Segundo Porras

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Segundo Porras is survived by his loving wife of sixty-two years, his five children, nine grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. He lost his battle with pulmonary fibrosis, a disease he battled with for eight years when doctors had only given him six months to live.

In the late 1960’s with only a few dollars in his pocket, Segundo left the country of his birth, Ecuador, and migrated to the US and later to Canada to seek a better life for his family. He settled in Toronto where he worked hard in order to bring his wife and later on his children to Canada. Working two jobs, he and his wife bought a house and made it a home for his family. A carpenter by trade, Segundo was always busy with house projects. Raising floors, knocking down walls, excavating basements all to build additional rooms so we could all fit, that was his gift to us.

Everyone who knew “Don Segundo” knew that the Porras home was a sanctuary where anyone could hang out and be amongst family. Family was very important to him perhaps because as a child he lacked one. Although he rarely (if ever) said, “I love you” he loved his family with all his heart.

Segundo was a community man, concerned with crime and drugs that was enveloping the neighbourhood and also being a lover of soccer, he formed a local soccer club, “Independiente”, where his sons, their friends and anyone could play and find enjoyment in the sport but more importantly keep them away from crime and drugs. Under his leadership, the soccer club went on to win several championships.

Once all his children left home and began families of their own, he found new calling. He became a very dedicated messenger of the Lord and began to preach the Lord’s word. As a Jehovah Witness, he found new meaning to life. Respected by his congregation he continued to help-out where he could to those who needed it.

In this new chapter of life, he finally found time to relax and along with his wife began to travel. Cuba, Mexico, and Ecuador were various destinations where “brothers’ and “sisters” welcomed him and his wife with open doors.

He will be remembered as a quiet man with the big heart. Never interested in big “hooplas”, he was there for those who sought assistance. Thank-you for everything, your sacrifices, your advice Papi, you will be forever missed.