ANDOVER – Bernard H. “Bernie” Porter, 56, passed away
Thursday (Oct. 12, 2017) at home. Mr. Porter was born on Feb. 16, 1961 in
Niagara Falls to Ronald D. and Beverly J. (Wayney) Porter. On May 27, 1988, he
married Elizabeth J. Pawlak, who survives.
Bernie worked as a heavy equipment mechanic his entire
career. From 1995 through 2013 he worked for Baker’s of Jericho Hill in Alfred
and both previous and after his time there, he currently works for L.C.
Whitford Co. in Wellsville.
In addition to his best friend and wife of 29 years, Bernie
is survived by his parents, Ronald and Beverly Porter of Niagara Falls; one
son, Robert (Kristin Fahs) Porter of Andover; one daughter, Ashley (Robert)
Nevol of Andover; two brothers, Ronald (Theresa) Porter and Daniel Porter, both
of Niagara Falls; one sister, Paula (Terrance) Huff of Cumberland, Ky.; his mother-in-law,
Marge Pawlak of Wellsville; His Uncle Victor and Aunt Carol Wayney of Niagara
Falls; two granddaughters, Brynna Nevol and Arieanna Porter; and several
nieces, nephews and cousin.
Though Bernie was his official nickname, those closest to
him called him “Barn Yard”. The name fit. He was forever outside roaming the
back forty on his Ranger side by side, checking in on the local wildlife and
riding the Tall Pines ATV trails off his back yard. Never one to sit still, he
loved to be outside tinkering and fixing things. Some of his family’s favorite
memories were the frequent camping trips to Allegany State Park where they
enjoyed fishing and cookouts. Other memories are the famous boating excursions
on Keuka Lake with his custom modified 350 engine hot rod boat.
Bernie had a heart of gold and was always ready to help a
stranger in need. A tow rope was always there to pull someone out of a ditch or
a special unlocking tool to help others locked out of their car.
Bernie had two passions. He was a diehard Buffalo Bills fan
and he bled Ford blue, and he was not shy about letting people know where he
stood on both subjects.
There will be a time of visitation on Sunday from 2-5 p.m.
at the Baker-Swan Funeral Home in Andover. The funeral service will be held on
Sunday at 5:00 p.m. at the funeral home immediately following the visitation
with Rev. Christian Mattison of the First Presbyterian Church of Andover,
officiating. Online condolences may be offered at www.baker-swan.com.
