Richard Porter Obituary

1927-2023

Richard Lewis Porter passed away in the TRU Hospice Care Center in Longmont, CO on March 31, 2023. Richard was born January 3, 1927 in Lewis, CO to Charles and Sonora (Lewis) Porter. He was the eldest of four children, having one sister, Ardeth, and two brothers, John and Stuart. He was born into a farming family and though he learned early of the hard, physical labor, he never lost his love of the land.

Richard attended Lewis Elementary School through the 8th grade. His grandmother, Artie E. Lewis, was his teacher through the first 3 grades and he would always say he couldn't have had a better start. His first two years of high school were spent at the famous local 2-year high school, Garret Ridge. After a year in Cortez, he then graduated from Durango High School in 1945.

Eager to become a part of the military effort in World War II, Rich was accepted in an Army Reserve program available to select high school grads. At age 17 he entered college at Brookings, S.D. for an intensive two years of training in specialized communications. As he finished and was ready to be assigned for active duty, the war ended and there was no need for all his training. However, his service time did provide him with the benefit of the GI bill for which he was forever grateful. He first attended Fort Lewis College, then following his love of agriculture he finished with a degree in Science with special emphasis on Agronomy at the University of California, Berkeley.

While attending school he married the love of his life, Betty Lou Downen, also of Lewis, CO. Betty was not only his love but his support through college. They became the parents of two daughters, Jana and Lori. Immediately after graduation Richard found employment with the Department of Agriculture and that became his profession for the next 31 years. He served with a state survey team, then as an area manager with the Soil Conservation Service, moving to several different conservation areas in Colorado. When he became an Assistant State Conservationist he was moved to Spokane, WA. Then his appointment as the State Conservationist resulted in his move to Durham, New Hampshire, moving from one coast to the other.

When the state department attempted to transfer Rich to Washington, D.C. after 6 years in New Hampshire, he and Betty decided it was time to retire and move back to their beloved state of Colorado. But he never retired. After trying several enterprises, he ended up as the highly acclaimed volunteer landscaper for the flower beds at the complex where they lived, and the golf course where they played in Longmont.

After losing Betty following 63 years of marriage, Rich managed independent living with the assistance of Sammy, his 3-legged cat. Sammy was his boss and his constant companion. Rich was also well supervised by family and friends.

He is survived by his two daughters, Jana Stolz (Bob-deceased) of Loveland, CO and Lori Bradford (Bill) of Estes Park; his 2 grandchildren and spouses and 3 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister Ardy of Cortez, and several adoring nieces and nephews.

Rich is predeceased by his wife, his parents, his two brothers John and Stuart, and son-in-law Bob Stolz.

As a summary of his long and productive life, in his own words, Rich said: "I would like to be known as a steward of all natural resources, particularly soil and water." All who knew and loved Richard, with his kind and gentle nature, know that he truly lived this motto. Services will be held at a later date.