
John was so much more than a leader; he was the heart and soul of Porta. His vision, dedication, and a remarkable 47-year journey with us have left an indelible imprint on every individual he touched. Under his guidance, Porta navigated through myriad economic challenges and periods of growth. From its humble beginnings with simple timber mouldings at the back of a hardware store, John elevated Porta to its renowned position today as a leader in indoor timber.
John’s passion extended beyond timber. He had a genuine love for the people he collaborated with, whether they were on the factory floor or industry associates. Every interaction at Porta mattered deeply to John. His virtues of patience and selflessness resonated in every conversation, every gesture.
One of his treasured routines was ‘walking the floor.’ Those moments, being amongst Porta’s team, witnessing their dedication, and acknowledging their efforts, were the highlights of his day. He took immense pride in seeing the collective effort that went into producing the quality timber products Porta is famous for. To John, each member of the Porta family was invaluable, and he deeply appreciated the skill and determination the team members brought to their roles every day.
Porta remains steadfast as a family business, even in the face of such profound loss. During his illness, John remained proud of Porta’s leadership team and their dedication to helping people ‘know and love timber.’ We thank you all for the unwavering support you’ve shown John over the years and are deeply touched by the outpouring of blessings and kind words since his departure. We offer our deepest condolences to all who had the privilege of knowing this exceptional individual. May his legacy continue to inspire and guide us in the many years ahead.
Claire Greenwood Director – Porta On behalf of Helen Pizzey, Olivia Sanderson & Tom Pizzey
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