David Howard Porter 79, of Alma, New Mexico, passed away quietly June 30, in Silver City with his wife, Debra Krikorian-Porter, at his side.
He was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma, spending his younger years in California and teen years in Washington.
As a teen he became enamored with ham radio which allowed him to develop contacts around the world. David also loved anything that went fast and joined the 100 MPH club with hydroplanes on water in Washington and racing cars with some of the world's best in the late 1950s in California.
After college, he joined the Army serving in the intelligence field. He became fluent in Italian and German living in both countries for many years.
David also loved of all types of music but his first musical love was opera. His work led him to adventures in over 100 countries during a 30 year career; retiring in 1995. His love for driving and vehicles lead him to school bus driving as a second career in Frederick, MD for 6 years. Dave and Deb married in 1989 and lived in Frederick, MD for 15 years while working in the Washington, DC area.
In 1997 they purchased property in Alma, New Mexico where they decided to "retire from dealing with the East Coast" and built a home full of generosity and dogs.
Dave enjoyed people and travel and had many friends from various corners of the world. He loved meeting new people and it was often said he would "talk to a rock if it would talk back".
He liked traveling by almost any form of public transportation to far corners of the US and the rest of the world but most of all he enjoyed listening and mentoring young people and helping older folks. He was passionate about animals and dearly loved dogs owning many wonderful dogs during his lifetime.
Dave is survived by his wife, Debra Krikorian-Porter; father, Randall E. Porter and stepmother Helen; daughter Robin and husband Carlos Alvarez; daughter Christina and husband Michael Gibson; grandson, Michael Joseph Lee Gibson and sister in law; Cris Sanders-Porter.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Cassandra Porter and his brother Stephen Porter.
A wake to celebrate his life will be held at the Glenwood Tavern on 7 July from 5-7pm. He will be inured in Los Alamos, NM.
In lieu of flowers his family suggests donations be made to Fur and Feathers Animal Assistance (a 501c nonprofit), P.O. Box 555 Pie Town, NM 87827 or via http://furandfeather.org.
Bright Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements, "Traditional Services and Care for our family and friends", 210 W. College Avenue, Silver City, NM 575-388-1911.
To send condolences login www.brightfuneral.net