Obit: PORTER, Garnet Wiliam "Joe"

Thursday, January 6, 2005 The Halifax Herald Limited

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PORTER, Garnet Wiliam "Joe" - Chester, in his 83rd year, died January 4, 2005, in the New Halifax Infirmary, QEII. Born in River Hebert, Cumberland Co., he was a son of the late Gordon and Alta (Smith) Porter. He joined the North Nova Scotia Highlanders in 1940, transferred to the Provost Corps and was promoted to the rank of Sergeant before the age of 19 years. Following the war, he was appointed to the North Sydney staff, Custom and Excise Division of Revenue Canada, May 14, 1947. He earned a promotion and transfer to Chester in January 1955 and the port was upgraded. Joe retired from Customs Service June 30, 1984, at which time he received a citation and medallion from the Federal Government for his long and faithful service. A member of Calvary Baptist Church, North Sydney, he was active in the life of the church and his name remains on a Military Honor Roll. Later, a member of Chester United Baptist Church, from 1955, an Honorary Deacon, he served as Chairman of the Board, represented the deacons on the financial committee, was chairman of the trustees and was auditor for 28 years. He joined the Clark Lodge No. 61 and was raised by the late Dr. Jeptha Munroe of North Sydney, 1956. He was secretary for the Lodge 1956-1959. He proceeded through each office and was Worshipful Master 1965-1966. In 1990-1991 he served as District Grand Chaplain. Very Worshipful Brother was a 32nd degree member of the Scottish Rite and for many years on the 8th degree team. He received a Meritorious Service Medal from Clark Lodge and the Rose Medallion from General Grand Chapter, O.E.S. A charter member and officer of Shoreham Chapter, O.E.S. No. 59, he was the first Worthy Patron, 1958-1959 and again took this office in 1977-1978 and 1980-1981. A member of Armstrong Memorial Branch, Royal Canadian Legion, North Sydney, he was treasurer for a number of years and active in community service; a Boy Scout leader, he also helped organize the 562 Cabot Squadron of Air Cadets and was their first drill instructor. He trained firing parties for the November 11th Remembrance Day Service, which included the Royal Canadian Legion, Reserve Army and Air Cadets. He was a member of F.E. Butler Branch No. 44, Royal Canadian Legion; past treasurer of Chester Branch Canadian Red Cross; past treasurer of the Captain Kid Rod and Gun Club and recipient of many trophies for his marksmanship skills; member and past treasurer of the Eleanor Pew Memorial Curling Club and recipient of many trophies; he was inducted into the Legion Curling Hall of Fame; a past member of Chester Yacht Club, Golf Club, and Old Bones Skating Club where he remained active for many years. Joe is survived by his wife, the former Muriel Winstanley; daughter, E. Lorraine (John) Wheelock; grandchildren, Colin, Jennifer, and Lindsay (Bernie Sanisbury); great-grandson, Ayden, all of Duncan, B.C.; sister, Agnes (Marshall) McLean, Scarborough, Ont.; many nieces and nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. He was predeceased by daughter, Norma Jean in infancy; sister, Thelma; brothers, Sherman and Timothy. Visitation Saturday 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. in Davis Funeral Home, Chester. Funeral service will be held 3 p.m. Sunday, January 9, in Chester United Baptist Church, Rev. Dan Green officiating. Burial will be in Pinehill Cemetery. Family flowers only. Memorial donations may be made to the Kidney Foundation of Canada, Nova Scotia Branch or Heart and Stroke Foundation of Nova Scotia.
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