It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Robert (Bob) Hedley Porter, who passed away on Friday, March 13 at the age of 79.
He was the beloved husband of Mary Ellen (nee Winter), loving father of Emily, Hilary, and Robert (Sarah), and grandfather of Elijah and Naomi.
He is also survived by his sister, Margaret, as well as his nieces, nephews, many friends in both Newfoundland and Ottawa, and his loyal canine companion, Hazel. He was predeceased by his parents, William and Mary Porter, and his sisters Linda and Betty.
The eldest of four siblings, Bob was born and raised in St. John’s Newfoundland, and although he spent half his life on the mainland – after moving to Ottawa with his wife, Mary Ellen, and their eldest daughter, Emily, in 1984 – he never forgot his roots, often travelling home to Newfoundland to visit family and friends, and to introduce his children to where he came from. His love of home shone through in the music, books, and food he enjoyed: from the music of The Chieftains, Steeleye Span, Stan Rogers, and Ryan’s Fancy; to the culinary delicacies that are cod tongues and Newfoundland blueberries. The best of the East coast lived in his heart and home.
Bob worked for the Federal Government for over three decades, both in Newfoundland and Ottawa. He spent the majority of his career with Human Resources and Development Canada, but also worked for Fisheries and Oceans, Forestry, and, after retiring, did consulting work with many sector councils such as The Electricity Sector Council, The International Brotherhood of Boiler Makers Canada, The Wood Manufacturing Council, and The Provincial Building and Construction Trades Council of Ontario. When he walked home from work, he often stopped to enjoy a Guinness at our local pub, Pickwick’s (later The Clocktower), where he was a well-loved regular.
An avid curler all his life, Bob graced the ice in St. John’s at the St. John’s Curling Club, in Ottawa at the Carleton Heights Curling Club, and the RCMP Curling Club, where he was a member of the men’s and seniors’ leagues for many enjoyable years. In the summer months, there were few things he loved more than playing tennis with his son, Robert, at the Ottawa New Edinburgh Club (or observing from the peanut gallery on the deck), and riding his bicycle around Manor Park, the neighbourhood where he and his family have lived for 40 years.
Family life in Ottawa meant many happy times walking (and sneaking treats for) the Porter family dog (first Peanut, then Morgan, and more recently, Hazel), expert barbecuing (while also battling mosquitoes, inclement weather, and the encroaching night), watching the birds in the backyard (goldfinches being a personal favourite), greeting neighbours as they walked past, and enjoying get-togethers with neighbours and dear friends. The years were marked by many a blueberry pancake breakfast on Saturday mornings, afternoons spent eating Tostitos and salsa while watching (and colour commentating on) The Scotties Tournament of Hearts or The Brier, and evenings spent around the dinner table, talking and laughing, often for much longer than any Porter dog would have liked.
He was a loving father, a devoted husband, a kind brother, and a loyal friend. He will be greatly missed by all those who knew and loved him.
A celebration of life will be held at Beechwood Funeral, Cemetery and Cremation Services in May or June, date to be confirmed.
The family wishes to thank Doctor David Anthony MacDonald for his guidance and care, as well as Doctor Brendan Quinn of The Ottawa Cardiovascular Centre, and Doctor Susan Sollars, Bob's long-time family physician. They would also like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the exceptional staff of doctors and nurses on the Hematology/Oncology ward of The Ottawa General Hospital for looking after Bob in his final days.
For those who wish to do so, please consider making a donation to The University of Ottawa Heart Institute or Canadian Blood Services.