1933-2018 Bob Porter: Much more than a politician

By Collin Gallant on September 13, 2018.

FILE PHOTO
Bob Porter during his time as Medicine Hats MP. The well known local conservative served two terms in Ottawa starting in 1984. Porter passed away Monday at the age of 85.

cgallant@medicinehatnews.com @CollinGallant

Bob Porter is being remembered for his gracious nature, wry wit and service to the community both as a politician and businessman, after the former Member of Parliament for the region died on Monday.

He was 85.

Porter, who served as Medicine Hat’s MP for nine years in late 1980s, was also the head of an original ranch family in southeastern Alberta, and well known as an astute businessman.

He won 75 per cent of the vote in his first try for federal public office in 1984, and almost that much in 1988 during Progressive Conservative majority governments.

Monte Solberg won the seat as a Reform Party candidate in 1993, after Porter announced he wouldn’t seek a third term, during a tumultuous split among Progressive Conservatives.

But, Solberg said Wednesday, the pair remained friendly during that time — they had connected at party functions in preceding years, and Porter was willing to provide advice to a then rookie MP heading to Ottawa.

“He was just a real gentleman,” said Solberg. “He was always gracious despite being on different sides of the dispute all those years ago, and those things seem very inconsequential today.

“It’s sad news.”

Porter leaves behind wife Donna-Lee and an extended family.

Solberg recalls that among Porter’s advice on Ottawa’s political machinations were personal anecdotes.

When they first arrived in Ottawa, as Porter told it, the couple had to set up an apartment from scratch and spent the first night sleeping under their coats on the floor.

Current MP Glen Motz said he had a similar experience to Solberg’s when he considered running in the 2015 byelection. He and his wife, Sue, approached the Porters for advice about the trials of political life.

“Times have changed, but they gave us great advice — they’re very gracious people,” said Motz, who called Porter a “great supporter” of the party.

“He was a great businessman, a pillar in the community and a great leader, with a great family, who’s built a great legacy. When you look at what you want to leave behind, a legacy, he’s certainly done it.”

Porter is also being remembered for much more than politics.

His bison and cattle ranch, near Irvine, was founded in 1883, and a successful family business grew up around it.

His grandchildren include Kalan and Mackenzie Porter, who both enjoyed success in the entertainment industry.

Porter received an honorary degree from Medicine Hat College, and a Queen’s Jubilee Medal in 2012 in part for his active presence in agricultural associations.

He was also involved over the years with the Kinsmen, the Shrine Club, and Medicine Hat Stampede Board. He served as honorary parade marshall in 2016.

He was honoured, he said, but “I think they picked me because I live close to town and don’t need a hotel room.”

Adding: “I got my own tickets to the Stampede, anyway.”

That sly wit was well known around ranching circles, said James MacLean, the manager of Porter MacLean Livestock, which was partly owned by the Porter and his sons, Lee and Rick, who operated the firm.

The elder Porter was very intelligent, but with a common touch that made him approachable, said MacLean.

“He’ll be greatly missed; he was well known by just about everybody,” said MacLean. “He knew so much about so many topics, had a very wry wit, and always had time for anyone who wanted to chat.”

Porter once told the News that he first became inspired to join a political party in the late 1960s by the enthusiasm of future premier Peter Lougheed. He was active in local conservative party associations from then on, before choosing to seek the seat after Bert Hargraves announced his retirement. He didn’t seek a third term.

“I had no intention of being a career politician,” Porter said in 2016. “I think it should be ordinary people with some experience in the real world getting in there and giving it their best shot while they can.”

A ceremony is planned for Sunday, 2 p.m. at the Cypress Centre.

Note: This story has been updated to correct the spelling of Kalan Porter’s name.