Market Gardening and road side stands

Eggplant dipped in egg,rolled in bread crumbs and fried in butter

Money for roller skating on Saturday night

Onions lined up in a perfectly straight row

Root beer, cream soda and cold bottles of coke on a hot summer day

Ice cream cones on Sunday afternoon while watching the trains come and go at the station

Early morning wake up calls with the crack of a toe or two

Saturday night hot chocolate and toast at the kitchen table.

These are just a few of the special memories that have been shared and remembered this past week.

Each day will bring more memories some the same, some different. But they are all everlasting memories of a dad, grandpa and great grandpa who was loved by so many and will be forever missed.

"Memories are a way of holding onto the things you love, the things you are and the things you never want to lose." Love Nancy xoxo

May the peace which comes from the memories of love shared comfort you now and in the days ahead. Luckily we all have many loving memories of Uncle Ted. Take care. Love Cyndi Martin Conway and family XXXX OOOO

Having known Ted (Dad P) for 45 or so of my 58 years, the past few days have found me fondly remembering so many, many wonderful,funny,loving,caring events that took place over those years. His infectious laugh, the fun getting ready for Saturday market,going to a Blue Jays game, the dinner I created for him of a terrible white sauce embarrassingly poured over his favourite,fresh asparagus which he dutifly ate or my extremely feeble attempts to compete with him at Scrabble which he kindly suggested was only because of bad luck with tile picks and not because of my obvious lack of skill. But most of all I will remember the genuine love, patience and concern he had for everyone, but particularly his Grandchildren and then Great-Grandchildren. You will be missed by all but your wonderful legacy lives on. You truly were an example of "A life well lived." Heaven became an even better place upon your arrival. Rick

I can't imagine anyone having anything but fond memories of this man.

I am one of countless nephews and nieces (Helen's sister Dorothy's eldest). Both Ted and Helen always made me feel "special" when I was young, particularly when I was invited to spend holiday time at their home. With eight older cousins and several younger ones in a home that was, let's just say busy, how they could pay any attention to me is amazing.

Their are many good memories of those childhood days, but the quick story I will tell is a recent one - fall 2011.

Fifty years ago, with the help of my good mother, I entered and won the cupcake baking contest at the Paris Fair. The Brantford Expositor, a newspaper which Ted read thoroughly every day, featured a retrospective "Fifty Years Ago" piece which included an old picture of me eating one of my prize winning cupcakes. I guess the original newsworthiness of this story was the "Boy Wins Baking Contest" angle.

Ted cut out the story, put it in an envelope and sent it to my Ottawa home. A forged note was attached from a Brantford Expositor executive.

On receiving the mail, I realized in quick order who the sender was. I gave him a phone call which sparked a fit of the laughter which will be familiar to all who knew him.

In December I dropped into visit Helen and Ted with a box of store-bought cupcakes in hand. The laughter ignited again. Accompanying me was my daughter Meghan and her new baby Chloe. Ted held the baby as if it was the first one he had ever seen!

What a man. What a life.

Thankyou for being you and showing me that life is about enjoying every single day and appreciating what you have and have been given. That honesty is the best policy and kindness and hard work will take you far.

Thankyou for understanding that we all make mistakes and forgiving those mistakes we may have made.

Thanks for taking time for me every single day, whether it was with a five minute phone call or an after work or weekend visit.

There are so many things to thank you for but most of all....Thanks for being my dad.

I love you and will miss you with all my heart. Nancy (aka Chester,Doc) xoxoxo

There was Beatnick, and Nursie, and Anni-Itchka too. Chipper, (for sure this one has stuck like glue) Minnow,Jack Pine, Tom, and Curly Kate. Didn't matter what your given name, a "Ted" name he would create.Sonny Boy and Chester although sometimes called Doc) A nickname he had for his entire dozen lot. Didn't end with his own, he kept it up for the next generation. Everyone was dubbed with a "Ted-re-creation:. There was Horton, Sarah Jane and One Small Boy, Charlie Brown, Tedward and Adler Boy. Names he had trouble pronouncing like Sheila and Letitia. And although he knew who they were he struggled with our Eva, Ava and Eva! Some,although very good, we probably shouldn't mention. Like names for cats and sons that might bring just a little unnecessary attention. Little granddaughters that were always asked "how you doing boys"? And, "What's new today girls?" was always the grandsons ploys. There are one hundred plus descendants in the Ted Porteous line. An unbelievable legacy he has left behind. He loved each and every one of us right up to the end I'm telling you from the bottom of my heart... on this you can depend. He taught me so many things, and I think maybe one was the ability to rhyme. So please indulge me .... just one last time. Forever my Dad, always in my heart you'll be. Our family will miss you forever Mr. E.R.P. A Dad, a Grandpa, and for certain A GREAT Till me meet again Dad.... For now I'll live life to the fullest Take pleasure in each sunrise, look after your birds And just wait. Love, Your EARL GIRL xoxoxo

My thoughts are with you and your family during this season of loss. May you find God's grace and favour in the days to come, and may the warm thoughts and memories keep you in times of sadness. Lots of love.

The world lost a beautiful, caring, loving, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend this week. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.

To all of you are deepest sympathy. We will remember him with great fondness.

So sorry to hear the passing of your dad and grandpa.Our thoughts are with you all. The Welch family

Tonight, a bright full moon was shining down on me..... and by the twinkle in his eyes I knew, Heaven is where you want to be..... Sweet Dreams Dad. Love always and forever, Your Kate xoxo

Grandpa Porteous was many things to many different people and held a special place in the hearts of all who knew him.

It's been said that the single, most precious desire in life is to be loved...and without a doubt, Grandpa P. certainly loved us all...

He will live on forever in the memories of those who knew him, in the hearts of those who loved him...and in the stars in the sky that so remind us of the twinkle in his eyes.

Mathew and Jennifer

ox ox

To score 95 points in a single turn in Scrabble, you'd have to be patient, quick-witted, and thoughtful. You'd need to have a sense of play, but to also be wise. And you'd need an equally worthy opponent who would play with you, share your passions, and encourage you along the way.

My Grandpa was fortunate to spend 69 years with a Scrabble partner he loved very much, playing, laughing, and challenging each other as they raised a loving family together.

And through the years, he taught me it's not the tiles you draw, but how you play them. His positive attitude and ability to find fun in the simplest of situations are lessons I will always take with me.

So, forgive me while I bend the Scrabble rules for a moment, but here's a Scrabble turn would like to play in honour of my Grandpa. I draw my tiles and spot a lone "P" waiting for me on the board. And then, I lay my tiles just right to spell "G-R-A-N-D-P-A-P". I earn a double letter score on the "N", a triple word score, and 50 bonus points for playing all my tiles - and I score 95 points in a single turn.

A special play for a special man whom I loved very much.

xo K.P.C.

There will always be those special memories or moments in time that will surface unexpectedly, brought on by an errant thought,a special place, or having closed your eyes and being gently prodded into a place of "remember when". One, would be my first meeting with Ted and shaking his hand and immediately feeling at ease. Of being plied with questions of who did I know in St.George, did I ever work with so and so, who lived on such and such a farm? There was always a keen mind at work,one interested in what was happening, in your everyday life and also a thirst for knowledge that I found amazing. His sense of humour,spontaneous and sharp, the grin that followed and the laugh.When Ted laughed it was genuine from deep within, a pleasure to hear. My youngest after meeting Ted quietly said to me " there is a person who puts everything into his laugh" and has forever after respectfully thought of Ted as "The laughing man". A special time was being asked to help him shop for Christmas, watching the enjoyment as he found that special item he had set his heart on finding and making those little side trips for a "special something". Thank you Ted for including me in your family, for being a friend, for letting me fill the bird feeders and the odd time shovelling the snow off the walk, for sharing a talk on the garden bench and just enjoying the sun and the breeze, sharing a joke and laugh and just being quiet while enjoying the passage of time. Rest well, Steve

Grandpa was the patriarch of a large family. It was definitely his point of pride: his family. And though, in such a family it could be possible just to become one of many, Grandpa made sure you were his "one".

I'm sure that though each of us have points of similarities in our memories, such as knee high red socks to hand out Christmas presents, and being beaten at any game which Grandpa challenged you too, but we probably all have very individual memories of him as well. For me, those individual memories include the infuriating way he would purposely mispronounce my name whenever he was reading it, he and Grandma coming up camp every summer to hear my final concert, and long visits where he always not only asked, but actually seemed to value my opinion on what was happening in the world around us.

He had a way of making me feel special and valued, that spoke volumes about his character. I know that I'm not the only person that he made feel this way. Over the past few days, as I've shared the news of his passing with friends and non-Porteous family members, each person has had a special memory of my Grandpa. Meeting him once was enough to leave a positive, and lasting impression of him in their mind.

Grandpa, You're going to be missed. I'm going to miss you asking me if I still play "that thing". I'm going to miss your questions, and conversations about work, family and the world. I'm even going to miss the way that you would say my name, incorrectly. Love always, Letitia

My grandpa was a very special part of my life. I have so many fond memories of him and enjoyed every minute I had the privilege of spending with him. Whether it be playing euchre until midnight, (where he and grandma always seemed to win) or enjoying a Tim's double double together while he picked through the box of timbits in search of a chocolate glaze . We always had such great conversations . He was always so interested in what what happening in our lives . He was always curious how many animals I had in my house and always had a good chuckle when I told him .. Grandpa and I shared a love for wildlife and he loved hearing my stories when I was fostering my fawns and squirrels. When I married my husband Jesse our conversations expanded into the farming world. He was so curious about what was happening on the farm, what Jesse was up to, where he was taking the corn and how was planting going. It was obvious that his heart was still in the farm. I remember a few years ago , Jesse took Grandpa on a "crop tour". They spent a good part of the day touring our farm, barns, elevator and then headed off to our relatives farm as well . It was a great day for both of them, they enjoyed each other's company and had some good old "farmer talk". Grandpa talked about it for weeks . I am so glad that my son Adler got to spend some time with Grandpa. Although he is too young to remember , it was wonderful for me to watch them giggle together and play peek-a-boo. Grandpa was always so happy to see his "Adler Boy". The one thing I will remember most is how proud Grandpa was of his family, and he taught me how important family is. I will miss my grandpa greatly, and am so fortunate to have had him in my life. I will always have so many wonderful memories and will never forget our conversations, precious time together and will always be able to hear his laugh. I love you Grandpa. xo Sarah Jane

Aunt Helen and family - So sorry to hear of Uncle Ted's passing. I will always remember his sense of humour and laugh. Lots of childhood memories in Scotland. Thinking of you all. Mike

I am so sorry to hear about the passing of Grandpa Porteous. My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time.

Our hearts and prayers go out to all the family. I know Ted was loved by all that he met. We offer our heartfelt sympathy at this sad time. Douglas, Marilyn, Daniel, Christopher Buck

Our family wishes to send condolence to Mrs.P and all the family,you are family to us. Mr.P laughter just filled the room whenever we were together. Alot of great memories that we will charish.Love and prayers to all.xxoo Julia & Family

So sorry to hear about the loss of your father/grandfather/great grandfather. Ted was a lovely man and a real family guy. I remember seeing him many times cheering on the grand kids at their games. May you be consoled by the fact that he had a long life surrounded by a very large family. May he rest in peace. Marian McCool

The Porteous family have lost one of the finest human beings I have ever known. When we lived in Scotland it was always one of the highlights to see and talk to Ted. My deepest sympathy to all the family ! Sincerely, Wray Tighe Vineland ON.

To all Porteous family members: You are all in my thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time.

My Grandpa Porteous was one of the greatest men I have ever had the privilege of knowing. He led an amazing life, and created an incredible family. He touched everyone around him with his zest for life, and genuine sense of humor. He was a man that you looked up to, and listened to when he spoke. I'll be forever proud for having him as my Grandfather, and I can only strive in life to hope to be as good a father, and grandfather as him. Love and miss you. Your grandson, David.

My Grandpa Porteous was one of the greatest men I have ever had the privilege of knowing. He led an amazing life, and created an incredible family. He touched everyone around him with his zest for life, and genuine sense of humor. He was a man that you looked up to, and listened to when he spoke. I'll be forever proud for having him as my Grandfather, and I can only strive in life to hope to be as good a father, and grandfather as him. Love and miss you.

I have had the privilege of knowing Ted since 1998 when I began dating his grandson Dave. All of my memories are of Ted surrounded by what he cherished most, his family. The smile he wore and his jolly laugh that would fill a room. Ted always took the time to speak to everyone, he wanted to know what was going on in life, and showed a genuine interest and care. He loved having all of his family young and old close by and his speeches left us laughing and listening. Grandpa always had a word of advice to share and a little joke to add in. I remember how humble Grandpa was when he turned 90, he could have had one heck of a party but he had a simple request: he wanted all of his family to attend the Sunday Church service and to bring a pocketful of pennies to share. I remember sitting in the Church service and us singing "Love is something if you give it away , give it away, give it away, love is something if you give it away you end up having more." I never knew how those words would be so true until I find myself looking back on Grandpa's life. He gave so much love to his family that its hard not to feel sad and a void. I remember 2 years ago a lot of the grandchildren coming to clean out the back yard and gardens for grandma and grandpa and my daughter Mikayla wanted to come as well. Her and grandpa had some great talks and shared fruit juice and Mikayla's fruit gushers. I remember Grandpa asking Mikayla what she had there and asking grandpa if he wanted to try it. He said sure. The look on his face was priceless as he chewed this gummy that squirts a soft gooey thing in his mouth, he told Mikayla he had never eaten something like that before and they sat hand in hand watching us work,and having a little chat, one of my fond memories. I will miss Grandpa and know that he is enjoying his garden and listening to the birds in a lovely place. Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal. Rest in Peace Grandpa thank you for the love and memories Love Sherry Eacrett

Grandchildren get to have a special relationship with their grandparents. They get to share all of their accomplishments and good decisions with them, and hide many of their mistakes and regrets. Similarly, grandparents get to have special relationships with their grandchildren. They can call on all the experiences they have had as parents, avoid earlier errors, and leave the hard part of raising a child, the disciplining, to the parents. For these reasons and many others, grandchildren and grandparents get to share a friendship, and I certainly had a rich and loving friendship with my grandfather.

Like all good friendships, I learned a lot from my friend. I learned the benefits of kindness and patience, I learned to face adversity with a laugh and a smile, I learned how being positive is the really only logical attitude for living.

Another thing my grandfather taught me and my siblings and many of my cousins is how to play games. Checkers, Crokinole, Scrabble, Euchre. He taught us how to play these games, but more importantly he taught us how to play them fairly and honestly, and how to play them to the best of our ability. Not necessarily so that we could win every time, but so that when the game was done, we could relax in the knowledge that we had gone through an experience giving it our best, giving it everything that we had to offer.

Although winning wasn't always the ultimate goal, my grandfather had a penchant for it. I remember being on the receiving end of his seemingly magical lone hands, many of them just timely enough to catapult him over the top for a win. I can still see and hear his hand slamming on the table delivering my grandmother and myself the decisive blow to get to zero in a game of three-handed Euchre.

On one such occasion, my grandmother and I both disgusted, grandma turned to me and said that there are many things that she would like me to learn from my grandfather, but that stacking the deck in my favor wasn't one of them. Neither she, nor I, knew at the time how meaningful her words would end up being to me, but as I reflect on my grandfather's life I realize that above all else, that lesson was truly the most important one he taught me.

Being positive, patient, kind, having fortitude, determination, and a desire to do my best; in the game of life my grandfather has taught me how to deal the cards in my favor. I know I will win this game because I once had a great friend and a great coach that taught me how.

I love you grandpa and will miss you very much - xo xo js

We will be with you all in spirit as you lay your husband, father,grandfather, and great grandfather to rest. He will now be safe in the palms of God's hand.

Helen and the Porteous Family, We were so sadden to hear of Ted's passing. Ted was a wonderful, loving, generous and above all, hilarious man. I was so blessed to share many family birthdays, bbq's and pool parties in the Espo's back yard with both Ted and Helen. Although not related by blood, Ted always took the time to check in with me, give me a hug and make a quick joke. In the small moments we spent together, although he never had to, Ted always treated me like another one of his granddaughters, his heart as wide as his smile. When I think of Ted, my heart fills with the joy he brought into all of our lives. I will forever be grateful for his wonderful smile and the way he could always brighten the room with his laughter. The world has truly lost a wonderful man, but we are so lucky to have his amazing children, grandchildren and great grand children to pass on his zest for life and incredible spirit. Thinking of you all during this most difficult time, celebrating Ted's amazing 94 years and the joy he brought to all who had the honor of having him in their lives.

Dear Porteous Family, We are so sorry to hear about Ted passing. He was a wonderful man and had a great sense of humour. He will be greatly missed by many. Our sympathy and prayers go out to you at this time.It was an honour to have known him and may he rest in peace. Bruce and Barb Little

Jim, Jill and family, We were sorry to hear of the loss of your father. I'm sure you and all that knew him will miss him dearly. May light perpetual shine upon him. Brady, Sylvia, Diane and Joel Kelly

Dear Helen and family, Jim and I just heard about Ted. We are so sorry. Ted was always so cheerful and enjoyed his life. Take care Shirley and Jim Norrie.

What a long and wonderful life! So glad to have known him and his wonderful family. May the world see more like him in the future ... Nelson

Jitske and Richard Kelly made a donation to Heritage United Church

Thinking of you at this sad time.

Tom and Margaret Craig made a donation to

Our sincere condolences. Thinking of you always.

Josh and Ilana Silvertown made a donation to Heritage United Church

Ilana and Josh Silvertown made a donation to Heritage United Church

Susan Welch made a donation to Heritage United Church

Marty and Jane Wamsley made a donation to Heritage United Church

Steve and Susan Welch made a donation to Heritage United Church

bob smith made a donation to Heritage United Church

Roberta Manley made a donation to Heritage United Church

During this difficult time I would like to extend my most heartfelt sympathies. If you need a friend to help you through this, you know who to call.

Sandra Harris made a donation to Heritage United Church

I know that a great man will be missed but will be in the fond memories of his large family.

Neil and Janet Faulkenham made a donation to Heritage United Church

We are very sorry to hear about your loss. From our family to yours, our most heartfelt sympathies.

Paul and Jacqueline Arthur and Family made a donation to Heritage United Church

We are very sorry to hear about your loss. From our family to yours, our most heartfelt sympathies.

Paul Arthur made a donation to Heritage United Church

Don and Nancy Pite made a donation to Heritage United Church

Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time.

Kristi and Jeff Dix made a donation to Heritage United Church

We are very sorry to hear about your loss. From our family to yours, our most heartfelt sympathies.

Barb Little made a donation to Heritage United Church

Heather and Bev made a donation to

During this difficult time I would like to extend my most heartfelt sympathies. If you need a friend to help you through this, you know who to call.

Don and Karen Durham made a donation to Heritage United Church

During this difficult time we would like to extend our most heartfelt sympathies. Thinking of you.