Portland, Ore. – June 23, 2021 — With great sadness, we share the passing of our friend and colleague, Peter Kwong, Perkins’ shareholder and Director of Assurance. Peter died unexpectedly on Friday, June 18, 2021. He was 51. Our thoughts are with Peter’s family and friends and, most especially, his wife and two children.
From the moment Peter walked through Perkins’ doors 18 years ago, he embodied our core values. Curious, caring, and wickedly smart, Peter constantly looked for ways to push Perkins forward and keep the firm relevant—and did so always in service of Perkins’ clients. A collaborator and connector, Peter keenly shared his thoughts and ideas and inspired excitement for change and continuous improvement. Peter cared deeply, listened, remembered details about whomever he met, and made time to connect with everyone. Peter was always available to anyone who needed him.
Esteemed among his peers, colleagues, and community, Peter was always leading. He was a Portland Business Journal 40 Under 40 award winner, named a “significant alumni” by the University of Portland’s School of Business, and deeply involved in the Technology Association of Oregon and the Oregon Entrepreneurs Network. Peter seemed to find more hours in the day than the rest of us. He was heavily involved in his community, serving on the board of the Children’s Cancer Association as well as the Tualatin Soccer Club—and still found plenty of time to be an avidly supportive and proud father.
A huge soccer fan and fervent supporter of the Portland Timbers and Thorns, as well as both the men’s and women’s US national teams, Peter’s enthusiasm was palpable—and contagious. Whether attending a game at Providence Park or good-naturedly heckling anyone supporting the opposition at a Perkins World Cup viewing party, Peter filled a room with joy, surrounded by friends and family and his love of “the beautiful game.”
Jared Holum, shareholder and President of Perkins, said, “Peter and I started our careers at Perkins on the same day, 18 years ago, and I considered him not only a partner and a friend, but a mentor, too. Peter was fearless in his quest to excel; he sought order and clarity, pushing Perkins to evolve and creating fundamental and institutional processes. But his heart was always focused on what’s best for our employees, and he was a big part of what Perkins culture is all about; he knew it was the people around him who mattered and who made the difference. Peter’s impact at Perkins is immeasurable, and we mourn his loss deeply.”
We mourn the loss of our friend, colleague, and mentor. We know, too, that he touched countless lives. We invite you to share a story or memory about Peter. Long or short, personal, professional, funny, quirky—whatever you feel moved to share, we would love to receive. We’ll compile these memories, and together, we will remember our dear friend, Peter Kwong.