Dana George Channel PORTER

PORTER, Dana George Channel

Dana was born in Toronto on
August 4, 1931, the first son of
Dana Harris Porter and Dorothy
Porter. As a youth he was
always happiest outdoors:
camping in the Don Valley,
canoe tripping and working as a
counsellor at Camp Temagami,
earning his pilot's license and
developing his talent as a
landscape artist. He eventually
found his niche in agriculture,
attending the University of
Guelph, working at St. Clair Grain
and Feed in Chatham, and then
buying a small farm near Fingal,
Ontario. The farm was a success,
largely due to his hard work (and
some good luck), but also to the
support of the local farming
community, which he always
appreciated. In his 'spare time'
he slowly but surely expanded
the farmhouse to make a home
for his family. He remained there
for the rest of his life, apart from
brief sojourns to work on his
other project, the family cabin
on Georgian Bay where he saw
his grandchildren grow up.
   Despite his ample supply of
projects, Dana was always
extremely generous with his
time, serving on the Board of
Governors of Fanshawe College,
the executive of the St. Thomas
and Elgin Art Gallery and
volunteering for many projects
and causes, including the
restoration of the Old St
Thomas Church and fundraising
for the R.P. Forshaw Laboratory
at the University of Guelph. He
loved to teach; volunteering as a
math tutor to the students of St
Raphael's Elementary school in
St. Thomas for many years.
   Dana passed away peacefully at
the Dearness Home in London,
on November 13, two years
after having a stroke. He was
surrounded by family and old
friends.
   He leaves behind his beloved
wife and best friend of 58 years,
Beth (nee Barlow), sons Dana
and Robert, daughters-in-law
Katie and Lesley (Tordoff) and
five beautiful grandchildren:
Ayrlea, Charlie, Madeleine,
Miriam and Noah. He also leaves
behind his brother Julian and his
wife Anna, and nieces Susan
Eva, Jessica, Catherine and Julia.
   The family extends its sincere
thanks to the staff of Dearness
Home, London, who showed
Dana great kindness during his
time there.
   A celebration of life will follow,
date to be determined. Details
will be available at:
williamsfuneralhomeltd.com
In lieu of flowers, donations to
the Primate's World Relief and
Development Fund, Georgian
Bay Land Trust or the charity of
your choice would be
appreciated.