Bennett Blair Porter

August 17, 1930- April 13, 2024

93 years old

Survived By:  Jean Porter (nee Bradley) of Qualicum Beach, BC - Married 62 years

Brad and Karen Porter of Okotoks, AB and Pilot Point, TX and Minot, ND, Breanne and Addison Wood; Eveline (4) and Emory (2) of Montrose, COL, Alicia Porter and Justin Franks; Grayson (20 mos.) of Pilot Point, TX, Dalen and Kelsey Porter; Bennett Cole (8 mos.) of Grand Junction, COL, Sandra and Brent Russell of Qualicum Beach, BC, Eryn Russell and (Clinton Nellist) of Parksville, BC, Thomas Russell and (Olivia Sarna) of Burnaby, BC, Sister- in-Laws: Verna Demers (nee Bradley) Geri Rea (nee Bradley), Lynn Bradley (nee Charters), Linda Bradley (nee Campbell), Numerous nieces and nephews on both sides of the family

Predeceased By:  Parents Harry and Maisy (MaryAnne) Porter of Saltcoats Sask. and all of his sisters and brothers: Irene Dunlop (nee Porter); Garvin Porter; Alton Porter; Charles Porter; Joyce Black (nee Porter); Eunice Reyda (nee Porter); Bernice Hodgson (nee Porter); Vera Parker (nee Porter); and Betty Lander (nee Porter) – Blair’s twin sister

Blair Porter is fondly remembered as a kind, loyal and hard-working man with a great sense of humor.  Blair was conscientious in all his activities as a husband, father, brother, friend and business man.  He worked very hard to do the right thing even when it was not easy.  In business, Blair was respected as an employer who would take action where needed and deeply cared for his staff members wellbeing.  He was unfailingly thoughtful towards everyone both in his business and personal world.

In 1948, Blair started his formal working career as an employee of the Bank of Montreal in Saltcoats Sask.  Later, he was transferred to Winnipeg, MB and then Tisdale, SK.  In 1951, he was hired to manage the Robinson Store in Rosetown, Sask.  It was while working there that he would meet his lifelong friend and business partner, Cecil Livingstone.   

In 1955, Blair and Cecil began to create businesses in Rosetown, Elrose and Outlook.  They developed Department stores (i.e., Livingstone & Porter), Ladies Fashion Stores (i.e., Flair Fashions and Tempo Casuals) and Flower Shops. It was a very busy time!

In 196o, Blair met the love of his life, Jean Bradley, on a blind date at a Christmas party.  Blair and Jean would date, travel, camp and enjoy many adventures with Gerda (nee Tietz) and Cecil Livingstone.  Blair and Jean married on July 4th, 1961, then welcomed two children into the world; Bradley Blair on June 20, 1962 and Sandra Lynn on April 24, 1964.

In 1974, after many successful and eventful years in business, Blair and Cecil sold all of their stores except Flair Fashions and purchased the Rosetown Motel.  Blair and Cecil welcomed many interesting visitors to the Rosetown Motel until selling it in 1984. 

Not ready to retire, Blair went to work for Howard Concave Corporation in Rosetown.  He worked as an office manager and bookkeeper, finally retiring in 1989.  Never one to sit still, Blair and Cecil worked to help establish the Rosetown Museum.  They donated many unique items from their years in business and set up wonderful displays for the enjoyment and education of the community.

For leisure, Blair and Jean enjoyed their shared cabin (with Cecil) at Cochin on Jackfish Lake.  As well they loved to travel in their motor home visiting family and friends along the way.  They always enjoyed their time in BC!

In 2004, Blair and Jean decided to move to Qualicum Beach, BC which they found to be both beautiful and warm.  They have continued to live in Qualicum Beach until the present time.  Throughout the years, Blair and Jean have enjoyed the art and culture of West Coast living. 

In 2018, they decided to sell their Qualicum Beach home and move into “The Gardens” an Independent Seniors Home.  Together Blair and Jean built a life taking in monthly celebrations, going on field trips, watching musical productions and viewing art displays.  Some of the highlights have been Blair playing the drums in musical presentations and Jean displaying her art in the Garden’s hallways.  In their lovely ground level apartment, they welcomed visits from family and friends!

Blair was a great dog lover!  He owned several beautiful dogs in his life time.  As a young boy, he had Cleo, a Springer Spaniel and Air Force mascot.  Then, he and Cecil purchased a pure-bred white poodle named Kimmy.  He also loved Sasha, a family pet, a Heinz 57, but a lovable little lap dog.  And in 1992, Blair purchased Max, a West Highland Terrier, and became a huge Westie fan!  Later, he purchased a second Westie named Abby.  Blair greatly loved any dogs that came his way through family and friends which included my beloved Missy, a King Charles Cavalier.

Throughout his life, Blair continued to be a well-dressed man with gentlemanly manners. He was greatly loved and respected by all who met him and left a lasting impression of a wonderful human being.  He will be greatly missed by all!