It’s not often that an entire community mourns one of its members. It speaks volumes about Ray Porter’s character that since hearing of his death this week, hundreds of current and former residents of Huntsville have taken to social media to extol the virtues of the gentle, kind, and friendly man.
Ray was born in Cape Breton in 1939. After living in Toronto for a while, he made his way to Huntsville.
Ray’s contributions to the local community were many. He was a constable in Huntsville’s police force in 1968. When the OPP began policing in the region, a decision he didn’t approve of, he became a bylaw officer for the town for more than 30 years. In both instances he went about his job in a friendly manner, keeping the peace with quiet good humour.
Mayor Karin Terziano said in a media release today, “I will always remember Ray as a true gentleman. He was often seen doffing his cap and holding open the door for others. He truly made Huntsville a better community by being here.”
Former Mayor Hugh Mackenzie said, “Ray Porter was a stalwart pillar in our community. He was gentle, friendly, and respectful. When I was mayor, he would salute when he saw me in public, to my embarrassment. And if Ray Porter were on the street when a funeral possession went by, he would stop, take off his hat, and stand at attention. That is the kind of guy he was.”
He later became the crossing guard at Huntsville High School, a position he held until the day he had a stroke in 2015. He often tipped his hat at passing female motorists and always had a kind word for the high school students who passed by—many of them refer to him as Mr. Porter to this day.
An image of Ray Porter as a crossing guard at the high school has been shared on the sign outside the Algonquin Theatre.
Ray was also a local volunteer firefighter for 19 years.
Town of Huntsville flags were lowered to half-mast today in his honour.
Town flags were at half-mast on Dec. 4 in honour of Ray Porter.
Ray volunteered with many local organizations, including the Huntsville Shriners Club and the Order of the Eastern Star, a Masonic group. He did charity work in hospitals for burn victims.
Perhaps Ray’s most beloved role was that of Santa Claus. He began as one of Santa’s helpers at the Eaton’s on Main Street, where Pharmasave is now. Then, for decades, he rode the sleigh at the end of the annual Santa Claus Parade as the big man in red, delighting children with his jolly “ho, ho, ho”. But his holiday spirit didn’t stop there: he appeared at schools, nursing homes, the Legion, the hospital, and private parties, spreading Christmas cheer. He could also be found manning a Salvation Army kettle each year, helping to raise funds for those in need.
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- Ray Porter as Santa Claus
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- You’re never too old to put your arm around Santa (with Grant Nickalls)
(Above left) Ray Porter was Huntsville’s Santa Claus for decades. (Above right he’s with friend and former neighbour, Grant Nickalls.)
He was a friend to many. Huntsville resident Grant Nickalls counts himself lucky to have been among them.
Nickalls grew up in the house next door to Ray and Bev Porter and shared many meals with them. Ray was like a second dad to him and they remained close long after Grant moved into a home and family of his own.
“He was always just lots of fun to be around, always encouraging, he always had a huge smile on his face,” recalls Grant. “When you would see him he made you feel like he’d been waiting all day to see you. He always made you feel special and important.” That was true for everyone he met, no matter their age.
Ray was an old-school gentleman, too, notes Grant. “When a woman walked into a room he would stand up. He was really big on being respectful.”
And despite his friendly demeanor, he commanded respect and wasn’t afraid to mete out a little discipline when needed.
Grant previously told Doppler about a time when his parents were out of town and the Porters were watching him. He was caught shoplifting rolls of hockey tape from a store. Although Ray had retired from policing by then, he took Grant to the local detachment and placed him in a cell. “[Ray] said, ‘If you want to continue to steal get used to this feeling. Keep stealing.’ It worked. I haven’t stolen anything since,” says Grant.
Ray Porter gets some love from long-time family friend Grant Nickalls and his son Jack in 2016 (file photo)
Community members have been swift to share memories and condolences on social media, many offering posthumous thanks for his many years of service to Huntsville.
Just a handful of the comments residents have made about Ray Porter (Huntsville Doppler / Facebook)
Ray Porter died on December 2, 2020 at the age of 81. He is survived by Bev, his wife of almost 60 years.
A lover of both history and storytelling, Ray would perhaps be happy to know his own legacy will live on in the memories, stories, and hearts of Huntsville’s residents for many years to come.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, there will be no formal gathering at this time. Those who knew Ray are encouraged to share a memory at www.mitchellfuneralhome.ca.
In lieu of flowers, Ray’s family suggests donations to either the Ontario Heart & Stroke Foundation or the Shriners Hospital for Children.
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Yesterday was December 2, 2022 I was speaking to my wife at dinner about what I remembered about meeting Santa Clause as a boy. He’s a big man, both in stature but also in “self”. Confident and gentle, he’s as I remember about 7 feet tall. he has really strong hands in white gloves that can grab you up and put you onto his knee. No “padding” required for this stately man and a smile and laugh that causes you never to question that he was the real Santa. To those of us fortunate to have sat on Santa’s knee at Eaton’s after the Santa Clause parade the memories of meeting the real Santa follow me especially at this time of year when those memories move to top of memory. I remember he had rubber boots, a bell on the brow of his hat and a big black belt; memories so vivid and so special. that Mr. Porter is gone is such a shame, but I guess in my heart at least he remains at the north pole, preparing for the upcoming “big night”. In a world littered with “Santa’s helpers” seen at malls and events leading up to Christmas, the boys and girls of Huntsville know that they got to meet the “REAL” Santa Clause. You see, as the story goes, he may have appeared to be a humble resident of Huntsville, but to every kid who met him, we just knew. thank you Mr. Porter (Santa). I have been especially good this year and there will be milk and 2 cookies out for you Christmas eve as always. Love Derek
I find it very encouraging that one individual can inspire such an outpouring to affection and respect by just being a gentle, respectful, mannerly, caring person. We sometimes think that these characteristics are no longer valued. It is so refreshing to find out that that is not true. Thank you Ray for being who you were and for reminding us of what is really important in life.
One day some years back while driving on Brunel road, my husband, Kenneth Page waved his hand to a guy at the High School crosswalk and then told me, He is Mr. Ray Porter, our Huntsville Santa Claus, a great guy, respected in the community, both Ray and Bev are beautiful people from his personal view point as he did work in their home as handyman.
Little did I know the time will come and I will have a closer encounter with Mr. Ray Porter, the Santa Claus and a great respected person of the community!
I became one of his PSWs, am a Filipino and I felt privileged to have served Mr. Ray Porter to the end and to be there and be able to give a needed hug to Mrs. Bev Porter.
Mr. Porter, your unreserved huge sweet smiles and that one moment you took my hand and kissed it will always be dearly remembered.
Have a heavenly rest and peace with our Father in heaven, Mr. Porter..
YOU WILL BE MISSED…
Deepest Condolences to the whole family and the Huntsville Community.
Ray was indeed a special person. During a Santa Claus parade he pointed to my God Child, called her name and wished her Merry Christmas. As 4 year old, Alannah’s eyes were bigger than her head as she realized indeed Santa was real and knew every child personally. Ray certainly had the magic touch. He always went the extra mile in everything he did to make Huntsville as very special place. RIP.
What a loss to the community. Rest in peace Ray. He gave my family many kindnesses growing up. The greatest is as Santa!
When Ray took his hat off, he often rubbed the inside. I asked him why and he showed me the picture of Bev. in the lining.
He would often stick his head in the door of my store on Main St. to tell us, he was heading to the Royal Bank parking lot, so we could quickly head out the back door to put money in the parking meter.
Always a happy caring man. He will be missed.
ellen duncan
Ray was the definition of community – my kids adored him every year at Christmas and never did I drive by that he did not tip his hat at the cross walk. He was what makes this community so great. Rest in Peace Ray and condolences to the Porter family. He will be missed by many.
Each morning when Ray was the crossing guard at the high school I’d walk by with my dog Mookie. She knew he’d be waiting at the crossing with a dog cookie in his pocket especially for her. Mookie would pull me in his direction as soon as we got out the door, she seemed to know intuitively when he’d be there. Ray was a kind and gentle soul, he will be remembered with fondness. Mookie is gone now too from Earth but they are wonderful memories. Thank you Ray.
The Highlight of The Stephenson Lion’s Senior’s Christmas Dinner was Santa’s arrival and friendly chatter. It was one of Santa’s many stops that day and he would wait for his sleigh to arrive driven by Dear Mrs .Claus who would wish him away with his packaged supper – to – go. A Very Special Man !
God bless his soul. He was the definition of a true gentleman.
I have great memories of Ray. He was a gentleman who truly cared about everyone. He will be in my heart forever.
How sad I remember Ray when I was in Huntsville Highschool always such a gentlemen and kind man. What a sad day when he passed away. Too bad not many kind people left in this world and losing another such a tragic shame. Rest in peace to a man who lived his life well.