Jim Porter - Evergreen - The Evergreens RFC

Jim Porter - Evergreen

10/7/2014

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Service will be held Wednesday, October 15 at 1 p.m. at Kerrisdale Presbyterian Church, 2733 West 41st Ave., Vancouver. In lieu of flowers, donations to RILS.ca Walkey & Company Funeral Directors 604-738-0006

Tommy O'Sullivan

10/7/2014 02:54:57 pm

Jim was a truly remarkable Evergreen. Always a presence at our Christmas Dinners, Founders Nights and a true gentleman. Sad to say goodbye to a great Evergreen.

Ken Cavalier

10/7/2014 04:53:01 pm

I am truly sorry to hear of Jim's passing, he was truly one of the most inspiring players I ever had the privilege to call a teammate. Both he and Joan always exhibited the empathy and kindness toward others, whether they be rugby players a long way from home in Canada at Christmas, special folk often overlooked by many of us or just fellow team members that I have always wished I could emulate. "Clutch" as I called Jim had the strongest hands of any player I knew and a ready smile and great sense of humour. He was always first to welcome to Evergreen functions "civilians", non-rugby players like my wife and visitors and he was always directing our attention to those who would otherwise have been overlooked or made to feel like outsiders. I never got to see him play in his glory days, but I did get the privilege of playing with him and seeing what a classy gentleman he was. My sympathies go out to Joan and Duncan and all the rest of the Porters who must truly miss him. Let us hope he is at peace now.

Norman Jack

10/8/2014 12:21:12 am

I am informed Jim's funeral will take place at Kerrisdale United Church at 1pm on October 15 th. Followed by a reception at UBC golf club

John Edmondson

10/8/2014 01:28:15 am

A great team mate and player and a better friend. My sincere condolences to Joan and the Porter family. You'll be missed and remembered. Thank you for all you contributed on and off the field.

Lloyd Martin

10/8/2014 03:17:06 am

So sad to hear of Jims passing .I am only thankful I got enjoy Joan and Jims company for so many years .Jim was a true gentleman and a good friend .he allowed me to make a start here in Vancouver working with his company .The Christmas Eve Orphans parties at Jim and Joans house will always hold a special memory for me .My sincere condolences to Joan and Duncan

Lloyd Martin

10/10/2014 09:13:09 am

A brief Biography of Jim and Joan
Jim/Joan Porter
Jim/Joan Porter's picture
Personal Information

First Name
Jim/Joan
Last Name
Porter
Biography

1952 February
Joan and Jim began dating
1952 September
Jim started rugby at Magee and Joan started a life—Time of watching.

Teams played for

As a member
Magee, Ex Tech, Vancouver Rowing Club - Captain, Old styler's, Whoi Whoi, Evergreens
Representative
Vancouver, Western, Canada, BC, Canada (1962 Tour to England, Scotland,Ireland and Wales)
Honorary Member
Meralomas, Ebb Tide Victoria, Bald Eagles, USA Miewuku, Japan
Meralomas 1959, Monterrey Tournament (won the Inaugural Tournament). 1999 Cupfuincd The over 40 side to play Bald Eagles at 20th Anniversary in Monterrey.
Initially repressented as a Wing but changed To Number 8 after 1962 Tour.
April 1963 Jim played Number 8 against All Japan followed by Scotland and England.
Vancouver Rugby Union
Board Member, Treasurer, President (first to follow the 20 plus years of Buzz Moore.
BC Rugby Union
Board Member (responsible for under 23), Selecter, Manager, Rope Man and Rope Woman

Represented Canadian Rugby Union (after sudden death of President Dick Ellis) first Asian Pacific Congress held in Sydney Australia... had To decline Joining the CRU saying he must tend to business.

Both Joan und Jim were attendee to Asian Pacific Congress in Hong Kong Brisbane, Vancouver, and Calgary. They co hosted The daily hospitality rooms in Vancouver and Calgary. In Calgary Joan was asked to present a paper to the Conference on the Rugby Supporter Program inititive.

Joan chaired B.C. Supporters Program until two years ago. It was a vibrant Club with members from the whole province, USA und many officer parts of the world.

Jim us The first person to be dual manager of the BC. And Canada Sides when the teams played Tonga in B.C.

Jim also was the liaison to the visiting All Blacks, and managed BC for the Canadian Championships.

The Porters hosted Fiji (in the snow) and the All Blacks during their tours to Vancouver. Also a great time was had with the Welsh supporters — They ate, sung and danced while the players resfed.

"Over the years we have been ever so fortunate to welcome rugby folk from all over the world to our home for dinners and/or receptions. We have also hosted many farewell receptions for Canada and BC pre Tours!

Jim chaired 3 successful coaching clinics for BC. We even (to keep expenses down) had Ruth und Bob Dwyer (Australia) as guests in our home; the start of a life long friendship. Latterly Jim and I prepared coffee and muffins to start the coaching clinics at St. Georges each morning.

We are both committed To doing our little bit to help things run smoothly. Neither of us has yet to referee a game, bur Jim has run touch many times and I did once at Sunset Beach (a fun memory).

We have hosted innumerable VIP's for The BC Rugby Union and Canadian RF Union at special dinners."

Life Time Members:
Joan - UBC Old Boy Ravens
Jim and Joan - Vancouver Rowing Club
Awards
Jim: Howie McPhee Cup 1967
Jim: Life Membership, Vancouver Rugby Union
Joan: Joan Spray Mrs Rugby Canada 1995
Jim: Jack Patterson 1987
Joan: BC Presidents Award 1997
Over 40 Tours to:
Japam (4 times), England, Scotland, Ireland, Wales, Spain, Portugal, Chile, and Argentina.

Joan worked on Pan Pac Tournaments, and chaired and IRB Conference Dinner, and has also been responsible for coordinating many BC Annual Dinners.

Harold Bergman

10/8/2014 03:28:39 am

My deepest sympathies to Joan and Duncan. My way of showing respect for someone I have known is to incorporate one of their qualities into my life. I will always remember Jim as one of the most generous people I have had the honor and pleasure of knowing and calling "a friend", especially when it comes to making "strangers" feel welcome. Jim, you are a tough act to follow but you will be my guide. May you be at rest, my friend.

Norman Jack

10/8/2014 04:08:56 am

I have found out that there is no Kerrisdale. United church and beleive I must have been incorrectly advised. Their is a Kerrisdale Presbyterian church at 2733 W 41st. Which is more probable as Joan's father was the minister there for many years.

Sandie Noble

10/8/2014 12:14:10 pm

Jim always made me laugh, he was kindness, gentleness and a true gentleman! I just know your on the select team with Ripper Xo

Barrie Stubbs

10/8/2014 12:57:42 pm

I have known Jim Porter since he was 13 years of age.We grew up together. We played rugby together at the Vancouver Rowing Club for many years .. He first played wing three quarters and had speed , strength and a handoff that left most of his opponents derailed.We traveled together on the Canadian team to the British Isles in 1962. After the tour he decided that eighth man would be a better position to apply his strength and skills and proceeded to develop into a scrummer and represented Canada in future years..Jim was a great sportsman,President of the Vancouver and B.C. Rugby Unions for several years. A loving family man , a gentleman at all times and very successful in the business world. He will be greatly missed by everyone who knew him..

Cowan McKinney

10/9/2014 01:54:44 am

Our thoughts are with Joan and Duncan.
I met Jim with the Whoi Whoi, predecessor to the Evergreens, about 1975 when I rejoined rugby. He was a gentleman and very tolerant of less competent players!! We had several good tours together.

Pat and bill Porter

10/9/2014 05:44:03 am

Thanks so much for doing this.

Terry Scott

10/9/2014 08:25:29 am

My first tour was with Jim, during my rookie year as an Evergreen: Japan 1982! On the field Jim was arguably the "Man of the match" in every game. Off the field He and Joan were outstanding ambassadors for Canada and the Evergreens. Duncan was on that tour, just a teenager at the time. There were many games and tours in the years that followed. I regret that I will be out of town the day of his service. My condolences to Joan and Duncan and my regards to all my former teammates.

Mike Clark

10/9/2014 10:31:51 am

- It would take a huge list to even begin to acknowledge what Jim and Joan have contributed to Canadian Rugby over a 50 year plus span. It was a privilege to play with such an excellent athlete. I had the fun of being a team mate with Jim when I was in grade seven and he was the star at Point Grey Junior high school and at that time he showed a great deal of strength and talent in the beginning of his rugby career. My deepest regrets go to the entire Porter family.

kiwi malcolm

10/9/2014 11:03:33 am

i was truly saddened to hear jim had passed away...as many others have said he was a true gentleman...a great ambassader to the game and a real freind to all of us that had the privalige to play with the evergreens...i remember my first night at the evergreens when i was introduced to jim and shook hands i wondered to myself.....how long will it take to get the use of my right hand back.in use.....he had a hell of a grip......i remember wiping the blood out of his eyes when we in the masters tourny in portland a lot of years ago....he said...i,m good mate ..go get em....he will be missed by all that new him wether it be rugby or any other part of his life....my best to joany and duncan and the rest of the porter family....sorry i cant be there.
kiwi.....arizona

Connie McGinley

10/10/2014 02:37:52 am

I had the privilege of meeting Jim and Joan at the Meraloma Rugby Club, where my husband and sons play(ed). I was in charge of billeting and hosting the New Zealand - U21 (future All Blacks)
Jim was the first one to call me and ask what could he do to help me. After that we had our own special bond and had many conversations about Managing Rugby Teams etc. When he found out that I also attended Magee, I was now part of the family . . . although Jim treated everyone like they were part of his family.
I miss his amazing smile, it was contagious.

Siedo Tzogoeff

10/10/2014 03:34:54 am

As Mike "Trinkets" Clark has stated, Joan and Jim have made a huge contribution to Canadian and BC Rugby. No less of a contribution was made by J&J to world wide frienships, taking in strays, including yours truly , when I was in transition. Jim always found the good qualities in a person before any gentle critique, "Get out and do it!"
Jim's qualities of inclusion, equality and interest in your life are rare qualities not to be forgotten. The Christmas eve gatherings, the Brockton lunches, the hosting of Canadian teams, the respect that visiting Japanese teams bestowed were all part of Jim being who he was.
Jim, you are missed.

Reg Advocaat

10/10/2014 03:40:56 am

I had the privilege of getting to know Jim and Joan Porter when I started playing rugby in 1980. Being part of the football program, I was not immediately accepted by most in the rugby fraternity, that is with the exception of Jim and Joan. Since then, I have enjoyed a regular invite to the orphans Christmas dinner at their home, something my wife Tabitha and I try never to miss. Capturing his genuine smile and firm and friendly handshake is something I will miss for all time. Rest in peace my friend.

David Boyd

10/10/2014 05:06:56 am

What a fine man..............It just won't be the same!

alain perinetti

10/10/2014 06:35:36 am

all my sympathies to Joan and duncan , un homme formidable , rest in peace mon ami

David Boyd

10/13/2014 12:15:29 am

Barrie Bradshaw

10/13/2014 06:05:51 am

There is part of Jim’s amazing sports history that seems to have fallen though the historical cracks.
During the high school years (grades 10 to 12) at Magee we played rugby we also played Football for Marpole Athletics. A football team sponsored by Detrick & Collins a construction equipment company who were connected to the BC Lions.
We played juvenile and junior football at Marpole and when the junior age limit kicked in we had to decide on football or rugby.
I had been playing rugby with Ex-tech and Jim join the team. The team had won the 2nd division the previous year and been moved up to 1st division which was mistake. The team did not have the talent to score or the grit to defend. A bad mix and we learnt a lot about losing. The following season we were moved back to 2nd division and some of our talented players left and it was tight to field 15 players. We so short on talent that they made me captain.
This came to a head for Jim and me on a rainy day on a muddy field at Connaught Park where we were to play the UBC Braves and only 13 Ex-Tech players showed up for the game. We decided to play on (a mistake) and badly beaten on the scoreboard and physically.
At a meeting the following Wed. when asked why the players did not show up we were advised it was opening day for duck hunting and they always went hunting on opening day.
Jim and I walked and the club folded. Barry Stubbs invited Jim to come and play at the Rowing Club which he did and Syl Sekora and I followed him a little later.
Looking back the Duck Hunters did us a good turn. The move to Rowing Club was the beginning of Jim’s growth as a player and opened up opportunities for Jim help to grow the game of rugby in Vancouver, BC & Canada.
By the way. Jim was a very good football player and had an offer if he wanted to carry on playing football but his heart was in Rugby.

Roy Thordarson

10/13/2014 06:21:20 am

Like Barrie Stubbs, Jim and I go back to grade seven at Point Gray Jr. High. We grew up together in Marpole and spent a lot of time at the local community center playing a variety of sports. Jim and I played football together for one year and then he moved on into rugby and I moved on to football at UBC. Our last meeting was on a bus when he and Joan were on their way to a walk in False Creek, and as usual he had his ready smile and a good if brief chat followed. I will miss him as will all of his long and short term friends.

Karl Fix

10/13/2014 01:54:09 pm

One of the true gentlemen and givers of our game!!

TONY GILLIS

10/14/2014 01:26:30 am

A CLASS ACT, ALWAYS WITH AN OPEN HAND TO WELCOME YOU ,AND A SMILE TO SAY HELLO.

Rex McLennan

10/15/2014 02:08:42 am

Jim was a most welcoming host for whom I hold fond memories during my days enjoying rugby at the Evergreen Club - he really made people feel at home and smile.. has touched many people.. a great man indeed.

Allan Cobbin

10/14/2014 03:56:44 am

I was saddened to learn of Jim's recent passing and do have many fond memories of games played and trips made . I first met the Porters in the Fall of 1973 when I was invited to join an Over Forty Rugby Club . I remember Joan's attendance, accompanied by son Scott, and later by Duncan, at all our local games. I was fortunate in being able to take tours to Japan in 1974, '78 and in 1982 and learned during these trips, that the Porters were great ambassadors to our country , to the game of rugby and to the Evergreens .
While I was a somewhat marginal player, Jim treated me in the same warm hearted manner and respect as he did with Overseas Internationals , Canadian and BC Rep players .
While he will be greatly missed , our memories of a true gentleman , a fine parent and an excellent rugby representative and player will remain .
My deepest regrets and condolences to Joan and the Porter Family .
.

Harry & Pat Short

10/14/2014 04:11:56 am

Joan & Duncan , Jim was not only an outstanding rugby player with class both on & off the field, he also commanded the utmost respect in the window covering business. Truly a class act

Murray Anderson

10/14/2014 09:10:57 am

http://www.cfl.ca/schedule/year/2014/time_zone/0

I was quite taken back at hearing of the recent passing of Jim.We both spent manny nights as members of the Vancouver Rugby Union.Jim being president at one point and doing an excellent job at that as he did in most endeavors he took part in.Jim being 3months older than I was first to join the Old Stylers with the help of Mr.Budge,being a member of the Rowing Club and being better than me.It is when you are on the field playing with a rugby player who was not on your team you notice how well they played the game.That I found out quickly.It is unfortunate that I am unable to be at the gathering tomorrow to say good by to Jim.And I ask that Joan and the Porter family acquire extra strengths during these difficult times.My deepest condolences go to Joan and her family. Jim will be around but at :a distance:

Trish Silvester-Lee

10/14/2014 09:19:29 am

Jim was a true gentleman on & off the rugby field. I have been blessed to have known both Jim, Joan & Duncan in my life. I met him in the early 1980s when I was a rookie trainer at UBC. He was taking down the ropes after a game and I was packing up all the medical supplies, water bottles, coolers... he offered to help. From that moment on, he has been a big part of my life. I am proud to call him my Rugby Dad!

john rainer link

10/15/2014 02:52:16 am

So sorry to hear of the loss of a GIANT of Rugby!
My sympathies go out to the Porter family.
Keep a stiff upper lip and know he is probably organizing the fellas up in heaven!
Lookin forward to playin for and with him!

Tribute to Jim Porter

This page is dedicated to the memory of our great friend and fellow Evergreen - Jim Porter.

A brief Biography of Jim and Joan Porter (Thanks to Lloyd Martin for supplying this information).

February 1952 - Joan and Jim began dating
September 1952 - Jim started rugby at Magee and Joan started a lifetime of watching.

Teams Jim played for:
Magee, Ex Tech, Vancouver Rowing Club - Captain, Old Stylers, Whoi Whoi, Evergreens
Representative Rugby:
Vancouver, Western Canada, BC, Canada (1962 Tour to England, Scotland, Ireland & Wales)
Honorary Member: Meralomas, Ebb Tide - Victoria, Bald Eagles - USA, Miewuku - Japan.
Meralomas 1959, Monterrey Tournament (won the Inaugural Tournament). 1999 Captained the over 40 side to play Bald Eagles at 20th Anniversary in Monterrey.
Initially repressented as a Wing but changed To Number 8 after 1962 Tour.
April 1963 Jim played Number 8 against All Japan followed by Scotland and England.
Vancouver Rugby Union
Board Member, Treasurer, President (first to follow the 20 plus years of Buzz Moore.
BC Rugby Union
Board Member (responsible for under 23), Selecter, Manager, Rope Man and Rope Woman

Represented Canadian Rugby Union (after sudden death of President Dick Ellis) first Asian Pacific Congress held in Sydney Australia... had To decline Joining the CRU saying he must tend to business.

Both Joan und Jim were attendee to Asian Pacific Congress in Hong Kong Brisbane, Vancouver, and Calgary. They co hosted The daily hospitality rooms in Vancouver and Calgary. In Calgary Joan was asked to present a paper to the Conference on the Rugby Supporter Program inititive.

Joan chaired B.C. Supporters Program until two years ago. It was a vibrant Club with members from the whole province, USA und many officer parts of the world.

Jim was the first person to be dual manager of the BC. And Canada Sides when the teams played Tonga in B.C.

Jim also was the liaison to the visiting All Blacks, and managed BC for the Canadian Championships.

The Porters hosted Fiji (in the snow) and the All Blacks during their tours to Vancouver. Also a great time was had with the Welsh supporters — They ate, sung and danced while the players resfed.

"Over the years we have been ever so fortunate to welcome rugby folk from all over the world to our home for dinners and/or receptions. We have also hosted many farewell receptions for Canada and BC pre Tours!

Jim chaired 3 successful coaching clinics for BC. We even (to keep expenses down) had Ruth und Bob Dwyer (Australia) as guests in our home; the start of a life long friendship. Latterly Jim and I prepared coffee and muffins to start the coaching clinics at St. Georges each morning.

We are both committed To doing our little bit to help things run smoothly. Neither of us has yet to referee a game, bur Jim has run touch many times and I did once at Sunset Beach (a fun memory).

We have hosted innumerable VIP's for The BC Rugby Union and Canadian RF Union at special dinners."

Life Time Members:
Joan - UBC Old Boy Ravens
Jim and Joan - Vancouver Rowing Club
Awards
Jim: Howie McPhee Cup 1967
Jim: Life Membership, Vancouver Rugby Union
Joan: Joan Spray Mrs Rugby Canada 1995
Jim: Jack Patterson 1987
Joan: BC Presidents Award 1997
Over 40 Tours to:
Japam (4 times), England, Scotland, Ireland, Wales, Spain, Portugal, Chile, and Argentina.

Joan worked on Pan Pac Tournaments, and chaired and IRB Conference Dinner, and has also been responsible for coordinating many BC Annual Dinners.

Jim Porter - Evergreen

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