Obituaries

Ryan (Ernest) Porteous

With his beloved wife Irene and three daughters by his side Ryan Porteous quietly passed away on Thursday August 15, 2024 at the age of 87.

Ryan and Irene celebrated their 65th Wedding Anniversary on August 1st, 2024. Irene never left his side and tirelessly cared for her husband over the past 2 years of his declining health.

Remaining to cherish his memory are daughters Susan (Jan) Penny (Ricky) Karen (Jim) Granddaughters Kaitlyn (Daniel) Michelle (Christian) and Leah. Step grand daughters Kaylee & Alexa (Devin) His brother Ken (Roberta) Numerous nieces and nephews and the rest of our family, many good friends and neighbours.

Ryan is predeceased by his parents Gerald and Eileen (Nee Shakespeare) Porteous, Sister Carolyn (nee Porteous) and brother in law Gerry Smith.

Ryan was born and raised in St James, Winnipeg on December 1st 1936. Ryan lived in St James and then, when the girls moved out, settled in Park Terrace in Tuxedo. No more snow shovelling and grass cutting. They could “lock up and leave” to go south for the
winter!

Ryan was quite the looker and there were many stories told of the shenanigans of his youth on Truro Street!

His career was in sales as Ryan was a real “people person” who always had a great story to tell and quick wit! His sales positions took him all over rural Manitoba where he was well know and respected. He really knew his way around the province.

Ryan and Irene loved to host a party and were know in St James for the extravagant halloween, pool parties and annual January 1st Bar B Que they threw each year!

Ryan & Irene travelled extensively around the world to escape the winter cold and were always up for an adventure. Hawaii, Mexico, The Caribbean Islands, Australia and Africa to name a few.

Besides Irene, birding was his passion! He loved nothing more than setting out at dawn with his “birding buddies”. Many of Ryan and Irene’s travels where focused on “birding” so he could add to his ever growing “life list”. Irene was always ready and willing to drive him on his “Birding Counts” or to witness the spring and fall migrations. She always there to take him for a drive “to the bush” to look for birds!

Nature and music were a huge part of Ryan’s life. He had a special place in his heart for “The Big Valley” and Riding Mountain National Park. He loved to write songs, play his guitar and
worked hard to master the banjo.

Ryan was devoted to his beloved wife Irene and will be sincerely missed by his entire family. He was truly “one of a kind” and we know he is flying high above with all of his feathered friends.

A celebration of Ryan’s life will be held at a later time.

We know Ryan would appreciate a donation, in lieu of flowers, to your charity of choice. Thank you.

We love you Dad!