Donald Craig Porter

Donald Craig Porter was born in Taber, Alberta, Canada on September 24, 1947 to Donald Lloyd Porter and Joyce Harris. He had a younger brother Logan and then four younger sisters Shanon, Afton, Charmaine, and Ashlee. He met Nancy Jo Wren at BYU, and they were married in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) Mesa Temple on February 29, 1972. Craig is survived by his wife and children – Scott Porter, Wendy Lawrence, Sheri (Erick) Vera, Bryce (Rebecca) Porter, Vicki Porter, Marci Porter and grandchildren Andrew and Austin Lawrence, Bentley and Royce Vera, Maxwell, Sariah, Brigham, Harrison, and Eliza Porter.

Las Vegas has been Craig’s home for 34 years. He started his own underground irrigation contracting company, Naridon Corporation, in St. George in 1986. He took pride in offering quality work to his customers. Three years later, the family moved to Las Vegas. In 2018, Craig suffered a debilitating stroke. He lived in a nursing facility until his passing on July 15, 2023.

Craig has been a member of the LDS Church his entire life. He worked in the Arctic to earn money for his ‘foreign’ mission, which he served in Southern California. In fact, the United States tried to draft this Canadian boy while on his mission! (Many years later, he did actually become a US citizen.) Craig has held many positions of leadership and service. Perhaps the callings he enjoyed most were with the youth – especially the campouts! He was a man of humility, preferring to take direction rather than give it. He could often be found, pencil in hand, reading through the scriptures.

Callings in the church would often require Craig to speak. He had two recurring themes that he loved and frequently managed to tie into a talk – “The price of peace is righteous living” and “And always let your conscience be your guide”.

Craig grew up on a farm. He took pride in raising award-winning 4-H calves. He and Logan worked hard alongside their dad. They learned his work ethic by example. This is also where Craig learned and loved to run heavy equipment. Somehow, he found time to achieve the rank of Queen Scout (Eagle Scout).

In 1975, Craig went into business with his brother in Lethbridge, Alberta. They bid contracts for underground irrigation and pipeline work (parks, golf courses, etc.). He especially enjoyed working on the Kananaskis Golf Course near Calgary, Alberta.

Craig enjoyed the outdoors. As a young man, he would ice skate when the pond froze over and went hunting with family and friends. In later years, hunting turned into target shooting, and he spent many hours reloading his own ammunition. Craig really enjoyed the rare occasions to go fishing. A fishing trip to Alaska with his sons was a highlight. He was also skilled in woodworking and leather tooling.

A friend to all, Craig had a quick smile and much compassion. He has left a trail of friends from the Arctic to Mexico. And just ask those friends – Craig was always up for a good joke or prank. A couple of his best are: * Mixing dog food with mayo and pickles into a dip for chips and successfully offering it to one of his business partners! * Installing a fire hydrant (salvaged for a special occasion) in the front yard of his bishop’s newly built home. When the bishop returned from out-of-town, his headlights caught the hydrant planted right in the middle of where he was going to pour his driveway!

Craig was a dedicated father and family man. He would say that family is most important – especially connecting with his children. His piercing whistle could be very helpful with this! As Bryce filed down a hallway with hundreds of other departing missionaries, Craig let out a loud whistle. Only one head popped up, with a smile and a wave – mission accomplished! As another family member couldn’t be found in the airport, again the whistle came in handy. One head turned and we could see each other across the concourse – mission accomplished!

Craig has lived a life of righteousness, letting his conscience be his guide – mission accomplished!

Until we meet again…

Condolences can be sent to the family at: 3421 Happy Lane

Las Vegas, NV 89120

*No flowers, please. In lieu of flowers, consider a donation to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

* A memorial service will be held July 29, 2023 at 11:00 AM at the LDS church, 2701 E. Pebble Rd., Henderson NV. A family visitation will be at the same location from 9:00-10:30 AM.

The funeral service is available to be viewed through the following link

https://youtu.be/1BVkNeQqxl4