On Saturday, July 27th, Richard Irving Porter left the world as we know it, but will forever live on in our hearts and memories of him and the life he shared with us all.

Richard was born Feb. 14, 1955 to Irving and Alice (Edgmon) Porter in Santa Barbara, California. He is survived by: his wife, Heather; son, Kyle; brothers, Stephen and Michael Porter; sister, Linda Garcia; grandchildren, Matthew and Jessica McCarthy; and numerous nephews, nieces, friends, and loved ones. He was preceded in death by his parents, Alice and Irving, and step-daughter, Sheri Taylor.

Richard grew up in Santa Barbara and Bakersfield. Growing up, he was very active and participated in many things such as archery, ballroom dancing, competitive dance roller skating, Boy Scouts, Karate, baseball, go carts, a bowling league, and much more. He lived in California most of his life and moved to Oregon in the early 80s.

Richard was an electrician for many years, working in the oil fields of California, a refinery in Nevada, and on an oil rig in Alaska. He was an investor and bought and flipped many homes. He owned several business of his own, including a clothing store, a painting company, a janitorial business, and a mortgage company. Richard was a handy man and could pretty much fix or build anything. He was a hard worker, was dedicated, and put forth his best effort in everything he did.

Richard enjoyed attending OSU football games and tailgating. He loved the outdoors and spent many days with his wife and son camping, exploring the local rivers and lakes. He enjoyed boating, hunting, camping, fishing and most of all spending time with his family. He was friendly and happy, had a heart of gold, and would help out.

Richard met Heather Rinehart in 2003 and they married in 2005. In 2007, they welcomed the joy and pride of Richard’s life, his son, Kyle Wendell Porter. Richard was a wonderful father and husband. He was kind, patient, loving, caring, fun to be around, strong, and protecting. He put his family above all else and did the things he did so that they could enjoy life and make many memories together.

Richard had a love for his wife and son that will forever live on in the many memories, photos, videos, experiences, and things they did together. He lived to make every day and moment count. Richard will be missed more than words can describe. He touched many lives and will live on in our memories, through the life he and his wife created together and the generous contributions he was able to provide through his passing as being a donor.

A celebration of life for Richard will be held on Friday, August 9, at 2 PM at Harvest Christian Center, 4231 Long St., Sweet Home, OR. Please come and help the family celebrate the life of a wonderful man and support the grieving during this time. In lieu of flowers, a Richard Porter memorial fund has been established at Umpqua Bank, 1890 Main Street, Sweet Home, OR 97386, for those who wish to support the family with expenses.

Arrangements are under the direction of Sweet Home Funeral Chapel.