Obituary of Thomas John Porter
It is impossible to list all the people who feel a profound sense of loss in the passing of Thomas John Porter. Tom was the kind of man you noticed when he walked into a room. Not because he drew attention to himself - although he did do that on occasion -but because he had a captivating presence. He made dear friends throughout his life and wherever he went.
Tom was born in Nanaimo and moved to Vancouver. There he met his lifelong friends Walt and Eddie and would later became dear friends with their spouses Sonyia and Kathy. After joining the airforce he met the love of his life, Lois (Gillis). While in the airforce, he worked for Search and Rescue and as an air mechanic.
As a younger man, he was, among other things, a herdsman, a car mechanic and an equipment salesman. He was a 4H leader for many years as well as soccer coach and sat on numerous councils.
He and his family moved from British Columbia to Nova Scotia in 1983.
There he again took on various roles from running a sheltered workshop for mentally challenged adults to writing grant proposals for many businesses to an accountant. That was Tom. It didn't matter what he decided to do, it was as though he was made for it. His philanthropic activities included many years as treasurer of the Annapolis Valley Food Bank. He was an active member of St Alphonsus Church and became a Deacon. He was loved by so many in the parish.
He will be forever missed by his children but also his grandchildren who were his pride and joy. He was the most devoted, loyal and wise grandfather you could ever meet and did not miss an opportunity to encourage and celebrate his grandchildren. He also had great grandchildren who delighted him. Following Tom’s wishes cremation has taken place and no visitation or funeral service will take place at this time.
If he was able to speak to all who mourn him he would say: Do not look for me in your sadness, for I am not there. You will instead find me in your joy.
We love you Dad, Grampa, Friend.
God Bless.