In memory of

Robert "Bob" David Porayko

November 4, 1941 - April 15, 2023

With dawn approaching, Robert passed away peacefully at Lakeridge Health Oshawa hospital on Saturday, April 15th, 2023, in his 82nd year. Robert was a much-loved English teacher and audio/visual faculty member at Ajax High School where he spent over 35 years of his teaching career. He was the 6th of 7 children born to Mary and Peter Porayko and the last of his siblings. Robert loved to spend time travelling to Florida with his golf buddies and spending time with his lifelong “lunch” group. He held his friends and family near and dear to his heart. He is survived by his many nieces and nephews. As per his wishes, cremation has already taken place.

Guestbook

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Carol Maher-Hawken (Co worker)

Entered April 21, 2023 from Bowmanville

I will always remember Bob mainly because we worked together and he was in charge of the audio-visual equipment. He was so kind and gentle in his approach to staff and students. I remember trips to "the cage" which is what we called his office. He would invite you in for a chat and helped you with any issues you had with the equipment. I'm so happy to hear he thoroughly enjoyed his retirement. RIP Bob

David and Beverley Stone (long-time friends and members of "the lunch group" as well as one of Dave's beloved "golf buddies")

Entered April 21, 2023 from Toronto

Bob was a most generous, gracious and loyal friend. We will greatly miss his quiet, steady presence in our lives. He was an avid researcher and detail man, with a quirky sense of humour which helped see him through the difficult last years of his chronic medical problems. Bob was also one of the "foodies" in the lunch group, known for ordering more than one platter of calamari for sharing, specializing in the perfect shandy ingredients, and suggesting ordering several desserts for the table. On the golf course, Bob was "The Bambino" and, later, "Bob Junior".
We wish him eternal peace.

David and Beverley

Jeff & Eva Ross (Nephew)

Entered April 21, 2023 from Piedmont SC

Uncle Robert will be missed. A graduate of Western University. After graduating he toured Europe in a scooter before deciding to start his teaching career at Ajax High School. When I asked him about his favorite part of teaching, it was seeing their growth into becoming adults. He was also passionate with the yearly musical he helped organize with his students, and we were always invited. My favorite hands down was “Man of La Mancha”, especially “To Dream the Impossible Dream” even if slightly off key! Uncle Robert was also part of a Ukrainian Dance Troupe in his spare time. He was immensely proud of his family & their ethic roots. Uncle Robert, you helped make me better person than I deserved, and you’ll be missed.

Ann Molloy (Ajax High School, secretary)

Entered April 21, 2023 from Pickering

Bob was a wonderful man.

Michael and Rosemary Freeman (fellow teacher, Ajax H.S.)

Entered April 21, 2023 from Campbellcroft

Great memories from Ajax. Always the go-to guy when the inevitable breakdown of equipment threatened the day. So-long Bob.

Photos

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