Obituary of Harley Edward Portman

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Harley Edward Portman on

November 6, 2024, with his beloved wife Marion by his side. Harley was born in Vancouver, BC,

on October 12, 1943, to Albert and Clara Portman. From an early age, Harley’s life was filled

with adventure and spirit. Growing up above the stable of a horse-drawn wagon tour operation

in Stanley Park, where his father ran the Tally-Ho Tours, Harley developed an enduring love for

the outdoors. It’s perhaps no surprise that he carried a bit of cowboy in him, rarely seen without

his signature straw hat.

 

The family relocated to Invermere in the early 1950s, where Harley would spend the rest of his

life. In 1965, he met and began dating Marion Erickson, the love of his life. Harley often joked

that he was the "bravest man in town" for courting the butcher's daughter, but their love story

would span 57 beautiful years of marriage. They were often seen walking hand in hand through

town, a symbol of their enduring bond, right up until Harley’s health began to decline.

Harley was a true sportsman with a passion for water sports. He spent countless hours behind

his ski boat, the Ski Nautique, on Lake Windermere, with Marion at the helm, practicing for

water ski tournaments. His dedication led him to establish his own private slalom course and

jump at Lake Enid. He earned numerous provincial, western, and national titles in waterskiing,

with the pinnacle of his career being the Canadian National Finals in Banook, Nova Scotia, in

1982. Harley also made history in 1978 as a competitor in the inaugural BC Summer Games in

Penticton, BC, where he brought home three gold medals—a feat that earned him a

congratulatory letter from BC Premier Bennett.

 

Harley was always up for a challenge and had a deep love for many outdoor activities. He was

an early pioneer in hang-gliding, becoming the first person to launch from Mount Swansea into

the rodeo grounds, much to the amazement of onlookers. His hobbies also included fly fishing,

golfing, paragliding, skiing, sail-planing, surfing, and snowmobiling.

In their later years, Harley and Marion became snowbirds, spending time in warmer climates,

where Harley’s passion for flying took on a new form. He spent hours perfecting his skills with

RC planes, a hobby he cherished deeply.

 

While Harley played hard, he also worked tirelessly throughout his life. He worked for Shell Oil

as a gas distributor before running the Shell gas station in Radium. He went on to work for

Panorama Ski Resort for 15 years eventually serving as the Vice President of Ski Operations.

He ended his working career at Crestbrook in Canal Flats in road construction until he retired in

2001.

 

Marion would like to express her deepest gratitude to the wonderful doctors, nurses, care aides,

and staff in Acute Care and then Columbia House, who supported Harley in his final days. A

very special thank you to Dr. Shannon Page whose exceptional care over the past 20 years

made a world of difference. Words cannot express Marion’s gratitude for the love and care

Harley received.

 

In accordance with Harley's wishes, there will be no formal service. While he may have escaped

his earthly bounds and is now soaring high above us, he will forever remain in our hearts.

Harley is survived by his loving wife Marion, his sister Carole Stewart, numerous nieces and

nephews as well as a community of friends and family who will remember him for his

adventurous spirit, kind heart, and unwavering love for life. He leaves behind a legacy of

cherished memories, and he will be dearly missed by all who knew him.

 

For those who wish to make a donation in the memory of Harley Portman, please go to the East

Kootenay Foundation for Health (Columbia House) website.