Florence Clara Portin

Florence Clara Portin was a beautiful woman both inside and out. She was born in Portland, Oregon on Halloween, October 31, 1920 to John and Clara Hinkel and she passed away in Edmonds on a beautiful spring day, Monday, March 24, 2014 after suffering a massive stroke. Florence lived a life full of activity, work and travel with her creativity and organizational skills always raising the bar in all her pursuits. Her greatest loves were God, family and church. Before marrying and moving to Seattle, Florence spent six years with her mother in full time Christian Childrens ministries travelling throughout Washington, Oregon and California conducting training classes for churches of all denominations. The endeavor was called Child Evangelism Faith Storehouse and the company included: Bible cut outs, flannelgraph and daily vacation Bible School Supplies which were all used in their travels and provided to churches across the country. Before the Internet, she was an expert presenter using Flannelgraph to tell the stories in the PowerPoint of the 1940s. In 1947 Florence married Henry Portin of Ridgefield, Washington and several years later they settled in Seattle. As one of the areas first news cameramen, Henry brought a new area of adventure to her life and they worked and travelled together for 53 years. Florence worked with Henry in many roles as his bookkeeper and assistant. She was always ready to be a model for his films or carry the sound equipment. Travels included the great cities of Europe, South and Central America and their favorite vacation spot, Hawaii. She attended state and national Inaugural Balls as Henry produced television commercials and documentaries for politicians. It was not uncommon for her to receive a call that a politician or celebrity in town was coming to dinner and she became the elegant hostess of the hour. She could put together a dinner party at a moments notice. Florence was a leader and innovator in both community and church life. She spent thirty years as a Sunday School Teacher and Church Superintendent at Calvary Christian Assembly (formerly Calvary Temple). Florence was the church hostess, social and decoration chairman for years at the church. As the children she taught approached their twenties, she created a new position for herself, Wedding Consultant. Starting in 1963 and continuing for 30 years she planned, coordinated and directed over 1500 weddings in the Pacific Northwest ranging in size from 300 to 1000 guests. Before Martha Stewart, she wrote Weddings by Florence, a detailed organizer and guide to planning a perfect wedding. She conducted seminars around the northwest training other Wedding Consultants. Church activities in the 63 years she belonged to Calvary Christian Assembly also included: President of Homemakers Missionary Guild, Director of Vacation Bible School, Information Desk Manager and Instructor for crafts, art, decorations, food art and entertaining. Active in the Shoreline Community, Florence held leadership positions including: President Cromwell Park PTA; Room Mother Chairman for Shoreline Council of PTA representing 26 schools; Citizens Advisory Chairman and Art Chairman for Shoreline Council PTA as well as 1st Vice President, Publicity Chairman for Shoreline Council PTAs. In 1966-1967 she served as President of the Shoreline Council PTA and a Member of the Shoreline Community College Commission. She received the Golden Acorn Award for Distinguished Community Service in the Shoreline School District in 1967. Creativity and organization were her driving forces. Florence could cook and entertain to the highest level. She sewed, made her own hats, arranged flowers, created shell craft jewelry and leather craft. Upon her passing, she was working on a needlepoint canvas and knitting project. She always dressed with impeccable taste and style, although creating each look with thrift and practicality. And as any of you who know her, she loved purple and wore it well. When Florence moved to Northaven in the Northgate area in 2001, she continued her leadership activities by serving on committees, providing valuable input to programs and was the most requested tour guide to potential residents. After a bad fall last summer, she moved to New Hope Adult Family Home in Edmonds where she was working on a brain game puzzle at the time of her massive stroke. Above all Florence loved God, believed and experienced miracles and was always ready to give a helping hand or word of encouragement. As natural as breathing, she made people feel special. Her mind alert until her stroke, she kept mentally active reading, working puzzles and socializing. She was truly an amazing woman who lived a long and rewarding life. All who encountered her were touched by her love of God, her energy and youthful vitality. Her daughter, Sharon Portin Parker of Greenwich, Connecticut, her son, Rick Portin and his wife Pamela Portin of Bellevue, Washington, her beloved grandson, Alexander Portin of Los Angeles, California, survive Florence. She was the beloved aunt of 14 nieces and nephews. Her husband, Henry and her brother, Vernon Hinkel, predeceased Florence. A Memorial Service and Celebration of Her Life will be held Friday, March 28, 2014 at 2pm at Calvary Christian Assembly; Interment will be at Edmonds Memorial Cemetery. Gravesite service will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to The Henry E. Portin Memorial Scholarship, Financial Aid Office, Northwest University, 5520-108 Ave. NE., Kirkland, WA 98033. Announcement: But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their Strength, they shall mount up with wings as eagles. They shall run and not be weary, and they shall walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:31 In lieu of flowers, memorial contribution to the Henry Portin Memorial Scholarship, send check to Northwest University Development Office, PO Box 579, Kirkland, WA 98083. Mention Henry Portin Scholarship in the memo line of the check.