July 13, 1949 - September 15, 2023
In Loving Memory ~
After a valiant fight with cancer, Gerald (Gerry) Cecil Porritt (74) passed away peacefully on September 15, 2023, with his family by his side.
Born July 13, 1949, to Charles and Doris Porritt, Gerry lived his younger years in Vancouver and Burnaby with his two siblings Beverly and Melvin along with many friends nearby. Many adventures, including chasing the petting zoo animals at Stanley Park after they escaped their enclosure, dotted the landscape of his youth.
From sharing a love of VWs and hamburgers with his best buddy Gary to crazy fishing trips at Pillar and Loon Lakes, his affection for fishing, (and hooking his socks) riding motorcycles with his brother Mel and camping in the Cariboo with his family are well documented.
Gardening was a solitary passion and he delighted in trying to grow a Dr Seuss-inspired green space complete with cucamelons, boo pumpkins, and any number of wild and wonderful creations definitely not found naturally in North America.
Gerry was a driver. He held a license for every road vehicle possible from motorcycles to 18 wheelers. Being on the road gave a certain sense of freedom even if it was a hole-riddled Ford Meteor where the passenger had to pump the wipers with their feet using a wrench and a bit of string.
Every Sunday was race day in the Porritt household. An avid NASCAR fan, he could often be found in his comfy chair watching the races as the drivers "only ever turned left, that's why advertising on that front panel is so expensive". May Dale Senior be taking you for a ride Dad!
Survived by his two kids Darren and Aubrey and their families Dana, Linden, Mackenna, Dave, Zane and Cai, Gerry was known for his frequent book parcels, kitchen gadgets and love of all things AliExpress. His quirky sense of humour and ability to wiggle his ears was legendary...at least to them.
His wife of 50 years, June, shared in his love of time spent with their kids and grandkids, and listening to CBC each morning while sitting at the kitchen table. A courageous partner through his many health scares, June was there for the past 50 years and beyond and will honour his memory, not in the garden, but while enjoying a few more deep-fried prawns on her own plate.
He will be remembered for many things and by many people. In typical Gerry fashion, there are no services planned, certainly no pomp and circumstance.
Instead, donate a book, plant something, go fishing, or watch a NASCAR race. He will be there beside you as you do, whispering in your ear "Oh Jesus, just give it to me!"
Love you Gerry, Grandpa, Dad, Bubba.
To leave an online message of condolence, visit www.bowersfuneralservice.com