Eugene Charles Porter

Gene passed away at Sunnybrook Hospital, 6:00pm, Monday, April 25, 2022, at age 92.

Preceded in death by his cherished wife of 59 years, Marguerite (Good), his dear brother, Bill (Eileen), and brother in law, Ron Good.

Gene is survived by his loving wife of 5 years, Pat (Blakely), Gene and Marg’s children, Steven (Yvonne), Marilyn (Kevin), Nancy (Rick) and Grandchildren, Michael, Alison (Josh), Gloria Lyn, Jim, Stephen (Taylor), Amy, Emily, William and great granddaughter Lake (Stephen and Taylor).

Gene was born in Toronto, August 31, 1929, to Charles and Amy (Parker) Porter. He graduated Lawrence Park Collegiate high school. He attended teachers College then completed a BA and M.Ed. at University of Toronto while working. He started teaching at age 19 and became the youngest person ever to become a Principal at the age of 23. He then went on to work at North York Board of Education as an Assistant Superintendent of schools and then Superintendent of schools. He retired in 1989.

Gene played a lot of tennis in his youth often doubles with his brother Bill. Later in life that tennis expertise was channeled into table tennis or ping pong and he was known for his fierce yet crafty table tennis skills.

Gene was an avid Toronto Maple Leaf fan which kept him sitting in his favourite chair on Saturday nights critiquing the game.

Gene’s love for hockey had him playing for the “Young Rangers”; a Junior A team in the OHA. Gene later carried that passion for hockey to building an enormous ice rink in the hydro field behind their house with tall post-mounted flood lights which all neighbourhood skaters enjoyed.

Gene enjoyed spending many years vacationing at their cottage on Chandos Lake. He was instrumental with the planning and building of the family cottage which began in 1958 and later became a tranquil escape for generations to come. He enjoyed countless days and evenings fishing with Marguerite and a myriad of friends and relatives visiting. Gene enjoyed drawing the attention of all who could witness his water ski antics; dock start with hat, glasses and beach jacket and a whirl around the lake. The cottage proved to be a natural gathering place for his and Marguerite’s family and now the 4th generation enjoy the same lake.

Gene was dedicated to the golden retriever dogs he loved through the years. No other breed could compare in his opinion. No surprise that each of his children had one or more of this breed added to their families. Gene especially enjoyed family gatherings that included all the golden retriever dogs attending.

A celebration of Gene’s life will be announced at a later date.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.kanejerrett-thornhill.ca for the family.