Gerald Cameron Porter
September 12, 1962 to December 2, 2016
Obituary
It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Gerry Porter on December 02, 2016 after a bewilderingly short journey with brain cancer. Predeceased by his mother Ida Healey Porter and his mother and father-in-law Janette and Robert McGee. Leaving to mourn his wife, Debbie McGee and sons Nicholas (Caitlin) and Christopher (Maggie), and his beloved grandchildren Jack and Ursula; father Gerry Porter Sr. (Jill), sister Lisa (Paul) and nephews Simon and Alex, and half-brothers Jonathan, David and James, and a large assortment of Healey and Porter cousins and McGee in-laws. Gerry will be missed by his colleagues at MUN’s Centre for Innovation in Teaching and Learning, his buddies from cards, and his life-long friend Ed Riche. We thank the many friends who were there for us in the past eight months – and the many family members who came to to visit during the period that Gerry called “The Long Good-bye”. Our gratitude to Drs. Stuckless and Laing at the Bliss Murphy Cancer Centre, and Dr. Bill Eaton, Rhonda Brophy and the many wonderful staff members of the Palliative Care/Pain and Symptom Management Team at the Miller Centre. We also wish to thank the many kind but unheralded employees of Eastern Health, all of whom made this difficult time easier to bear. Cremation has taken place, and a visitation will be held at Carnell’s Funeral Home, 329 Freshwater Road, on Monday, December 5 (7-9 pm) and Tuesday, December 6 (2-4 and 7-9 pm). Flowers gratefully accepted. An award celebrating Gerry’s love of music will be established. Those who wish to donate at this time can make out a cheque to the The Gerry Porter Award for Creative Improvised Music, and mail it to 13 William Street, St. John’s NL, A1C 2S2. In accordance with Gerry’s wishes, there will be no funeral service, but we thank all those who attended Gerrypalooza, Gerry’s final party. Hup! Hup!
Schedule
Visitations
7-9 p.m. on December 5, 2016
2-4 p.m. on December 6, 2016
7-9 p.m. on December 6, 2016
Carnell’s Funeral Home
329 Freshwater Road
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Just found out that Gerry passed last year, and like everyone I was very saddened by the news. I have very fond memories of Gerry from high school and from MUN. He was honest and funny at the same time — you could tell, a good guy all the way through.
To Lisa and family, deepest condolences. Just heard. Such sad news. I knew Gerry in the 1980’s when he was the assistant editor of the MUSE. He was such a gifted leader. His was the kind of intelligence that ignited all those around him, evoking inquiry, brilliance and abundant ridiculousness. His spirit will live on in your hearts. So very sorry for the loss of an extraordinary man.
Debbie and family, our deepest sympathy. I was on a similar journey this last 9 months with my dear mom, and she passed away almost at the same time as your wonderful Gerry. Blessings on you from above, Debbie. lots of love from afar, Connie and Tom in Cowichan Bay.
Lisa, family and friends, deepest condolences. Thinking of you and wishing you strength and peace now and in the days ahead.
We didn’t have the pleasure of knowing Gerry well, but as part of his Dad’s extended family in Ottawa we quickly understood what an amazing person he was. Gerry seemed to be the sort of soul who grabbed onto life with great verve and commitment and made the most of his time on earth. He will obviously be sorely missed and leaves behind a truly special footprint and memories. Our condolences go out to Debbie, Lisa and the entire family.
Completely overwhelmed by the news of Gerry’s premature departure from this world. Although I haven’t seen him since the early 80’s, the time I spent on Wadland Crescent with the entire Porter family was like looking through a kaleidoscope of wit, humour, poetry, song and laughter. All these years later I thought he would live forever……in many ways he will.
Unfortunately, I’m out of Canada for an extended time period, and won’t be able to visit and yarn about the salad days…..May he rest in peace. I have an original copy of his 70’s classic illustrated story “Zeitgeist”. It’s still a keeper.
Debbie, My condolences to you and your family. Gerry made the world a better place for those around him. My thoughts are with you.
Gerry seemed always to be the author of a great deal of goodwill. Maybe the blessings of that continue and continue. Much love.
I’m so sorry to hear of Gerry’s passing. I met Gerry when we worked at the muse in the late 70s and early 80s. He was exceptionally kind and witty in a delightfully self-deprecating way. My condolences to his family.
I am terribly sorry to hear of Gerry’s passing. My condolences to all of Gerry’s family and friends.
We’ll miss you Gerry. Condolences to Debbie and everyone who loved you.
Deepest condolences to the Porter and McGee family. One of my fondest memories of Gerry was a long chat about the late, great saxophonist Eric Dolphy. I think it is a fitting tribute that you are setting up the Gerry Porter Award for Creative Improvised Music. I will be forwarding a cheque. Love, peace and music.
Debbie and family,
So very sorry to hear about Gerry’s untimely passing. He was a lovely man, a wonderful colleague and a very creative soul – so magical in the work he was able to create. Jim and I are on our way home from a vacation, so unfortunately we will miss the opportunity to express our sympathy in person. Our thoughts are with you and we share your sorrow with you.
My deep condolences to you, Debbie and to your family. xo
Debbie, my sympathies to you and your family. When I first met Gerry in high school it was obvious he was a unique, rare soul. He remained always fascinating and always funny, bringing a bit of light into the lives of everyone he met.
I was so sad to hear of Gerry’s passing. The world has lost a wonderful person. He lives on in the smiles and tears of his family and friends each time they think of him.
A brilliant and wonderful guy I wish I knew better. Big loss for everyone. Great model for how to use a life. Loved so much for so many reasons.
My sincerest condolences to you and your family, Debbie. I worked with Gerry in the Extension Services days, and remember him quite fondly. I had a chance run-in with him about a year ago at MUN and we had a grand, but short, chat. It was so nice to see him. Then I learn of his illness only about a week ago and am truly saddened now to learn of his passing. I am glad to know you all had a chance to see your friends and family during Gerry’s ‘Long Good-Bye’ and I know he must have enjoyed that. Take good care.
My condolences to all the family and friends who are mourning Gerry’s passing. “…when the earth shall claim your limbs, then shall you truly dance.” (Gibran)
A great guy, a huge talent, playful, loving, inspiring. We are so lucky to have known him and his family. Our thoughts are with you Debbie and Lisa and the extended McGee and Porter families.
Our hearts are breaking for the MaGee / Porter families.
To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die
June and Debra Blackmore
Thinking of you today, Debbie, Lisa and Ed. I knew Gerry mainly by his good works. His sharp, clever and wickedly funny public communications lit up my mornings and sent me to the dictionary frequently, the better to appreciate him. He was a rare and excellent person… so sorry for your loss.
Wishing peace and condolences to all of Gerry’s family and friends.
Dear Deb, a huge hug from Brenda, Glen and Klara to you and Nick and Chris. Just saw the FB post of Gerrypalooza, what a beautiful, life and love affirming celebration. Gerry was such an extraordinary human being, what a deep loss.
Our deepest of condolences to you Debbie, Nick and Chris and to Lisa, Paul, Simon and Alex. Gerry was our eyes and ears. He is and will be missed by all of us who were fortunate to have known him. Biggest hugs and love to you all. Beth, Ray, Jesse and Noah
I will always remember Gerry as the quiet, smart and artistic guy who wore the smile of someone who was contented within himself. He will be missed by all who knew him. My sincere condolences.
Rest in peace Gerry. My condolences to Debbie and family.
Dear Debbie. My condolences to you and your family on the great loss of Gerry. He, and you, must have been pleased with the gatherings and fun shared over the past weeks and months. My condolences. Carolyn Emerson
Debbie,
I knew you better than I knew Gerry, mainly because whenever we met, you and I nattered away nonstop while he stood there patiently with a smile on his face waiting for us to finish. I feel grateful to have seen you at the Crow’s Nest a couple of weeks ago. My thoughts are with you and the boys and your beautiful grandchildren.
Linda Gaborko
So sorry for your loss
Lisa , Paul, Simon and Alex,
We are so very sorry for your loss.
Sandra Quinlan and family
RIP Gerry.
Lisa and all other member’s of Gerry’s family, The proper words will not come to offer you appropriate condolences. I am overcome with sadness hearing the news of Gerry’s passing. May your love and memories of Gerry in time replace your grief. He goes before us, still blazing a path so that we might have an easier time as we follow. Love Mary
I remember Gerry only from brief trips into the doors of the Muse, early 80’s. I’m saddened by the suddenness of your loss, and I’ll miss his always insightful input in social media circles, we shared an amazing number of common friends. My sincere condolences to Debbie and family.
Deepest condolences Debbie to you and your family! Gerry was an amazing man and touched so many lives, he will be sorely missed by his colleagues at MUN. You are all in my heart, love to all!
Debbie, Sincere condolences on the loss of your husband – who I had seen with you a number of times – but didn’t connect Gerry with the Gerry Porter I heard people rave about in the arts community. & now I understand the Gerrypollosa.posts a few years ago. But what I did connect with was how happy you two were together – how you two were so in rhythm and casual with each other, how you had real conversations where there was real consideration of the other’s thoughts and how questions of what might have seemed really? could became REALLY after conversation. i remember how happy you two were together and supportive of each other. and those are joys to behold. My thoughts are of the happy times I observed the two of you and how you made me smile together and how everyone loved to chat with you about Gerry.
I did not know Gerry, but I feel a sense of “home” with everyone connected –even remotely– with The Great Eastern. Such a magnificent creation reflects powerfully on each of the contributors and those associated with the creators, those in that environment. My condolences to Gerry’s family.
Sorry for your loss. I didn’t know Gerry at all but we are about the same age, and whenever someone passes from your generation you feel your own mortality a little more. I’m sure there are lots of good recollections to keep his memory alive, preferably the kind that make your face sore from laughing!!
Sorry for your lost He was a customer here for years as was his sons
Condolences to you and your family. Gerry was such a wonderful soul, and it makes me so sad that he has passed. Love to all.
Dear Porter family:
I did not know Gerry, but as a member of the Arts Council for a term, and in being connected with the arts community here in St. John’s for many years I know of Gerry’s work in the arts and his incredible contribution and support over the years to that sector in this province. I am struck with how loved he was by everybody, and with the charm and wisdom that is expressed in his eyes in the photos of him. I have tears in my eyes as I empathize with your loss, and the loss of such a person far too soon.
Sincerely, Annemarie Christie
Debbie,
Deepest condolences to you, Nick, Chris and family.
Tonight we toasted Gerry’s life, and both wish we had the opportunity to spend more time with him.
Gerry was a super guy; creative, artistic and always so interesting to be with. We will miss him but he will always be part of our family.
Our love and best wishes to all of you.
Mark & Helen
Tough break Gerry. Thinking of you Debbie.
Kay Anonsen
Long Beach, CA
Chris,Maggie and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. Gerry was a kind and wonderful man. You are all in my heart at this difficult time.
What a loss. I wish you strength and joy in your memories.
Debbie, I want to send you and your family my deepest condolences. I have tuned in via facebook over the last few months and saw the wonderful celebration of your husband’s life while he was able to participate and enjoy the long good-bye. Your family’s courage is inspirational and the many fabulous memories and your friends far and near will help strengthen you and sustain you and carry you through the difficult times ahead. Thinking of you .
Gerry was an amazing man and will be greatly missed.
Our condolences to all who loved him.
Rick and Gerald
Debbie,Nick, Chris, Maggie, Jack Ursula Lisa Paul Simon Alex Gerry Sr. not to mention Caitlin and Jill, and all the cousins and stepbrothers. I am heartbroken for you all. Gerry was a terrific guy and we are all so blessed to have had him in our lives. We’lll have him in our hearts forever. Love and hugs to all.
Gail.
I miss you Gerry.
Heartfelt thoughts to all in Gerry’s family.
I love you all.