Robert Owen Porter (Bob) passed away Sunday, Oct. 5 at the age of 83 with family members at his side. He was born Dec. 3, 1924 in Freeland, WA to Omer and Blonche Porter. He is a descendant of Nathanial Porter, his grandfather, who first acquired property in Port Townsend in 1859 and then 320 acres on Mutiny Bay in 1868.
Having to help support a growing family, Bob left the family farm at Saratoga finding work at a dairy farm in Skagit County. He graduated from LaConner High School in 1942. After high school he served his country in the US Army Air Corps from 1943-1947 where he learned his flying skills. He received his Civilian pilot’s license in 1951.
Bob had a variety of careers after returning home from the service including: logging, crash crew fire fighter at NAS Whidbey and Paine Field, real estate, and finally insurance. In 1964 he started Porter’s Insurance in the building where Good Cheer is located in Langley and later moved to the building bearing his name–Porter Building.
In 1957 he pursued his passion to build an airstrip on South Whidbey. It was a labor of love taking down the trees, clearing the land, adding hangers, and runway lights. In 1967 it opened to the public as Whidbey Air Park or as many refer to as Porter Field. Bob flew the parachute club from NAS Whidbey, and many of those prior service men have been like family and have kept in contact with him up to his death.
Bob was very active in the community serving a variety of roles including: Past presidents of the Holmes Harbor Rod and Gun Club, SW Lion’s Club, and Good Cheer. He was a past port commissioner and served on the Board of the Island County Planning Commission. Besides flying Bob enjoyed hunting, fishing, clam digging, and eating any seafood.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents Omer, Blonche, and stepmom Tina, brothers Omer (Jean), Ron (Jean), Ray (Joann), and sisters Judy and Connie (Dick).
He is survived by his wife, Nancy, his son Jim (Karrie), daughter Robyn (Tarry); grandchildren Jason, Ryan, Spencer, Cody, and Taryn; brothers Howard (Sharon), Gaylord (Heather), Jeff and sisters Gloria (Dean), Sylvia, Kathy, Marge (Larry), Pat and Jenny. He also leaves step children Laura (Dan), Michael, Anna (Mark), and Mathew (Debbie); step grandchildren Christopher, Nathanial, Claudia, Lindsey, and Lacey; step great grandchildren Michael, Alexis, and Rain.
Bob had a kind heart and strong sole. He will be greatly missed by those who knew and loved him.
A celebration of life will be held at the Holmes Harbor Rod and Gun Club, 3334 Brooks Hill Drive, Langley, from 1-4 p.m. Saturday, October 11.
In lieu of flowers, for anyone wishing to make a contribution in Bob’s memory, the family suggests donations be made to Good Cheer, Box 144, Langley, WA 98260.
