Obituary of Bernard Portis

PORTIS, Dr. Bernard – Peacefully, surrounded by his family, Bernie, of Corunna, died at Bluewater Health – Palliative Care on Thursday, November 19, 2009 in his 76th year. Beloved husband of Judy. Dear father of Ben Portis, Toronto, Carrie Portis (Nancy Ryan), Berkeley, California, Dr. Andrew Portis (Dr. Karen Portis), Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota, David Knight (Rhonda), Southampton, Dean Knight (Helen), Wallaceburg and Jennifer Middleton (David), Mitchell’s Bay. Loving grandfather of Frances, Jenny, Julia, Corey, Jaime, Jesse, Deryk, Rebekah, Travis and Taylor. Brother of Jean Gibbs (Dick), Highland Park, Chicago, Illinois. Brother-in-law of Emil Hirsch, Venice, Florida. Also surviving are several nieces and nephews. Predeceased by parents Bernard Portis and Helen Abt-Portis, sister Mary Hirsch, Chicago. Professor Emeritus Bernard Portis, received his PhD from Harvard University in Cambridge Massachusetts. Bernard’s research while at the Richard Ivey School of Business, the University of Western Ontario, involved total quality management initiatives which assisted Canada and the business school to remain competitive internationally. Bernard was also instrumental in establishing major course requirements of the business 2257 course. In light of all his academic successes Bernie enjoyed, he would by far say his greatest accomplishments were his family. The pleasure he enjoyed helping his family knew no bounds. He loved us all, never tiring of helping us be all we could be. His influence and compassion to all who knew him will be missed more than he could ever know. The family would like to thank Dr. Vincent & the nurses at the cancer clinic London Health Sciences Centre. We would also like to thank Dr. William O’Mahoney, Corunna and Dr. Glen Maddison, Sarnia as well as all the wonderful nurses at Palliative Care unit, Bluewater Health. A Celebration of Bernie’s life will be held at the McKENZIE & BLUNDY FUNERAL HOME, 431 Christina St. N. on Saturday, November 28 at 1:00 p.m. with a reception to follow at the Royal Canadian Legion, (corner Albert & Beckwith), Corunna. As an expression of sympathy, friends who wish may send memorial donations to Bluewater Health Palliative Care, 89 Norman St., Sarnia, N7T 6S3 or St. Joseph’s Hospice, 475 Christina Street N., Sarnia, N7T 5W3. Messages of condolence & memories may be left at www.mckenzieblundy.com A tree will be planted in memory of Bernard Portis in the McKenzie & Blundy Memorial Forest. Dedication service Sunday, September 19th, 2010 at 2:00 p.m. at the Wawanosh Wetlands Conservation Area.