William 'Casey' Russell Porter

We share with great sadness that William Russell (Casey) Porter, 64, passed away on Wednesday, January 1, 2025. He died peacefully, holding the hands of his loving family after a courageous battle with cancer.

     Casey was predeceased by his parents William (Bill) Porter and Arleigh Perkins. He is survived by his loving wife of 26 years Sheryl, son Alex, daughter Holly and brother Stephen (Deborah).

     Casey was born on July 7, 1960. His early family life was centred around his friends and family in Winnipeg. He was loved by his grandparents, especially his ‘Nana’, who doted on him as he was her first grandchild. His summers were filled with being outdoors, camping trips to the Black Hills in South Dakota, and spending time at his grandparents’ cottage out in Matlock. Casey embraced his role of older brother and even as an adult, he was always excited to hear about what Steve was up to.

    As he entered his teenage years, Casey became connected with a close group of friends he met while attending Charleswood Collegiate, and it was at this time that he began his lifelong love of being around other people, being a great host, and sharing good times with others. Most weekends, his friends would gather in the Porter family basement to listen to music, share stories, and enjoy each other’s company.

    After graduating from Charleswood Collegiate in 1978, he received a Business Administration degree from Red River Community College in 1981. Over the next few years, he had several different jobs that eventually led him to Harding Carpets. He worked at Harding from 1983 to 1996, where he met colleagues who would become his future and current employer at After Eight Interiors. During that time, he also started the CGA Alberta program and received his CGA designation in 1997.

     Casey started with After Eight in 1997 and in 1998 when they asked him to move to Phoenix, AZ to be the GM of After Eight Phoenix, he took a chance and accepted.  Shortly after, he met the love of his life, Sheryl. They were married in Winnipeg three months later on New Year’s Eve 1998. In November of 1999, they were thrilled to welcome their son Alex into the world. It was one of the happiest days of Casey’s life. About a year later, After Eight required Casey to move back to Calgary. So, they loaded up the U-Haul with Alex and their cat to start new lives together in Canada. February 2002 was the next happiest day of Casey’s life when their beautiful daughter Holly was born in Calgary.

     Casey’s life was too short, but he had a wonderful life. His love and dedication to his family, friends and his work colleagues was obvious to all who knew him. He loved exploring new places and trying new things. He was always up for an adventure and meeting new people. He loved tailgating at Notre Dame, taking care of his family and being with his friends.

 Casey will be missed by so many people in so many different cities. He touched the hearts of people wherever he went.