Gary R. Porter
Gary R. Porter, 80 Born in Wisconsin to Ray and Hazel Porter on July 8, 1941.
The Lord called Gary……
Longtime resident of Lynnwood Washington while in the presence of his wife Barb and family members at their family home. Gary answered Gods call on December 24,2021. Due to numerous natural causes most recently leukemia diagnosis.
July 8, 1941, in Wisconsin Gary was born to Ray and Hazel Porter. Preceded in death were Gary’s parents Ray and Hazel Porter, sister Marilyn Lewis and sadly Barb and Gary’s son Chris (Hopper) Porter (2005).
Gary married his childhood sweetheart on July 7, 1962, Barbara Lagervall Porter. From an early age Gary was a hard worker. Starting out as a paper boy and went on to reside in Yakima working for his dad (Ray) at Valley Tree Service. Later moving on to Seattle and continuing with his dad working and building the family business until 1976. In between in the evenings he worked at a Union 76 station to supplement the family income. In ’76 he took “Ray Porter and Sons” and turned it into his own family business “Gary’s Valley Gardening Service”. He worked this business until recently.
As already mentioned, Gary worked very hard and always provided for his family. On the flip-side of that, Gary played as hard as he worked. Through the years he built and raced demolition derby along with family members bringing home trophies while building friendships. later turning to Hotrods. As a member of the Vintique’s of Yakima he built and modified his own hotrods. And there they go Barbara and Gary pulling their Playboy mansion behind them to many different events all around Washington and Canada, building more friendships and bringing home more trophies. Not to forget all their bowling friends. Gary loved working in his shop. Painting, creating Seahawk clocks of all types, and souping up his golf cart to take hills with ease. Gary took much pride in creating a beautiful scenic yard for all passersby to enjoy.
Survived by his spouse of nearly 60 years Barbara, brother Ronald E Porter of Everett, WA., sons Tyrone (58), Nick (55) (Marie), daughter Tami (52) (Mike), 12 grandchildren, 23 great grandchildren and one great great grandchild. Many other close relatives.
Due to inclement weather and COVID concerns the family plans a summer celebration of life to be announced at a later date. (Watch Facebook for details)
Place of internment: Pioneer Cemetery, Camano Island, Washington.
The post first appeared on Barton Family Funeral Service.