Terrance Portfleet

Hardworking, generous, and devoted to serving those around him, Terrance Portfleet lived a life rich in family and friends. He was a constant source of strength, even in the most difficult of times. Nothing was ever done halfway; everything that Terrence put his mind to, he did with his heart and soul. He exemplified what it meant to follow faithfully after the Lord he loved so much, and he was a powerful role model for all who looked up to him. Already so deeply missed, Terrance was treasured by many and will be remembered for many years to come.

The early 1940s were tumultuous years, both here in the United States and all around the globe as WWII raged on. Many brave servicemen were called to serve away from home, and those who remained stateside carried burdens of their own, facing strict rationing and waiting by their radios for news of the war. During such tense years, however, there was still much to celebrate, and nowhere was there more happiness than in the household of George and Cicely Portfleet of Grand Rapids, Michigan. The young couple announced the arrival of their second son on February 8, 1943, naming him Terrance Keith. Terrance was one of three children in the Portfleet family and was raised alongside his two brothers, George and Tim.

Growing up on Green Leaf Farm taught Terrance the importance of hard work at a young age. The entire family helped manage the farm on O’Brien Southwest, producing apples and dairy. Terrance’s father, George, also managed the family business, Michigan Lightning Protection, while his mother was a dedicated homemaker. Throughout his formative years, Terrance enjoyed hunting and fishing with his younger brother, Tim.

Terrance attended O’Brien Schoolhouse and graduated from Union High School, eager to see what the future held. He went on to pursue further education at Western Michigan University. Terrance studied both psychology and sociology, working to earn his master’s degree. During his college years, he was able to travel to Africa for six months, where studied a local tribe and visited several archaeological dig sites.

It was through the student social circles that Terrance met the remarkable young woman who would quickly capture his heart. Her name was Dianne Frame, and she was a student from Ohio enrolled at Kalamazoo College at the time. There was an immediate spark between Terrance and Dianne. Over the next seven months of dating, they fell head over heels in love. On August 20 of 1966, Terrance and Dianne were married at Market Street Baptist Church in Zanesville, Ohio. The newlyweds hosted a church reception, then enjoyed a road trip through Pennsylvania for their honeymoon, stopping at antique stores along the way.

Terrance and Dianne both enrolled at the University of Georgia. She was pursuing international studies, and he continued pursuing psychology and sociology. Both eventually earned their doctorates. Over the next 22 years, Terrance taught at Harrisburg Community College in Pennsylvania, the University of Georgia, and Grand Rapids Baptist College. In 1986, the family business, Michigan Lightning Protection, was passed down to Terrance, and he became the third-generation owner. He threw himself into managing the business, providing lightning and surge damage protection to local farms and businesses.

Of all the things Terrance loved in life, there was nothing he cherished more than his family. In 1974, he and Dianne welcomed their son, Matthew, into their hearts and home. Terrance thrived in his role as a father, and Matt was his pride and joy. The Portfleet family enjoyed bringing their apples to sell at the 28th Street Flea Market, but somehow, Dianne usually got stuck handling the sales while Terrance and Matt browsed the other vendors’ treasures. Terrance loved being able to take his wife and son on many memorable vacations. They went on various fishing trips and went horseback camping in Wyoming, and they also had the opportunity to visit Alaska and Mexico. Christmas every year was spent in Orlando, Florida, visiting with Dianne’s parents, soaking in the warm weather and time with family.

Later in life, Terrance was thrilled to become a grandfather to his granddaughters, Eleanor and Ona. He adored his grandkids, and being the endlessly supportive man he was, he was always eager to cheer the girls on. Terrance loved traveling to England, bird hunting in Wales. Fishing and hunting were some of Terrance’s lifelong passions, especially with his hunting buddy, Blitz, by his side. His rifle building was precise, shotguns well chosen, and he viewed his guns as tools to be kept in top shape.

Terrance was an active member of First Evangelical Covenant Church for many years of his life. He loved the fellowship he found in his church home, and he was involved in many programs, events, and ministries. Dedicated to sharing his faith, Terrance even helped teach Bible courses in state prison for a time. He saw himself as a servant of Christ, and that belief was reflected in all the ways he looked to care tenderly for those around him.

As family and friends gather to reflect on the life of Terrance Portfleet, it is easy to see how he overflowed with kindness and love. He never took a single blessing for granted, and he found such contentment and fulfillment in the simple joys of life. A devoted husband, father, and grandfather, Terrance seized every chance to hold his loved ones close. His faith was his firm foundation, and his generous heart left an unforgettable impact on so many. Life will never be the same without Terrance here, but he leaves behind a priceless legacy of compassion and service that we can all be proud to carry on in his footsteps.

Terrance Keith Portfleet, 83, passed away peacefully into the arms of Jesus, on February 19, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. Born on February 8, 1943, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Terrance was the son of the late George W. (Bud) and Cicely Portfleet. He was also preceded in death by his brother, George Portfleet. Terrance attended Western Michigan University where he received his master’s degree in psychology and sociology, and later his doctorate from the University of Georgia. He taught college for 22 years before acquiring the family business from his father in 1986, making him the 3rd generation at Michigan Lightning Protection where he served on many industry boards. Terrance married Dianne (Frame) in 1966. They shared 60 wonderful years together, raising their son, Matthew. Terrance is survived by his wife, Dianne; their son, Matthew (Jess), granddaughters, Eleanor and Ona, his brother, Tim (Lori) Portfleet, sister-in-law, Mary Portfleet; brother-in-law, Edward (Su Moi) Frame; and several nieces and nephews. We shall not forget his four legged, best hunting partner, Blitz. Terrance’s favorite past-time was bird hunting with Blitz. A funeral service will be held Tuesday, February 24, 2026 at 11 AM at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home, Alt & Shawmut Hills Chapel, 2120 Lake Michigan Drive NW. Friends may visit with his family beginning at 10 AM. Interment will be in Rosedale Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hospice of West Michigan. He will be remembered for his love and generosity for those who knew him and called him friend. In the words he spoke often in parting, “Carry On…Peace”.