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Guelph’s former deputy police chief passes away

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

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