Lester Porter
September 1, 1954 to September 16, 2023
Obituary
It is with broken hearts that we announce the peaceful passing of Lester Porter, at the Palliative Care Unit of the Dr. L. A. Miller Centre on September 16, 2023, after a very courageous battle with cancer. He was 69 years old.
Lester is survived by his devoted wife of over 40 years, Barbara (Carey), his three loving children, Shane Porter (Susan), Chelsea Nichols (Ryan) and Hayley Hynd (Robbie) as well as his six darling grandchildren whom he adored; Nora, Oliver and Benjamin Porter; Gavin and Wyatt Nichols and Claudia Hynd. They loved their Poppy Lester dearly and they brightened his difficult days with joy and laughter. Many special moments happened in Poppy’s garden where he spent countless hours planting and weeding his beautiful flowers and constructing a space for all of us to enjoy, grandchildren, family and friends alike.
Also leaving to mourn with fond and loving memories are his dear mother, Marie Porter, four sisters, Beulah (Randell Rideout), Madeline (Marven Parsons), Geraldine (John Churchill) and Leta (Peter Keefe). Also, his sisters-in-law, Genia (Ron Hillier); Mary (Bernard Howlett) and Marie Carey, as well as several nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
Donations in Lester’s memory may be made to Nevaeh’s Angel Foundation or the Cuddle Bed Project, Palliative Care Unit at the Dr. L. A. Miller Centre. https://healthcarefoundation.ca/cuddle-bed-project-for-palliative-care/
At per Lester’s wishes, cremation has taken place. Private interment will follow at a later date.
Love Me Still
If you wish to love me still
When I leave
You can
By loving others
By giving new love
By not losing hope
By still seeing joy
By living your life like it cries to be lived
By letting go when the natural order demands it
By being at peace with the circle of time.
If you wish to love me still
When I leave
You can
By loving life
By loving all that is life
By loving yourself most of all
The way that I loved you.
For now that I cannot
You must
Love yourself and you will love me still.
Love your life and you will love me still.
❤️
Donna Ashworth
Barb, it was only this past weekend that I heard of Lester’s passing. I am so sorry for your loss. Lester and I were great friends back in the 80’s when we worked together at Pensions Division. We had some wonderful talks and laughs. I’ve often thought of you both over the years. Please accept my condolences to you and to all your family..
Deepest condolences, I too remember Lester as a fun loving happy individual who, with his infectious laughter always made you feel so welcome. I concur with my friends who also posted about how much fun there was hanging out while we were young. Just looking at his smile in the picture, I know he kept that exuberance (being full of energy, excitement and cheerfulness… ) for the life that he shared with you all. Take solace and comfort in your memories as am sure he never faltered in letting you know how much you were loved. Heartfelt sympathies to the family
Dear Barb, I am deeply saddened by the news of Lester’s passing, and offer you and all Lester’s family my heartfelt condolences. When I saw the photo you chose for his obituary I could immediately hear his gleeful laugh down through the 45-some years since I last saw you both. Although it can’t ease your grief I hope you will take comfort in knowing how much he meant, and still means, to the people he touched by his life.
Dear Barb and family, I am shocked and saddened and so very sorry to hear that my old friend has left this world. I have so many memories flooding my mind and I will always hear that high joyous squeal of laughter that always accompanied one of our gangs get togethers. His love of life was contagious and drew us all into his orbit. You had so much patience and we never once doubted the love you shared! I know there no words that will ease your pain or your family’s feeling of loss that surrounds all your hearts. Please accept my sincerest and heartfelt sympathy to all of you and please know that even though we didn’t keep in contact I always felt a kinship with Lester that only youthful camaraderie provides and remains forever with us. I pray that you are finding comfort in your beautiful family and knowing how very much he always loved you. Fly high with the Angels my dear friend and God willing we will all meet again. God bless.
Barb and family: I’m heartbroken to hear about Lester’s passing. While it has been many years since I have seen Lester, hearing this news recently and learning of his passing simply broke my heart. Remembering his infectious smile brought back so many memories of laughs and jokes from years ago, and it breaks my heart to know that those closest to him will only see that smile in photos and memories from here on. I hope you find solace in the many memories shared and the incredible light that shone so brightly from Lester. Rest easy my dear friend.
Geraldine and all the Porter family,
My sincere condolences on the passing of Lester. May you find peace in your memories of him.
Norma Churchill and family.
Barb and Family. Sending sincere condolences on Lester’s passing. Pat and I both sought his guidance on pension issues and were most appreciative of his counsel. He was a great man who left too soon. In time, we hope that the grief you feel will give way to plenty of happy memories. Take Care!
Alastair and Pat O’Rielly
Barb and family. So sorry to hear of Lester’s passing. Sending our sincere condolences. May the wonderful memories you shared together get you through this most difficult time. My thoughts are with you.
Barb & Family: Sending my condolences on the passing of Lester. From FB posts over the years it is clear that he was surrounded by the love of his family.. Wishing you comfort from the many fond and enduring memories of your time together. The obituary poem was heartwarming.
Barb and family, so sorry to hear of Lester’s passing.
Chelsea, I’m so very sorry for your loss. Your dad, “Lester” was a good person. In his role as a supervisor, he was always willing to help or explain things to anyone who asked him a question. If you needed help and he was busy at that moment, he would come to your desk when he was free. He had a great work ethic, always answered his phone even if he was on the way to the Registry, dealing with another client’s file. There was no slowing him down, could he ever move fast. He was so proud of his children and their accomplishments. He leaves a great legacy behind and his thoughts, hopes and dreams will live on in all of you. Although today it is difficult to see beyond the sorrow, I pray looking back, all the memories you made with your dad will help comfort you tomorrow. Rest in peace Lester in God’s beautiful garden.
Barb and Family, our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time. My you find peace and comfort in the memories you have shared over the years. RIP Lester. God bless you all.
Barb and family
So sorry to hear about Lester’s passing.. I can still see him strolling through Pensions in Department of Finance. He was always dressed to kill. Dances at the Pirates Cave.. Great times! Keep his memories close to your heart.
Hugs to everyone
Eileen Keating
Barb and family, I am saddened to read of Lester’s passing. He always had a smile and took time to have a chat when I saw him tending bar at the Elk’s Club. May you take comfort in the many treasured memories you’ve made over the years. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time
Barb and family. So sorry to hear of Lester’s passing. The best coworker Take care
Sending my condolences to the Porter family at this difficult time. I worked with Madeline at Dept of Finance and would like to send a big warm hug to her. Lester’s name was spoken of often in the Department, his knowledge and kind mannerism were known to all that worked with him. Thinking of you all on the loss of a Husband, Father, Grandfather and Brother.
To Barbara and family, my sincere condolences on the passing of your loved one. I worked with Lester at pensions division, Dept of Finance for a few years back in the 80′ and also dealt with him on pension matters after i left pensions. He was always a p;leasure to deal with , a wealth of knowledge, always had a smile and a laugh to share. He will be missed by anyone who
knew him. Hold on to those precious memories.
Geraldine and all your family,
Please accept my condolences on Lester’s passing. I remember Lester at Ascension and he was always full of life and friendly to all. I hope memories of him will help you all in the days to come.
Sincerely Daphne Robinson
My condolences to the Porter family, I’m saddened to hear of his passing. I worked in HR with a board under Eastern Health and when it came to me not knowing or questioning myself about Pensions, he was my “go to call contact”, his wealth of knowledge on Pension‘s was remarkable . No matter how many times I contacted him, he was friendly and we always had a laugh, Lester , you will be missed. God has another angel around his throne, may you rest in peace my friend 💗🙏
My condolences to the Lester family, I’m saddened to hear of his passing. I worked in HR with a board under Eastern Health and when it came to me not knowing or questioning myself about Pensions, he was my “go to call contact”, his wealth of knowledge on Pension‘s was remarkable . No matter how many times I contacted him, he was friendly and we always had a laugh, Lester , you will be missed. God has another angel around his throne, may you rest in peace my friend 💗🙏
Barb and family: I was so saddened to just learn of Lester’s passing. It brought back memories of our time working together at the Department of Transportation. It so hard to lose such an important part of your life. May warm memories of your dear Lester warm your hearts always.
We were very sorry to hear of Lester’s passing. Sincere condolences to Barbara, Shane, Chelsea, Hayley, their families & friends.
So very sad to hear of the passing of Lester. We send peace and comfort to everyone who knew and loved Lester. It is so hard to lose a loved one and we hope loving memories can comfort you going onward
To Lesters family
So sorry to hear of Lesters passing
He was a very friendly and wonderful person
I worked with Lester for a short time in the Pensions division of dept of Finance and any time you needed his help he was always there with a helping hand , one of the friendliest people in Pensions, would also see him at functions at the Elks Club and always had that smile and a big hello
Our deepest condolences
RIP Lester
Our deepest condolences to Lester’s family and all those that loved him. Thinking of you all at this sad time. Lester will be deeply missed. May he rest in peace.
Leta and Family,
I am sorry to learn of your brothers passing, after his long road of illness. Lester’s obituary reads of a life well lived and I know he will be sadly missed. By you all. I’m sorry for your loss and certainly thinking of your dear Mom.
In friendship, Loretta
So sad to hear. Spent many nights working together. He was the best. Thinking of his beautiful family who he loved and cherished so much. RIP Lester.
Thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time. God Bless.
We are so sorry to hear of Lester’s passing. Our sincere condolences to all the family.
Sincere condolences to the Porter Family . May he rest in peace.
To Lesters family, so sorry to hear of his passing.i graduated high school with him,and several of us always had our lunch together at ascension every day.. was me ,lester. dave simms now deceased, ivy, emmie. derek, we had so much fun together/ was one of those guys who would give you the shirt off his back..and he did that to me when i needed a mauve shirt for the school choir, he took his off and gave it to me,,,that was lester/sending heartfelt condolence to all his family and to madeliene his sister who i worked with. god speed les.. sincere sympathy ,Fraser Badcock Bay Roberts
Barb, Shane, Chelsea, Hayley and families; Carey & Porter Families
We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of your beloved Lester. We have great memories of a fun Lester at many social gatherings.
Family was everything to Lester. May the comfort that Lester found planting and weeding his special space known as “Poppys Garden” for all to enjoy, now be your comfort every time you see a beautiful flower and reflect on special family memories.
“No time on earth is long enough to share with those we love or to prepare our hearts for a final goodbye”.
We send you our heartfelt condolences.
So sad to hear of my friends passing Lots of memories from our teenage years in Port-de-Grave and Carbonear trade school. Our deepest sympathy to all the family.
Roger & I wish to express our deepest condolences on the passing of your loved one. Know you are in our thoughts and prayers at this time. Give your Mom a big hug from us and know we are thinking of her
So sad to hear of my friends passing Lots of memories from our teenage years in Port-de-Grave and Carbonear trade school. Our deepest sympathy to all the family.
Ivy (Hussey) Young & Calvin.
Our sincere condolences to Marie and all the families. Hugs
Barbara
Sorry to hear of Lester’s passing.
We extend sincere condolences to you and your extended family.
While he passed much too young , you now have to go forward with all those pleasant memories as you al adjust to a new normal without him
God Bless, Ray and Joyce ANDREWS
I was so sorry to hear of Lester’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with his family in this difficult time.
I am shocked reading the news of Lester’s passing! I knew him in our hometown of Port de Grave, but I knew him most when he worked in Pensions! Many fine chats we enjoyed. My sympathy to all the family! Carol Ralph Thistle (Alberta)
Shane & Family; so very sorry to hear of your father’s passing. Please rest assured you are all in my thoughts during this most difficult time. Cherish the memories you have made over the years together.
Chelsea, and family, condolences to all of you at this time. I worked with your dad, he was such a wonderful caring man. Keep your memories close. Many hugs and we’ll wishes to all of you. .
Lori and Keith Thomas
Barb,
Our deepest condolences to you and your family. Thinking of you at this difficult time.
Chelsea and all of your family, condolences to all of you at this very difficult time. I was fortunate enough to work with Lester briefly and get to know the wonderful person he was. May your beautiful memories help you to remember and get you through. Hugs
Deepest condolences to Marie and families on Lester’s passing. May you find solace in your memories. God Bless.
Marilyn Skanes King and Family
My sincere condolences to you Barb and your family.Always love looking at your beautiful family pictures that you share.The lovely memories you shared together will surely help you at this difficult time.May he RIP.
Mary Crane
Hayley, Chelsea and families,
I am so sorry to hear the news about your dad. I am sending my sincerest condolences to you all and thinking of you all as you navigate this difficult time. ❤️
So sorry to hear of Lester’s passing…sending along heartfelt condolences to all the families.
Our sincere sympathies to you all.
Barbara and family, Please accept my deepest condolences on your loss.. It was a privilege to have met you. Be assured, your beautiful memories will sustain you.
May Lester Rest in Peace. ✝️
Patricia Hutton
🙏💗
Barb and family, so sorry to hear about the passing of your dear husband, father and grandfather! Cherish the many memories you have shared together over the years, and in time, those memories will bring smiles instead of tears! Take care of each other.
Truly one of the finest men! I will remember Lester as a hard worker, incredible gardener, and a devoted father and grandfather. I can still see him pulling up in the blue-green van to chauffer Hayley and friends all over town. I also see him sitting on the couch enjoying Big Brother with a snack, maybe some stuffed baloney?
I will be thinking of you Barb, Shane, Chelsea, and Hayley as you mourn such a deep loss. He has left such a heartwarming legacy with his family and will live in your memories forever.
Barb and family- my heart breaks for you. Spent 34 years working with him- through all the laughter, all the work, all the pressure, yes and sometimes all the fun. The world and your family will miss you – I’ll miss him too. Take care of each other. RIP my friend!
I am so saddened to hear of Lester’s passing. He was a very special person and friend . I will remember him always, his love of his family, music and his garden.. He will always be remembered in my heart. Love to you Barb and your family. ❤️
Chelsea and family we are so sorry to hear about your Dad. Please accept our deepest condolences.
Chelsea, Ryan and family, so sorry for your loss. Lester will be remembered by so many – I still hear the rattle of coins in his pocket when he would walk by my desk – we didn’t have to look, we would just say “Hey Lester”. I have so many fawn memories working with Lester for many years in Pensions. He was so brave and a fighter. Thinking of you all at this sad time.. Hugs!
Beulah and all the Porter family:
So sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Janet & Tony Tilley
So sorry for your loss Barb & family. Sincerest condolences to you all
Madeline & family, Shane & family:
So sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this very difficultt time. May your treasured memories give you comfort in the coming days and weeks ahead.
Sincere condolences,
Ches & Lisa Mesh