Donald 'Don' Edward Porter

Donald Edward Porter, known affectionately to all as Don, embarked on his final journey on May 6, 2024, at the age of 83. Born on November 27, 1940, in West Zorra Township, Don's laughter-filled voyage through life reached a peaceful conclusion in Woodstock, Ontario. He navigated the roads of life with humor as his compass and family as his treasured cargo.

Don was the beloved co-pilot for over 62 years of his wife, Jean (nee Stein), and the cherished father of Wendy Porter (Eric Oostenbrug), Valerie (Mike) Ranger, Kelly (Harold) Bickle, and Rosalie (late Jim, 2019) Simonoski. His legacy continues with his grandchildren who affectionately called him Paasie, Jessica (Scott), Mark (Janice), Michael (Sarah), Alex, Sydney, Rebekah (Jordan), Derek (Delaney), Sarah (Brent), and Dustin, and his great-grandchildren, Nathan, Ryan, and Grace. A brother among brothers and a friend among friends, Don will be fondly remembered by his siblings Frank, Elsie, Cecil, Rick, Robert, Russell, Bev, Mike, Doug, and Tim, and he now joins his late brothers Kevin and Bill on the celestial highway.

Don's parents, Dora and Frank, undoubtedly instilled in him the values of family, humor, and a love for storytelling, traits that he carried throughout his life. His family was his everything, you could find Don and Jean in their backyard on the swing enjoying each other’s company and watching the birds. He made it his life's mission to stay updated with their lives, always eager for the next chapter of their stories. He was a social spirit with a great sense of humor that could light up any room, and his laughter was as infectious as his love for life.

A longtime trucker with an accident free driving record, known as Porky, Don's work was more than just a job; it was an extension of his love for driving and traveling. The open road was his stage, and he played his role with the enthusiasm of a seasoned comedian, always ready with a joke or a tale that would leave you in stitches. Don was always on tour, popping into various coffee shops and truck stops, his anecdotes were as legendary as his driving skills.

Don's interests were as vast as the highways he traveled, but they always circled back to his family and his roots. He loved his mother dearly, a testament to the strong family bonds that he would nurture and pass down to his own children. Don also prided himself on being a cattle farmer for 24 years. His laughter was a beacon for social gatherings, and he was the heart and soul of every party, always ensuring that the atmosphere was light and the spirits were high.

As Don takes to the celestial roads, leaving behind a legacy of joy, his family, extended family, and a convoy of friends will continue to share the memories that keep his spirit alive. His was a life well-lived, a ride well-shared, and a journey that will be fondly recounted at every family gathering, every chance meeting among friends, and every quiet moment when we find ourselves smiling at a memory of the man who was, quite simply, one of a kind.  Safe travels, Don, and thank you for the miles of smiles.

Family and friends will be received at Brock & Visser Funeral Home, 845 Devonshire Ave, Woodstock (519-539-0004) on Monday, May 13, 2024 from 5pm to 8pm, also on Tuesday, May 14, 2024 from 10am to 11am. A Celebration of Don’s Life will follow in the funeral home chapel at 11am.

For those who wish to honour Don’s memory, donations to the Humane Society- Oxford County or Sakura House would be greatly appreciated by the family.

“Stop and smell the roses.”

For those that are unable to attend the service for Don Porter, it will be LIVESTREAMED.