Memorial

Joe Portiss

Sunday, March 25, 1951 - Monday, March 29, 2010

With great sorrow we announce the passing of Joe Portiss, 59 years, on Monday, March 29, 2010 at his home in Sarnia surrounded by his wife, children and dear friends. Beloved husband of 37 years to Evelyn Portiss (nee Neathway), devoted father of Laura Portiss-Guill and Jamie Portiss. Proud grandfather of Jamie (Jamilyn) Portiss. Brother of Marlene Gibbs (nee Portiss), Doug and his wife Trudy, Mike and his wife Denise, Harold and his wife Rena, Larry, Suzanne Preece and her husband Jim. Brother-in-law of Dorothy and Ken Dupuis, Ron and Annette Neathway, Fred and Judy Neathway, Walt Neathway, and Barb and Bob Hamilton, and uncle of several nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his mother Gertrude Portiss (nee Chalmers), father James, brothers Tom, Jim, Kenny, Ronald and Allen (Tiny), sisters Sheila Scoulier (nee Portiss), LauraJean, Linda and Darlene, brother-in-law Harold Gibbs and sister-in-law Shirley Vallee. Joe was a proud long time member of LIUNA Local 1089. Joe’s life was devoted to his wife, children and granddaughter, as well as justice and equality for all his fellow union members. With the unconditional support of his wife, children, sister Marlene and close longtime friends Bill and Jan Nixon along with Tracy Legault and her husband Scott, Joe fought a courageous battle against asbestosis for almost two years with the same vigor and determination he lived his entire life. At his request no funeral service will be held, however, in honour of Joe’s life, a celebration of life will be held at a future date. As expressions of sympathy, memorial donations may be made by cheque to the VON (www.von.ca), and can be arranged by calling the NEEDHAM-JAY FUNERAL HOME, Petrolia (519) 882-0100. Memories and condolences may be sent on-line at www.needhamjay.com.

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