1918, and spent his early years in King's Lynn. His family moved to Southport, His father died of a heart condition when Perry was 13, and his mother struggled to financially support his university education.

After schooling in Southport Perry gained entry to the University of Liverpool where he studied biochemistry; at the time one of only three universities in Britain which offered undergraduate courses in the field. He chose artillery, and was commissioned as a second lieutenant on 5 July 1941. He was posted to Egypt where he arrived in August 1941. Perry's frontline experience in the army was short, as he was captured early in 1942 when his unit was overrun by Rommel's forces as they attempted to slow the German advance from Benghazi. Perry played in one more match of the 1947 tournament, an away game to Ireland, which England lost comprehensively.

Perry was next selected in early 1948 to face the touring Australia team. England lost the game 11–0, with the opposing locks dominating the line-out play. Although Perry had faced defeat with England, four weeks later he was selected to face the same Australian side as part of invitational team the Barbarians, in their first match against overseas international opposition. Played at the Cardiff Arms Park, the Barbarians won 9–6.

Despite the England loss to Australia, Perry was back in the squad for the 1948 Five Nations Championship, playing in all four encounters. It was a disaster of a campaign for England, drawing against Wales, and losing to Ireland, Scotland and France, and ending bottom of the league. Perry never represented his country further, deciding to concentrate on his academic career instead.

Personal life Perry married Maureen Shaw, an actress and artist, in 1948. In 1959 they purchased a derelict watermill in West Wales, and renovated it over several years. They settled at the watermill permanently after his retirement. The couple had three children.

He died on 17 December 2009, survived by his wife and three children.