Mac Porter Memorial, 2:00 pm

The service will be streamed at: standrewskamloops.com/live

Malcom “Mac” Harvey Porter
(Dec 12, 1938 – Feb 26, 2026)

Mac Porter was born in Edmonton, Alberta, on December 12, 1938, the beloved only child of Hugh “Chug” Cecil Porter and Opal Fern Porter (née Kern). When Mac was just four years old, his mother Opal passed away, and his early years were deeply shaped by the loving presence of his Grandma Katherine Porter (née Munn) and Grandma Rhuby Kern who delighted in spoiling him on the family farm. He spent countless hours there, creating adventures with his cousin William “Billy” Goebel—memories he cherished throughout his life. In 1948, Virginia “Verg” Ball married Chug and became a devoted mother to Mac, giving him the steadfast family foundation he carried forward into adulthood.

Mac attended Edmonton public schools, where he excelled in math and science, gifts that guided his path into engineering. He studied Civil Engineering at the University of Alberta, graduating on May 24, 1962. Throughout his career, he earned a remarkable list of professional certifications and designations, reflecting his dedication to excellence and lifelong learning across provinces and disciplines.

Mac’s greatest adventure began in September 1959 when he met the love of his life, Berna Blackstock, during her first week at the University of Alberta. Though he never formally asked her on a date, Mac faithfully walked eleven blocks to visit her at the Sahara Restaurant, left sweet notes on her car, and patiently courted her for four years. They were engaged in August and married on December 21, 1963, at First Presbyterian Church in Edmonton—a love story that remained strong for more than six decades.

Mac and Berna welcomed their three children—David Hugh in 1966, Daniel Bruce in 1968, and Moira Leigh in 1977—building a home filled with curiosity, laughter, and adventure. Work took the young family from Saskatoon to Kamloops in 1972, where Mac joined Strong Lamb & Nelson Ltd. He later founded M.H.P. Engineering in 1983 and co‑founded Greystone Engineering, working many devoted hours from his basement office. His children fondly remember learning to answer the phone “the professional way,” one of many small life lessons he passed along.

Mac lived a life of service. He volunteered with the Professional Engineers Board of Directors in Kamloops, served with Scouts Canada while his boys were in Cubs and Scouts, supported the Kamloops Aquatic Club during Moira’s swimming years, and continually offered a helping hand wherever it was needed. Mac also devoted many years to supporting his church community, quietly and faithfully contributing wherever he was able and even lending his engineering expertise to research and guide the installation of an elevator for the church. His commitment to helping his church thrive was one of the many ways he lived out his generosity and care for others.

Family adventures filled the Porters’ lives: skiing at Todd Mountain, summers at Paul Lake—where Mac and Berna eventually purchased their beloved cabin—and countless outdoor explorations. Later in life, Mac and Berna traveled the world together, scuba diving in Australia, Fiji, the Caribbean, Cuba, Micronesia and beyond. When their scuba years slowed, Tai Chi became their shared passion, even practicing on roadsides during travels—much to the curiosity of local RCMP officers. Mac treasured his collection of Tai Chi swords, symbols of both discipline and joy.

In retirement, Mac embraced hunting, always ensuring the freezer was well stocked with healthy wild game. His favourite chair was draped with a bear hide from a bear his son David had taken—one of many reminders of his lifelong passion for the wilderness. Through every phase of life, he remained steady, curious, generous, and devoted to his family.

Mac is survived by his loving wife Berna; his children David of Kamloops, Daniel of Vancouver, and Moira of Lethbridge; seven grandchildren Nathan, Sara, Grace, Natalya, Sophia, Alex and Emma, and a lifetime of friends, colleagues, and family who were touched by his warmth, wit, and steadfast kindness.

Mac lived a full, adventurous, and thoughtful life—one built on love, integrity, service, and deep appreciation for the world around him. His legacy lives on in every story shared, every lesson remembered, and every life he quietly helped shape.

In lieu of flowers or gifts, please consider donating to the St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church. (Kamloops).