Doreen Porter

On Monday, November 14, 2016 Doreen Porter passed away at The Meadows, Swift Current, SK at the age of 79. Doreen Linda Porter (nee Dirks) and her twin sister, Dorothy, were born on April 5, 1937 to Abram & Adeline Dirks in Dalmeny, SK. They had eleven older brothers and sisters, and one younger sister who died as an infant. Doreen attended elementary and high school in Dalmeny, and was the first and only sibling to graduate. After high school she had several jobs, mostly in the health-care industry. Doreen attended Millar Memorial Bible Institute in Pambrun, SK and graduated in 1962. She applied to go into overseas missionary work, but was not accepted due to frail health. On October 9, 1965 Doreen married Russel John Porter, whom she had met at Millar. Together, she and Russel went into ministry, serving in small rural churches. Within the next six years, Doreen gave birth to their four sons — Harley, Howard, Kenneth, and Les. In 1974, the family moved to Pambrun where Russel served as maintenance man for the Bible college. They remained there until 1990, then moved to Swift Current. Next to her love for Christ, raising her sons and taking care of her husband were Doreen’s greatest passions in life. She was the loudest fan at all her sons sporting events and rarely missed a game — she and Russel would even travel with the teams on the school bus. Doreen was overjoyed when her sons married and gave her the daughters she always wanted. Doreen loved her brothers and sisters, and thoroughly enjoyed family reunions. She loved to visit people and entertain in her home. She liked dining out in restaurants, attending hockey games with Russel, and doing the garage sale circuit. Doreen is survived by her husband of 51 years, Russel Porter; her sons, Harley (Rhonda) Porter, Howard (Norma) Porter, Ken (Michelle) Porter, and Les (Elva) Porter; her grandchildren, Andrea (Joey) Sawatzky, Brandon, Brooklyn, Natasha, and Adrian Porter; her great-grandchildren, Judah, Benjamin, and Lydia Sawatzky; her siblings and their spouses, Alvin (Ileana) Dirks, Melvin (Jean) Dirks, Selma Cornelson, Dorothy (Jerry) Huebert; her sister-in-law, Linda Dirks; and by many nieces and nephews. Doreen was predeceased by her parents, Abram & Adeline Dirks; her siblings and their spouses, Ben (Sadie) Dirks, Edward (Melinda) Dirks, Abe (Helen) Dirks, Art (Verna) Dirks, Helen (Andy) Wiens, and Miriam (Melvin) Wiebe; and by her siblings, John Dirks, and Luella Dirks. Doreen loved deeply and was deeply loved.  We will treasure her memory in our hearts. The funeral service was held on Sunday, November 20, 2016 at 1:30 pm from Millar College of the Bible, Pambrun, SK with Pastor Harley Porter officiating. The congregation sang “How Deep the Father’s Love,” “It is Well,” and “Victory in Jesus” with Barb Mirau serving as pianist. The Eulogy was given by Russel Porter. Tributes were given by Ken Porter, Alvin Dirks, from her Grandchildren, Lorna Werner, Les Porter, Howard Porter, and Harley Porter. Special music was given by the Great-Grandchildren, who sang “Jesus Loves Me.” Phil Ruten and Kelvin Thiessen served as ushers. Doreen was laid to rest at the Pambrun Cemetery with Pastor Mike Smart officiating and Harley Porter, Howard Porter, Ken Porter, Les Porter, Brandon Porter, and Joey Sawatzky serving as pallbearers.

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