Richard "Dick" Porter, a man of diverse passions and unwavering kindness, breathed his last on May 26, 2024, surrounded by the warmth of his home in Lansing, Michigan. Born on November 21, 1942, to Basil and Marie Porter, Dick's journey was one marked by an insatiable curiosity for life.
Throughout his years, Dick found joy in many pursuits, each one adding a vibrant hue to his existence. From the intricate challenges of Sudoku to the exhilarating thrills of the occasional casino trip, Dick approached life with a zestful enthusiasm that was contagious. He relished the freedom of the open road on his motorcycle, embraced the tranquility of boating, and found solace in the art of woodworking, crafting treasures for his loved ones with his skilled hands.
An aficionado of the skies, Dick soared high with his remote control airplane, reveling in the freedom it offered. His affinity for John Deere tractors was a testament to his Midwestern roots, grounding him in a sense of tradition and heritage.
Dick's mind was filled with creativity and ingenuity, always buzzing with ideas and solutions. Whether he was tinkering with gadgets or devising new projects in his workshop, he thrived on the challenge of creating and fixing things, keeping his sharp intellect engaged.
Yet, amidst his interests, Dick remained an embodiment of generosity and warmth. His easygoing nature endeared him to all who had the pleasure of his company. Whether he was playing euchre with his card club or enjoying lunch with his classmates from Holt High Class of 1961, his quick wit and a lighthearted demeanor effortlessly lit up any room he entered, leaving laughter and joy in his wake.
Beyond his passions, Dick cherished his roles as a devoted father, brother, son, and friend. He found immense joy in the company of his daughters and took pride in the legacies they carried forward. His grandchildren, Christopher, Amanda, Shane, and Dylan, were the apple of his eye, and the recent addition of great-grandchild Remy Hoover brought him immeasurable delight.
In his professional life, Dick's dedication was unwavering. For over three decades, he served as a Field Engineer for IBM, leaving an indelible mark with his expertise and commitment. Later, his journey led him to Siemens and then Sensormatic, where he continued to make invaluable contributions in training and as a service writer until his well-deserved retirement in 2005.
Dick's memory will forever be cherished by his mother, Marie Pratt, his daughters, Pam (Bruce) Eckerle, and Gabrielle Kemp (Jeff Bomgardener), his siblings Judy Gosset and Gary Pratt, his beloved dog, Baxter, his grandkids and a multitude of family and friends whose lives he touched with his generosity and love.
Though he is now reunited with his wife, Karen and his father, Basil, Dick's legacy of compassion and joy will continue to resonate in the hearts of all who knew him.
A memorial service honoring Dick's life will be held on Saturday, June 29, 2024, at 11 a.m. at Unity Spiritual Center in Lansing, Michigan. Flowers may be purchased at BA Florist in East Lansing and sent directly to Unity Spiritual Center for the memorial service. Memorial contributions in Dick's name may be made to the ASPCA or a charity benefiting the care of animals, a cause close to his compassionate heart.
Services are entrusted to Gorsline Runciman Tiffany Funeral Home, where Dick's memory will be tenderly honored.
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