SOUTH CASCO — Timothy (Timmy, Tim, Dad, PopPop) Gene Porta died on July 8, 2024 with the love of his life, Joan, by his side.

Tim was born in Saratoga Springs, N.Y., to parents Gene and Grace on March 13, 1944.

He grew up a “hotel kid”, moving often as his parents’ careers demanded.

At the age of 13, after a summer of flipping burgers at the Ocean View Hotel on Martha’s Vineyard, his own ideas for creating a better experience for guests began to emerge.

After graduating from Cohasset High School in 1962, he moved on to the School of Hospitality Business at Michigan State University and then to serve in Vietnam in 1968. In addition to serving as a combat officer, he was recruited to manage the food and entertainment services for the army base. Always striving to make people happy and comfortable, he prioritized moments of fun and respite from the war by hiring musicians and comedians including icons Ann Margaret and Bob Hope.

His first child, Christine, was born before he completed his military service. After the birth of his second child, Michael, Tim began building his career as an innkeeper and tending to his children. He managed hotels from Vermont to Louisiana, honing his charismatic leadership style, eventually working with his parents at Migis Lodge where, in 1979, he met a guest (and her two kids) who would end up joining him for the rest of his life. As Joan says, she came to vacation at Migis for a week, but really never left. Tim and Joan married soon thereafter, had a child, Jed, together and became partners in all things — business, marriage, parenting their five children and planning their many adventures.

Tim had an unwavering vision when he and Joan first took over the ownership of Migis Lodge from his parents in 1984. He wanted to excel. He wanted to take risks and grow. He had a vision of service and hospitality that he created and strengthened over time, which eventually became a staple of the Migis experience. Most importantly, he loved teaching and showing others about the Migis culture of hospitality, leaving an enduring impact on the careers of so many that worked alongside him.

In 2023, NEIRA (New England Inns and Resorts Association) honored Tim and Joan with the “Masters of New England Innkeeping Lifetime Achievement Award” for hospitality professionals who have made a lasting contribution and left an indelible mark on the culture of New England hospitality. Watch the video at https://youtu.be/ureQmaKVO_0

In his personal time, Tim was never happier than when he was traveling with Joan, especially to Jamaica, a country and culture he loved. He enjoyed sailing, skiing, playing with his feisty parrot, Deets, or his beloved dogs, Andrew and Sofie. A committed Sugarloafer since 1980, he enjoyed countless winter weekends skiing with his family, “candelizing” the house for holidays and keeping the fire roaring.

Tim will be remembered for many things — his generous expansive spirit, his love of family and traditions, his dedication to his profession, his commitment to charitable work, and his playfulness.

Tim is survived by his wife, Joan, his dog Sofie, his five adult children, Christine, Michael, Susannah, Ian and Jed; his beloved in-laws (they call themselves The Outlaws) Aaron, Nicci, Stacey, Landace and Bruce; eight grandchildren, one great-grandchild; two sisters, Carol and Bonnie and his brother Neil.

His older brother, David, predeceased him.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to LBDA (https://www.lbda.org/) or Camp Sunshine at https:// www.campsunshine.org/donate-today. Tim was a dedicated supporter of Camp Sunshine, a program for children with life threatening illness, and their families. He served on the board for many years.

Visiting hours will be held on Sunday, July 14 from 2-4 p.m. at Hall Funeral Home at 165 Quaker Ridge Road in Casco. A celebration of life will be held in the fall.

The family would like to thank the staff at The Mooring in Scarborough for their thoughtful care and support of Tim in his final year.

Condolences, tributes and Tim stories may be shared at www.hallfuneralhome.net.