DANA GEORGE CHANNEL PORTER

DANA GEORGE CHANNEL PORTER 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, 2016 two years after having a stroke. He was surrounded by family and old friends. He leaves behind his beloved wife and best friend Beth (nee Barlow), of 58 years; 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 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 www.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.