Tribute

 On Monday, March 4, 2024, Hugh David (Dave) Porteous of Osoyoos passed away peacefully at the age of 91. He is predeceased by his wife Barbara (Buckmiller) Porteous; parents Hugh and Winnifred Porteous; stepmother Aileen Porteous; and brother John Porteous. Dave is survived by his sister Patricia Rowland; brother-in-law David Buckmiller, sisters-in-laws Carol Williams and Ruth Cross, son Bruce Porteous; daughters Diana Thomas and Joanne (Dave) Garcia; grandchildren Micheal, Andy (Lisa), Brian (Sarah), Heather, Kimberly (Derek), Corey (Janice), Reece (Luke), and Ricky; along with 9 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

Dave was born in Penticton, BC on March 27, 1932 being raised on the family orchard in Oliver. Dave spent a few years of his youth in Ottawa as his father was in the service.  Later in his teens the family returned to Oliver.  After school Dave worked on the farm and at the Oliver Co-Op. During this time his passion for hockey began to grow.  Dave joined the Penticton Vees, not as a player but as a member of the equipment management team.  One of his most memorable events of 1955 was being a part of the team when they won the World Championships in Russia.

The other memorable event of 1955 was marrying Barbara. A marriage that lasted 60 years till her passing in 2015. Dave and Barb made their home in Oliver on a farm next door to where he was raised.  After a few years, it was decided that farming life was not for Dave.

Dave packed up his family and re-located to Bonaparte Lake, WA starting a new venture of owning and operating a fishing & hunting resort.  This opportunity developed life-long friendships and many memorable moments.  The resort was located on a pristine lake but this location was very remote which provided some challenges for the family. After 5 years of building & operating the resort it was decided to move back to Canada, to Osoyoos where he called home since 1965.

Dave along with his wife were small business owners, and throughout his 30 +year career, he owned and operated many successful operations. Upon his return to Canada, Dave opened the service station on main street – B/A, Gulf, and finally Petro Canada. After 13 years of operation, Dave sold the business and moved across town to a new adventure, owning and operating a fast food establishment – Little Duffers Ice Cream & Mini Golf. Dave along with his wife Barbara operated this business for 17 years.  Little Duffers was known for its infamous chicken and jojo’s and Dave quickly became known as Chicken Dave. Many of the youth of Osoyoos and Oliver started their first jobs at Little Duffers.

Dave enjoyed traveling taking many trips to Northern BC, Washington, Montana, California, the Oregon Coast, Arizona, and Mexico to see family and friends. Some of his most notable trips were an Alaskan Cruise with his wife Barbara followed years later by a trip to Mazatlan with his son Bruce.

During his retirement years, Dave stayed very active, playing golf, gardening, woodworking – making hockey stick tables & benches. Even into his 90s, Dave could always be seen shovelling his driveway in the winter or spending time in his garden in the summer.

Dave was an active community member, combined 10 years as Alderman on the Village of Osoyoos Council, Osoyoos Golf & Country Club – Charter Member; contributor to the construction of the Sun Bowl Arena; member of the Osoyoos Gyro Club who were responsible for the creation of the bandshell and the dedication of Gyro Beach; and Director on the Osoyoos & District Recreation Board.

One thing that never changed during Dave’s long life was his dedication and support to hockey.  From his early days with the Penticton Vees that carried on until his passing.  Working alongside his friend Paul Eisenhut, original organizer, they created the Pup/Atom Fiesta Hockey Tournament that this year is celebrating 50 years; volunteer coach for several minor hockey teams; and avid supporter of the Osoyoos Coyotes, being honoured as 2024 Fan of the Year! Dave spent many hours in an arena throughout his years.

A Celebration of Life will be held in the mezzanine of the Sun Bowl Arena on Saturday, March 23^rd at 1:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers please consider donating in Dave’s name to a charity of your choice.

Condolences and tributes may be directed to the family by visiting www.nunes-pottiner.com