Rev. Dr. Ronald Wayne PORTER Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Ron passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, on Monday evening, June 6, 2022. Son of Louise (Reid) Porter and Eldon Porter; brother to Mavis Efthim (Bill) and Steven Porter (Glenna); devoted and loving husband to Ann (Keating) Porter for over 60 years, he became Dad to three girls – Cathy, Sara, and Joanna (Andrew Jones) – and Bumpy to grandchildren, Anna, Carys, Felix, Mackenzie, and Toby. He was known by many monikers including Dr. Ron, Ronnie, Pa, Captain Ron, Uncle Ron, Opa, and The Bumpster. He answered to all of them. Born in Moncton, N.B. and raised in Upper Woodstock, N.B., Ron lived a long and rich life as a unique dude. Inspiration to many creative types, he was a consummate musician, speaker, reader, conversationalist, and fashion icon. Professionally, he was a man of the cloth, but he was also a man of the saxophone, the beard, the guitar, and the deep bass line in four-part harmony. He was a man of words, of sailboats (two wooden ones), a man of the horse, and a man of unique fashion. Ron’s plaid bow tie sent Dartmouth’s fashion scene into a tizzy over the past two decades. Ron entered Mount Allison University as a scholarship engineering student and was a magnet for other musicians (including one timpani player named Ann). He made his mark at the university – dance band leader, Life President of his graduating class and, some years later, as the university chaplain and Ebbutt Fellow. Ron trained at Pine Hill Divinity Hall and was ordained in 1964. Following his studies at Aberdeen University in Scotland, he was awarded a PhD in 1970. Ron served United Church congregations and universities across the Maritime Provinces and in Ontario. An avid reader, Ron shared books with his kids, grandkids, colleagues, friends, and neighbours. An avid boater, he becalmed his family on several bodies of water, always accompanied by a paddle, some patience and – always – singing. In his latter years, Ron attended exercise classes, lectures at the library by authors and speakers, and jazz at the pub whenever he could. He was the tallest member of our family and wore great hats. Ron's immediate family will hold a private ceremony this summer beside the Saint John River. If you would like to celebrate Ron’s life, please consider donning a hat and share in singing a song with someone you love.