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Timothy PORTER Obituary

TIMOTHY McKENZIE GATHERCOLE PORTER March 27, 1939 - March 19, 2023 Tim's family is sad to announce his death at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, following complications from surgery. Like many wartime kids in England, Tim was evacuated from London and lived in various parts of the country with his mother and family members until his father returned from fighting overseas. Following WWII, he lived with his parents in Paris for a few years, and finally immigrated to Canada in 1948, at the age of nine. Tim grew up in Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver and was a student at North Toronto Collegiate and then the University of Toronto (Vic), where he was a member of the Zeta Psi Fraternity and where he made many lifelong friends. After graduating from U of T, Tim became a newspaperman in the UK, returning to Toronto in 1966. Tim met his wife, Patsy, at a party held by mutual friends in Toronto and they married in 1968. After the Toronto Evening Telegram folded in 1971, Tim went on to work in Public Relations, eventually becoming self-employed in this field for many years until his retirement. In his thirties, Tim took up running, completing three marathons. In his forties he switched to cycling, which remained a lifelong passion. He rode with a number of cycling clubs, including the Toronto Randonneurs, the QCBC and the Midweek Cycling Club, and also cycled extensively in North America, Europe, South Africa and Cuba. In addition to cycling, Tim loved a good meal (or a medium one), a beer with friends and family, joking around with his daughters, racing his souped-up Mustang, rowing at the family cabin in Algonquin Park, playing endless games with his granddaughter, horsing around with the family dogs, a good spy novel, a road trip and, most of all, spending time and having adventures with Patsy. He was predeceased by his parents, Kathleen (nee Gathercole) and John McKenzie Porter; and many of his lifelong friends. He is survived by his beloved wife of fifty-four years, Patsy (nee Gray); his daughters, Suzanna (Toronto), Rosalind of London, UK (Matt Russell); his granddaughter of London, UK, Ramona Wilson; and his son-in-law of Toronto, Geoffrey Morgan. Tim will be very missed and remembered by his many friends and extended family in Canada, the UK and South Africa, especially Patsy's sisters, Katy and Barbie, and the rest of the extended Gray, Waugh and Coyle families. We would like to thank all the staff and volunteers at Sunnybrook for their excellent care, particularly in the Critical Care Unit. In lieu of flowers, please feel free to make a donation to a Charity of Your Choice. Please also raise a glass to Tim, and tell an inappropriate joke at the dinner table. There will be a ceremony to celebrate Tim's life at 12:00 noon on April 13, at St. Matthew's United Church, 729 St. Clair Avenue West., Toronto. Condolences may be forwarded through www.humphreymiles.com. Humphrey Funeral Home A.W. Miles - Newbigging Chapel 416-487-4523
Published by The Globe and Mail from Mar. 25 to Apr. 5, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for Timothy PORTER

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12 Entries

Eddie Patrick

April 2, 2023

Tim was the best friend I ever had in my entire life. We met more than 60 years ago when he transferred from the Daily Mirror in Manchester to the Daily Record in Glasgow and we bonded instantly. That led to outrageous antics in Glasgow, Edinburgh, Inveraray, Dunoon, London, Paris, Brussels, Munich (Oktoberfest), East and West Berlin, and Bielefeld, Westphalia. Picture two six-footers and two large suitcases crammed into a Mini Cooper S driving a thousand miles around Europe, and sleeping in the car too, many a night. Tim's escapades made The Ginger Man look like a choirboy. He was an excellent reporter and could turn a non-news item into a humorous feature story at the drop of a Guinness. I know Tim be continuing his hilarious antics in Heaven and I look forward to our reunion there before too long.

Bill Covey

March 31, 2023

Tim´s sounds like a life well lived. I had the pleasure of his company on long rides with the Toronto Randonneurs about 3 decades ago. The best people (and the best times) I have ever known were ones I met on the bike. Rest In Peace Tim.

Lisa McNair

March 30, 2023

As a long time friend of Patsy´s, I mostly knew Tim in passing. However short our conversations, I always left laughing as I went to find Patsy! He liked my cooking, so instead of raising a glass to Tim, I will raise a plate of shrimp and lobster casserole followed with a chaser of Derby Pie.
My sincerest condolences to Patsy,
their daughters, and granddaughter, Ramona, and other family and friends.

John Wilkins

March 30, 2023

Brother Gathercoal pledge. My prior note may have failed the censors
We were class of 1960. Brother porter and self had more fun and war stories than humans should be allowed. He is truly missed John Wilkins yours in TKP

Henry Levy

March 30, 2023

I roomed with Tim for several transits of the Blue Ridge Parkway and spent the whole trip laughing.

Theodore

March 29, 2023

I met Tim's lovely wife Patsy today on the subway and she gave me some great advice that made my day. I hope that she sees this and knows the effect that she and Tim through her had on my life even if it was for the briefest of moments.

Mike Yealland

March 28, 2023

Tim was a long-time senior member of the Hart House athletic facility at U of T. Remembered fondly by many of us.

Chuck Baker

March 27, 2023

Dear Patsy & family...we send our heartfelt condolences at Tim´s passing. We will be in touch. Hugs Chuck & Harold

Chaplain Luba Rascheff (BSUC)

March 27, 2023

Dear Patsy, please accept my deepest condolences for your great loss. My he R.I.P.

Jay Nicholson

March 25, 2023

A legendary Zete and an inspiration to all of us. RIP Brother. In TKPHI, Jay Nicholson.

Jeff Ball

March 25, 2023

As today is Chapter Day for Zeta Psi in Toronto, you may be sure there will be a glass raised and an inapproriate story told at the House this evening! Condolences to the family...Godspeed, Tim!

Rich Mason

March 25, 2023

Brother Gathercole .. what a shock, and ignition of so many fond past memories .. you were a true delight to be around for your laughter, comradery, direct opinions, and true friendship .. The Zete House often rocked because of your presence .. Tony Allen and I will always cherish a car ride up to Inveraray Scotland, on our tour of Europe in 1964 .. Your steadfast commitments to family, sports, work, and friends ,was commendable, even if you were too stubborn at times .. so many people will be saddened today but we all will be grateful for having shared your lifetime. R.I.P. Tim.

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Humphrey Funeral Home A.W. Miles - Newbigging Chapel Limited

1403 Bayview Avenue, Toronto, ON M4G 3A8