Frater Dennis "Buckwheat" Perry Enters Chapter Eternal

Indianapolis, Ind - It is with great sadness that the Offices of the Grand Chapter announces the passing of Order of the Golden Eagle recipient and TKE legend, Frater Dennis "Buckwheat" Perry (Alpha-Nu, New Hampshire), at 77 years old.

TKE Chief Executive Officer, Frater Donald E. Aldrich, shared, "There are not enough words to highlight the impact of Frater Buckwheat and his lifetime of dedication to our Fraternity. Tau Kappa Epsilon has been forever changed because of the 43 years he served and inspired members of the Fraternity for Life."

Venerable Grand Prytanis, Frater Michael J. McEvilly, expressed, "Our Fraternity has lost an icon as Frater Buckwheat Perry has departed this world into the Chapter Eternal. Countless chapters and Fraters have been influenced by his lifelong dedication, passion, enthusiasm and resolve to recruit new members to our beloved Fraternity such that the indomitable Spirit of Tau Kappa Epsilon would endure forever. Frater Buckwheat may be gone from our sight, but never from our hearts."

During Buckwheat's nearly 45 years on staff, Tau Kappa Epsilon opened 159 chapters and re-chartered countless others, many of which were started or restarted by Buckwheat himself. From when he joined staff in 1972 until his retirement, over 184,229 men joined our magnificent obsession - more than 2/3 of all men ever initiated. He attended 22 Conclaves, received the Order of the Silver Maple Leaf in 1975, Grand Prytanis Award in 1983, and was honored with the highest honor Tau Kappa Epsilon can bestow, the Order of the Golden Eagle, in 2011.

On January 1, 1972, Uncle Buck, as he's affectionately known by many Tekes, joined the TKE Professional Staff. As the cover story of THE TEKE magazine in Spring 2014, Buckwheat described why he has been so passionate about the Fraternity for his lifetime, "The Fraternity offers an opportunity to find the good in each of us. In my many years, I have seen that. I have seen Fraters who are complete strangers do random acts of kindness to one another because they are Tekes. Young people need to know that it is all right to care. As a fraternity, we cannot cure diseases or find world peace, but we can change a person's life and for that reason, we have a purpose."

During the 2017 Conclave celebration to say thank you, the Fraternity produced the following video to highlight his love and impact on the Fraternity.

Additionally, the Spring 2014 cover story of THE TEKE magazine has been re-published as a Featured Story on TKE.org or you can view the full Spring 2014 magazine here.

At this time, we are unaware of any services and wishes he might have had. We will update this story as that information becomes available.

May Frater Perry Rest in Peace in the Chapter Eternal.

In remembrance of him and his dedication to the Fraternity, we invite you to contribute and uphold his legacy.