At an early age, Kenneth Ira "Kip" Perlstein, the youngest of four boys, developed an artistic personality. It wasn't until he got older that his interest in science began to blossom.

The Richmond native spent the past 28 years working in the medical field, first as a hospital administrator and later as a consultant to hospitals and doctors' offices across the country.

Mr. Perlstein, whose parents, Mary and Harry Perlstein, were the original owners of Perly's Delicatessen restaurant on East Grace Street, died at his Richmond home Thursday. He was 53.

Described as a generous, upbeat person, Mr. Perlstein was a member of the soccer team and Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity at Virginia Tech, where he graduated in 1976 with a bachelor's degree. Four years later, he received his master's in hospital administration from Virginia Commonwealth University.

He began his career as a hospital administrator at Richmond Memorial Hospital and later as the director of administration of Children's Hospital, a position he held for five years.

After leaving Children's Hospital, he went into the medical-consulting field, working with such companies as Ernst & Young, Clarity Consultants and Navigant Consulting. At the time of his death, he was employed as a director and medical consultant at Deloitte.

Mr. Perlstein traveled extensively for his job to places such as California, Florida, Chicago and New York to consult with hospitals and doctors' offices. He looked at various functions and operations to find more efficient ways for them to operate.

"He was a huge resource for hospitals and big practices," said his brother, Michael Barry Perlstein of Richmond.

He was also generous with his time, helping with such causes as juvenile diabetes and the Daughters of Zelophehad, a Richmond-based transitional-housing program for homeless women and their children.

In addition to his brother, Mr. Perlstein's survivors include his wife of 32 years, Rebecca Larkin Perlstein of Richmond; a daughter, Rachel Larkin Perlstein of San Francisco; and another brother, Steven Robert Perlstein of Atlanta.

A memorial service will be held Tuesday at Christ Ascension Episcopal Church, 1704 W. Laburnum Ave. in Richmond.