In Memory of

Donald

Porter

Obituary for Donald Porter

Donald Eugene Porter of Fort Belcher, NS, passed away at his home on Monday, February 26, 2018. He was born in Masstown, NS, on January 2, 1935, the youngest child of George and Mary (Putnam) Porter. Donald attended the NSAC and then, instead of continuing to MacDonald College as was his plan, he purchased a farm with his brother, Arthur. This decision provided an ideal place to raise their families. Shortly after taking up residence at the farm, Donald married his high school sweetheart, Helen Elliott Atkinson. They remained on the farm for the 55 years of their married life and raised five children together. Donald gave many years of service to the dairy industry beyond his own farm, including as a Director on Dairy Farmers of Canada, the producer representative on the Nova Scotia Dairy Commission and as Director and then Chair for Scotsburn Co-operative Services Limited. He also made significant contributions to the harness racing industry; raising horses was one of his greatest pleasures. He was proud of his contribution to the establishment of the West Colchester United Arena as the chair of the fund-raising committee and later chair of the board. His sons and grandchildren were among the many who benefitted from the establishment of minor hockey in the area. This initiative was just one of the many ways he shared his love of the sport which had been fostered on “the pond” in Masstown and highlighted by his play in the District League. Donald and Helen enjoyed travelling in their RV, making many trips far and wide, including one to Alaska and two to Mexico. Their travelling companions included many old friends and a wide variety of new ones. They also enjoyed Sunday drives, dancing and cribbage. There are not many roads in Nova Scotia that Donald did not take the family down at least once. Donald is survived by his five children, Beth (Terry) MacMichael, Patti (Kevin) Budd, Susan (Bob Derosier), George (Barbara) and Alan (Jennifer), 22 grandchildren, and 5 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister and her husband, Joyce and Don Goodspeed, sister-in-law, Dawn Porter and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, his sisters and their husbands, Frances (Ernie) Pash, Dorothy, (Glen) Rice, brothers, Arthur and John (and John’s wife, Vivian) and foster brother and wife, Jack (Minerva) Vaughan as well as great granddaughter, Annabelle Budd. The family would like to thank the Palliative Care team, the VON, and the rest of his health care team for their excellent care and support. Cremation has taken place. A memorial service is being planned for a later date. Memorial donations can be made to the Colchester Hospice Society, the West Colchester United Arena, or the charity of your choice. Arrangements entrusted to Colchester Community Funeral Home, Truro where on-line condolences may be made at: www.ColchesterCommunity.com