John Elmer Porter

Obituary ohn E. Porter John E. Porter died peacefully on December 19, 2012. He is survived by his devoted and loving wife, Sally, four daughters Shawna Bliss, Carmel (Randy) Tanner, Heidi (Jack) Miller, and Andrea (Mat) Cook, son John, and eight grandchildren Ian (Sara), Erica, Kate, John, Tony, Tess, Emma, and Noah. Sadly, Don Bliss died before him. John was born on June 23, 1928, in Omaha, NE to John and Margaret Porter. He had two siblings. His sister Rosemary died; his brother Bill resides with his wife, Jean, in Brixham, England. He married Sally Sheridan on June 16, 1951. He was a lifelong learner. He earned a degree from Seattle University in Chemistry but earned his living as an accountant. He was a master craftsman; he built his own boat and, with friends, designed and built a log cabin near Mt. Rainier. At home, he finished off the basement and maintained his home both inside and out. Nearing retirement, he converted his yard to a Japanese garden and nurtured over 60 bonsai plants; he was an active member of The PNW Bonsai Society. He loved snow and water sports. He joined the Ski Acres Ski Patrol in 1964 and became a member of the National Ski Patrol in 1966; he served on the Ski Acres Ski Patrol for over 35 years. For a number of years, he raced a sailboat; that gave way to annual trips to Hawaii where he loved to swim in the ocean. After retiring, he continued to make annual trips to Hawaii but also traveled to new places. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He was a bright, hard-working, kind and unassuming man. His greatest gift was the love he had for Sally, his children, their spouses, and his grandchildren; it directed his life. A Mass will be held at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church on Saturday, January 5, 2013, at 2:00 PM. Following the Mass, there will be a reception in the Parish Hall. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests making a contribution to the Alzheimer's Association (100 W Harrison St N200, Seattle, WA 98119 or alz.org).