In the comfort of the home he has lived in for 48 years, Ray Porter is taking it one day at a time and is getting better and better as each one passes.
Back in November, the community was devastated when news broke that Ray had suffered a stroke, which left him unable to speak and in a wheelchair for several months. He’s come a long way since December when Huntsville Doppler caught up with him during his stay at Huntsville District Memorial Hospital. Thanks to Ray’s determination to be his old self again, he is making strides in his recovery.
Shortly after his stay in Huntsville Hospital, Ray was transferred to a hospital in North Bay to begin a long stretch of rehabilitation and then he spent the month of April at Country Moments Retirement Home.
Ray sitting comfortably at home in his favourite chair.
Now his loving wife, Bev, who’s been by her husband’s side every step of the way, is doing all that she can to keep him at home. Personal support workers and nurses come in and check on him, and once a week he undergoes speech therapy and will continue physiotherapy.
“I’m not much of a nurse,” says Bev, adding that she was willing to give caregiving a try to have her husband home at last. “He always enjoys people visiting, going for a drive and he’s been colouring a lot as well.”
Ray is a well-known, not to mention well-liked, man who spent many years as Brunel Road’s crossing guard for the high school students. Every year, Ray was Huntsville’s own Santa Claus in the annual parade and was involved in many local charities as well.
Close family friend Grant Nickalls, who refers to Ray as Uncle P, said seeing Ray walk down the hallway of his home is a testament to Ray’s strength.
“For me it was nice to see him sitting out on the step outside,” said Grant. “There’s still a long road ahead to his recovery, but I think it’s very brave of her [Bev] trying to be doing it all. Determined is a good word.”
Bev said the visits, cards and well wishes from so many people who care deeply about Ray have truly warmed his heart.
Earlier story – It’s just not Christmas without a visit with Santa and his alter ego, Ray Porter
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Ray and Bev, you were like my second parents when I moved up to Huntsville to continue my teaching career. You took me and took amazing care of me. I was saddened to hear about Ray’s stroke but so happy to hear that things are improving. You will forever be in my thoughts and prayers. Miss you both.
Ray, you were the first Huntsville “native” who I met when I first relocated to Huntsville forty-three years ago. With such a recommendation for the Town, it is no wonder that after several subsequent moves, I moved here permanently several years ago. Never discount the effect of ambassadors like Ray.
All the best on your continuing recovery.
Ray and Bev…. I am so sorry to hear the sad news of this stroke but certainly happy to know that you, Ray, are on the mend. I am sure that with the positive attitude you have and along with the care of “Nurse Bev” your recovery will happen sooner than later. Bev, while taking care of Ray, be sure to look after yourself as well.
Love and hugs to you both.
Shirley
What a long journey, great to hear Ray is home!
Well done Ray. Keep up the good work. Good to hear you are home. God Bless.
So HAPPY to see Uncle Ray on the road to recovery! What a wonderful picture you all. I love the Huntsville Doppler, its a little touch of “home” for us out here in Nova Scotia. Big Hugs for you Ray!
Santa!!!! So great to hear you are back home recovering. I have many cherished memories of you as Santa and a crossing guard. Never short on smiles and kind words. All the very best to you. Hugs to you
Welcome home Mr. Porter. You look wonderful. From your friend Donna Heittola. God Bless.
Such great news – I have never had the privilege of meeting Ray but drove by so many times and it never failed that he would take his hat off when ever I drove by – a true gentleman and such a wonderful fabric of what makes Huntsville so wonderful. So happy to see you doing so well Ray.
Thank you so much for the great update! Wishing Ray and Bev the very best!
I’m taking my hat off to you Ray.
Oh, great news for us all. Thanks for sharing. Best wishes Mr. and Mrs. Porter
So good to see Mr Porter back home!
Awesome news…..He is a gentle giant of a man…..so glad he is on his way back…..Bev, you are a wonderful wife. You are lucky to have each other….
I’m so glad to hear that Ray is doing better! I miss seeing him at the high school! Hope to see you there soon Ray!
So happy to see how well you are recovering. I fondly remember holding your hand every single day as we crossed the street coming to and from school many years ago! 🙂
That is awesome news!! So glad you are on your way to recovery Ray!! xo
So good to hear that Ray is progressing. He’s such a dear gentleman and hopefully he and Bev will get through this and get back to the good life they had. Thanks so much for the update Laura and Grant!
Best Wishes to a great guy.