James Harvey Porter was born on July 16, 1933 to J. Ernest Porter and Ruby E. (McGhie) Porter in Winnipeg, MB. Harvey’s childhood was spent on the family homestead in Southeast Saskatchewan’s Hope District, until the family moved to Glen Ewen when Harvey was 11. He was the oldest brother in a large family with 13 siblings.
As a young man, Harvey enlisted in the Canadian Armed Forces, joining Lord Strathcona’s Horse (Royal Canadians). He trained to drive the tanks at Camp Borden’s Armoured Corps School, and memories of this time always brought a smile to his face. The “Straths” contributed troops to the United Nations Emergency Force (UNEF) in Germany from 1957 to 1959, and our small-town brother was sent across the ocean to experience the wonders of post-war Europe. On breaks from their peace-keeping mission, he and a friend toured the great cities of Europe, passing the historic domes and cathedrals under repair after the devastation of war.
Harvey returned to Canada in the early 1960s with the rank of Lance-Corporal. He worked for Arne Hansen in Glen Ewen for several years. In the 1970s he moved to Esterhazy, SK and drove the Kleysen Transport potash haul for 20 years, retiring at 57 years old.
Harvey was involved with the Esterhazy Flour Mill project and the Qu’Appelle Valley Thresherman’s Club, where he enjoyed fixing and fiddling with old machinery. Attending auction sales and meeting friends for (not hot) coffee made him happy in his own quiet way.
Harvey passed away at his home on June 15, 2020. He will be remembered as a quiet, gentle man with a soft voice and sense of humour. He was a good brother, and generous with his time and abilities. We will miss him for all of these things.
Wife (sep) Lorraine Porter of Yorkton. Harvey’s thirteen siblings, nieces and nephews: Arla† (Henry†) Giesbrecht and their children Abram (Jane) Giesbrecht, John Giesbrecht; David† (Elsie†) Porter; Amy† Porter; Eunice Porter; Russel (Doreen†) Porter and their children Harley (Rhonda) Porter, Howard (Norma) Porter, Ken (Michelle) Porter, Les (Elva) Porter; Mary (Gerald†) Hanlon; Frank (Linda) Porter and their children Corey (Peggy) Porter, Danny (Dawn-Rai) Porter, David (Karina) Porter; Pat (Lynne) Porter and their children Cody Porter, Brendan Porter; Ella May† Porter; Bert (Lyll) Porter; Roy Porter; Lorna (Clem) Werner and their children Kendra Werner, Michael Werner; Lloyd (June) Porter and their children Travis (Amber) Porter, Krysta (Darren) Kwasnycia, as well as numerous great- and great-great- nieces and nephews.
A funeral service will be held at a later date. Interment will take place at the Esterhazy Town Cemetery. Remembrances and condolences may be shared with the family at www.pcarscaddenfs.ca Peter Carscadden Funeral Service, Esterhazy, SK in care of arrangements. 306-745-3304.
(† designates deceased)
