Guelph’s former deputy police chief passes away

Don Porterfield, Guelph’s former deputy police chief, in an undated image. (Provided)

Don Porterfield, the former deputy chief of the Guelph Police Service, has died.

He passed away on Jan. 2 at Guelph General Hospital after a lengthy battle with progressive supranuclear palsy, a rare neurodegenerative disease affecting movement, vision and the ability to swallow.

Porterfield joined the Guelph Police Service in 1971 and worked his way up to deputy chief, a role he took over in 2001. In total, he spent 34 years with the force.

“His contributions to the service and community are immeasurable,” said the Guelph Police Service in a media release.

They added that Porterfield’s oldest son, Darryl, is a former member of the Guelph Police Service and is now an Ontario Provincial Police sergeant. His daughter-in-law Lindsay is also a Guelph Police constable.

“He cherished the lifelong friendships he made throughout his career and in various roles,” Porterfield’s family wrote in his obituary. “He loved his community and making it a better place.”

Porterfield was 72 years old.

A celebration of life will be held at the Guelph Country Club on March 8 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. In lieu of flowers, his family asks that donations be made to St. Joseph’s Hospital or the Wounded Warriors Canada foundation.