Jim Porter of Chemainus, BC died peacefully, at the age of 89 on May 6, 2020 in Cowichan District Hospital, Duncan, BC.
Jim is survived by his daughter Brenda of Toronto, son Rick of Duncan, half-sister Doreen Porter Harvey of Maple Ridge and half-brother John Cobb (Bev) of Qualicum Beach. He is predeceased by his wife of 60 years Joyce Porter (2014), daughter Linda (1976), half-brother Les Cobb (2012) and half-brother Owen Cobb (2018).
Born on January 26, 1931 in Regina, SK, Jim grew up on a farm in Mildred, SK. In 1947 the family moved to Chemainus. Jim started work that year at Chemainus mill; he transferred to No.3 Woodroom at Harmac mill in 1963, working a total of 46 years at MacMillan Bloedel.
Jim was a proud, independent and active man, known for being remarkably resourceful. He had an abundance of DIY skills to make, create and fix most things. Friends, family and neighbours could count on him for help on projects and for his innovative solutions to challenges. He will be remembered for that generosity as well as his sharp wit. Jim was interested in anything about farming and life in the prairies. Anyone he met from Saskatchewan became an immediate friend.
As a big man with big hands and a big voice, matched by a big laugh, Jim was sometimes regarded as a rough, prickly character. His drive softened in his retirement years as he reflected on his life and family; once the ambitious projects were no longer possible, his famous raspberry patch and precision knife sharpening for friends gave him great satisfaction. Despite its challenges at times, Jim became a patient caregiver to his wife, Joyce, as her health and abilities declined due to dementia.
Jim was famous for telling stories about the past, growing up in Saskatchewan, antics on the farm, hardships of rural life in the 30's and 40's, and for telling tales about his early years in Chemainus and activities with his brothers.
Jim's family, job, workshop, home projects and outdoor activities were the core of his life. As for his favourite pastime, it was a close contest between fishing in the salt chuck and berry picking in the bush.
Jim lived independently in his home in Chemainus until he was admitted to hospital due to his heart condition in late January 2020. Thank you to Dr. Manhas of Chemainus for years of wonderful medical care. Brenda and Rick are very grateful to the staff at Cowichan District Hospital who took great care of Jim during the last 3 months of his life, and to Nurse Jessica who held Jim's hand as he passed away in the early morning hours of May 6. Jim will be missed by all who knew him. A Celebration of Life may be planned at a later date.
Condolences may be offered online at www.sandsduncan.ca.
Sands Funeral Chapel