Obituary of John Charles Porter

Our beloved Father, Grandfather, Great-Grandfather, Brother, Uncle, and Friend, J. Charles Porter, gently and in faith, left this life on Tuesday, July 21, 2009 at the Foothills Hospital in Calgary, surrounded by his children. Charles was born on May 29, 1922 in Weyburn, SK, son of John Creswell Porter and Blanche McNett Porter. He attended Haig Elementary School and Weyburn High School. His college career at Antioch College and UCLA ended when he enlisted in the United States Army Air Force during World War II. As eventual Captain, he served as a pilot in Europe and South America, and a flying instructor. He married his high school sweetheart, Iris W. Wright, in 1945. After the War, Charles and his brother, James, took over the family business working closely together as business partners for over five decades. Charles took service to his church and community seriously. He was an Elder in the Presbyterian Church, and an active Rotarian for over 50 years, including a term as President. His extensive political activities included service as a city councillor in Weyburn. Charles’s dry wit, vast interests, compassion, and deep understanding of complex issues drew a very wide circle of cherished friends. He was an especially loving and wise patriarch to his family. Celebrating and honouring his life are his daughter, Jacquelyn and John Poetker and their children, Tim, David (Angie Tetley and their daughters, Ivy and Samantha), Ian (Lauren Duncan), and Andrew; son, John and Barbara and their children, Jennifer and Charles; daughter Rebecca (Joseph Dillon); and daughter Deborah and Patrick Cantner and their children, Jeffrey, Daniel, and Nicholas. He is also survived by his brother James Porter (Jean); brother-in-law, George Cutting, sister-in-law, Doreen Wilson (Alex); and many cousins, nieces and nephews. Charles was predeceased by his beloved wife of sixty years Iris; brother and sister-in-law Walter (Carol) Comer; father John Creswell Porter; mother Blanche McNett Porter; and step-mother Dorothy Comer Porter. A Service of Remembrance will be held at Grace Presbyterian Church (1009 – 15th Avenue S.W.) on Monday, July 27, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. Donations will be gratefully received by: The Calgary Foundation, The Iris and Charles Porter Fund, 700, 999 8th Street S.W., Calgary, AB, T2R 1J5; www.thecalgaryfoundation.org ; or Rotary Club of Calgary South, L103C, 9705 Horton Road SW, Calgary, AB, T2V 2X5. In the past few years, Charles received extraordinary and compassionate care from nurses and physicians at The Heart Health Institute, the Foothills Hospital, and his family doctor, Jean Pierre Leung. Charles’s family extends deep gratitude to homemaker, Pat Bonetta whose loving care helped Dad fully live his last years. In living memory of Charles Porter, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Fish Creek Chapel, 14441 BANNISTER ROAD S.E. Telephone: (403) 256-9575.