Obituary of William Gordon Portman

The Venerable William Portman (Bill), Canon of the Anglican Church of Canada, died peacefully on the evening of Monday, October 26th 2015, with family by his side. Bill was born in Prince Albert in 1930 to Herbert and Margaret Portman (Bickle). He spent almost his entire eighty five years living and working on the Canadian Prairies, combining his interests in print and electronic journalism with a deeply felt call to religious service. A past editor or co-editor of several religious newspapers, he innovatively combined his two main interests in two daily radio programs of spiritual commentary: “Family Worship”, broadcast on the CBC Radio Network in the 1960’s; and “In Touch With Today”, broadcast on CKCK Radio Regina from the 1970’s through the early 1980’s and fondly remembered by former listeners to this day. While on a work-study program in England, he met his future wife Barbara, marrying her in Regina in June of 1962. With their two children, they made their home in several southern Saskatchewan communities where, in addition to his two careers, Bill also was a member of the Lions Club, a voracious and eclectic reader, and a life-long fan of all things British. After years of ministry in rural parishes including Good Shepherd (Avonlea-Ogema) and All Saints’ (Weyburn), Bill took an administrative position with the Diocese of Qu’Appelle in 1983, eventually retiring in 1995. In the twenty years since, he worked in a variety of supportive roles at a number of Regina and area churches; served as secretary of the Regina Council of Churches; and provided valuable insights to several provincial government consultation panels. His last years were spent as Honorary Assistant at All Saints’ Regina. Bill is survived by his brother Jamie; wife Barbara; son Gordon (David) and daughter Shelley (Michael); grandchildren Miranda and Brandon and a large extended family of relations, friends, and colleagues. Funeral Service will be held at All Saints’ Anglican Church, 142 Massey Road, Regina, SK, on Saturday, October 31, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. A public viewing will precede the service at 12 noon, also at All Saints. In lieu of flowers, please consider contributions in Bill’s name to the Primate’s World Relief and Development Fund, 80 Hayden Street, Toronto, Ontario, M4Y 3G2; The Diocese of Qu’Appelle Theological Student Bursary Fund, 1501 College Avenue, Regina, SK or the charity of your choice. “Now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word.”