William Reuben Porter
June 8, 1939 - June 29, 2011
William Reuben Porter otherwise known as “the shavings man” was born in Embro, Ontario on June 8, 1939. He moved to Calgary in 1960 where he worked on a ranch and met his wife Maureen. They moved to Summerland the next year and started their family. Their daughter Lorelei was born in 1961 then their son Leslie in 1966. William started a family based firewood and shavings business. He ran it successfully till he retired at age 60 and turned it over to son Leslie who has kept the business still running. Maureen and Bill then took some time to travel in their RV to bluegrass shows, rodeos and just take time together. Their first grandchild Tyrrell was born in 1992. Jacob, Brandon, and Isabel were then born in the next years. William enjoyed his grandchildren immensely and boasted about them to everyone he met. In his last years William started to clean and recycle scrap metal. He never slowed down.
William lost his battle with cancer on June 29, 2011 at home with his wife of 49 years Maureen. He faced his final journey with strength and pride. Bill will be greatly missed by family and friends. If you ever met Bill his memory will leave you with a smile.
William is survived by wife Maureen, daughter Lorelei, son Leslie, daughter-in-law Tanya, grandchildren Tyrell, Jacob, Brandon, and Isabel. By his mom Dora Porter, siblings Frank, Elsie, Don, Cecil, Rick, Robert, Russell, Beverley, Micheal, Douglas, Timothy and their families. Sadly predeceased by father Frank Porter. Everyone has their own special piece of Bill’s heart and he will be greatly missed. In Lieu of flowers please send a donation in William’s name to the cancer foundation.
There will be a celebration of life held at the Alliance Church in Summerland on July 9,2011 at 1 pm with pastor Rick Gay officiating. All are welcome.