Obituary of Vice Admiral Henry Allan Porter CMM, CD

We salute the passing on March 13th, at Camp Hill Veterans Memorial Hospital in Halifax, of Henry Allan Porter, aged 94 years, one of the Royal Canadian Navy’s most distinguished officers.  Harry, as he was known to his many friends, from Chemainus, British Columbia, joined the Royal Canadian Navy as a Junior Ordinary Telegraphist RCNVR in 1939 when he was just 18 years old. Harry showed that a combination of hard work, kindness, and integrity can accomplish great things. He rose rapidly through the naval ranks, specializing in communications and serving aboard HMC Ships Prince Robert, Kootenay and St Hyacinthe. He qualified as a naval pilot, serving in the Aircraft Carrier HMCS Magnificent. During his remarkable career he commanded HMC Ships La Hulloise, Lauzon, Sussexvale, and Bonaventure –affectionately known as the "Bonnie". Harry had great humility - he showed equal respect toward people of all walks of life and he seldom spoke of his many, significant accomplishments. As an Officer, he was invited to attend the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in 1953. He was later appointed as an aide to John F. Kennedy during the president’s 1961 visit to Canada. Harry was promoted to Rear Admiral in 1969, given command of the NATO Fleet, and appointed Commander Maritime Forces Pacific, and in 1970 became Commander, Maritime Command. He was promoted to Vice Admiral in 1971, and appointed Controller General Canadian Forces Ottawa, before his retirement in 1974. In retirement, Harry Porter served as President of the Canadian Shipbuilding and Ship Repairing Association, as Chairman of the Nova Scotia Police Commission from 1976 to 1986, and then as a consultant to the president of Halifax-Dartmouth shipbuilding Industries Ltd. until 1994. He volunteered his time to several noteworthy volunteer organizations, including as the Chairman of the Boy Scouts of Canada Canadian Jamboree in 1989. Harry’s memberships included the Halifax Club, and various other organizations. Harry found joy in simple pleasures, like the roses that he tended in his garden in Chester, and time spent with good friends. Formidable in stature as well as presence, gregarious and hospitable, Harry was an unfailingly courteous and kind man. He was a great outdoorsman who excelled in fishing, hunting, golf, tennis and other sports. Harry was a loving partner, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He leaves behind his life partner of 25 years, Jackie, who was by his side every day as he struggled, and who kept him smiling in difficult times. She and his granddaughter were by his side when he passed.   He was predeceased by his son Allan and sister Jean. Surviving are his daughter Lucinda Crank (Husband Dennis), and her mother Isabel Porter; as well as grandchildren Philip Fisher (Wife Sarah), Daphne Page, and Amy Porter, and six precious great grandchildren. Very special thanks to Dr. Graeme Bethune, and RN Helen Peters and her team of nursing angels who took such exceptional care of Harry, and who assisted Jackie on her visits. Thank you to Marie and Maria for going above and beyond the call of duty to make sure Harry was well fed, and comfortable.  A thank you also to good friends who visited Harry whenever possible in hospital. There will be no visitation. Harry’s service will be held at St Brendan's Chapel, CFB Halifax Stadacona, 2778 Gottingen St, Halifax, NS B3K 3C8, at 11am on Thursday March 17th. Refreshments will be served in The Bridge, Juno Tower after the service. In lieu of flowers, donations to Veteran’s Memorial Hospital Camphill, or the Alzheimer Society of Nova Scotia would be so very much appreciated.