December 12, 2018
Ev was taken from us on the 31st after fighting for his life having been struck down by a bus while walking home in Kamloops on December 12th.
Ev the school teacher, band leader of the "Sandman" country band, toque and scarf hobby knitter, and benevolent charities donor, enjoyed a simpler life after rehabilitating in 1986 with the help of his family from a life threatening brain hemorrhage. In earlier years he travelled from Alaska to the Prairies as Sandy Marino and with his band sang and recorded his song "Big Country" the words to which "in splendour and beauty...resting so peacefully under the sun" reflected his deep passionate take on life. After the brain injury he could no longer sing or play. Some folks get more than their share in life but he persevered and kept smiling.
He was predeceased by a younger sister Dorothy (North), brother Len, and his parents. He is survived by a son Aaron, daughter Dorothy Porteous and three Porteous grandchildren Courtney, Cassidy and Liam, sister Marilyn (Acres) and brother Jim (Christine) who has helped look after his affairs over the past 32 years, and several nieces and nephews.
Ev's kindly manner, generosity and love of music touched many and he was sometimes taken advantage of by a few. It is unfortunate that not everyone tried to understand his life struggles and respect him for his will to survive and then only to have his life taken away after 83 years by another misfortune.
We who cared during his life and shared many good times will miss him forever and know that Ev is still smiling and at peace in his Christian beliefs. There will be no services or gatherings according to his wishes.
He will now be "resting so peacefully under the sun".