PORTER – Gary Edward Porter beloved husband of Helen (Buschert) Porter died on April 21st in the year of his Lord 2018 in his home with his family by his side at the age of 81. Gary was born October 11th, 1936 in Medicine Hat, Alberta to parents Dr. Edward and Nora (Mitchell) Porter of Duchess, Alberta. On May 21st, 1960 he married Helen Buschert of Carstairs, Alberta. Gary lived his entire life in the Duchess area and was a member of the Duchess Mennonite Church. He attended the old Duchess School located on the east side of Duchess and attended Rosemary school for grades 11 and 12. Following graduation Gary started apprenticing for an electrician in Medicine Hat. An opportunity came up to apprentice for a mechanic in Duchess at Duchess Garage, this meant he could live at home. Eventually Duchess Garage moved their business to Brooks and split the business into Evergreen Implements and Martin Chrysler. Gary decided he’d had enough of working under muddy cars so went with Evergreen working on John Deere equipment. A decision he never regretted. He took great pride in beating flat rate set by John Deere to do a job. His greatest love was doing pumps and injectors. After 23 years he regretted having to leave mechanics due to severe arthritis. After retiring from mechanics he and his wife opened a photo studio and 1 day film service in Brooks. Photography was a passion for him and in his earlier days was seldom without a camera in hand and had done a lot of weddings in the area. Again due to health reasons he needed to sell what had become a very successful business. After a hip replacement in his mid forties he ran a small film developing business, photo enlarging service and CB radio repair shop out of his own home. After obtaining a ham radio license he enjoyed ham radio communication and could often be found talking on his radio. He also enjoyed flying with his son Dale and boating with his sons while watching them water ski and scuba dive. Late in life he took up wood working building things for his children and grandchildren. Gary leaves to mourn his wife Helen of 58 years. Sons Dale (Carrie), Mark (Ronda) and Jay (Buffy). Grandchildren Katrina (fiancé Jeremy Jaresh), Chelsea, Daniel, Graycee, Isaiah, Ryan and Madisen all of Duchess. Sisters Loraine Porter (Fred Barg) of Powell River, B.C and Charmaine (William) Ramer of St. Albert, Alberta; one aunt Hazel Deering of Lethbridge, nieces, nephews and numerous cousins. He was predeceased by his parents Ed and Nora Porter. Memorial donations may be made to MCC #210 2946-32st NE Calgary, Alta T1Y6JT or charity of choice. Memorial service will be held at Duchess Mennonite Church on Friday, April 27th 2018 at 2:00 pm (204 3 Street East Duchess, Alberta, with lunch to follow in lower hall. Private immediate family burial in Duchess Cemetery. For further information, to light a candle in memory of Gary or to leave a message of sympathy, please visit www.thomsfuneralhome.com or call (403) 501-1010.
