David Porter Obituary

David Porter died peacefully at home in Durango on August 30, 2016 after a two year struggle with prostate cancer.

David was born to Norman and Kathleen Porter in Loughborough, England. His parents left him in England as an infant while they returned to Africa to complete their mission as teachers for the Church of England. Upon their return, they settled in Okehampton, England where his father taught physics. David spent many happy days by himself as a child exploring the wilds of Dartmoor.

He received both a B.Sc. and an M.Sc. in Electrical Engineering from the University of Manchester, England. He taught college level physics and engineering for many years. He later earned an M.A. in English Theatre from the University of Lancaster, England.

He married Janet Sawdon, and they had three children together, Sally, John, and Michael. The marriage later ended in divorce.

In 1980 he married Jeanne Fowler in Lancaster, England and they moved to Durango, Colorado. He was the property manager at Shalona Lake Ranch for 20 years.

He was a man of many talents and diverse interests. In Durango, he designed and built theatre sets for The Abbey, The Company, Fort Lewis College, Four Corners Opera, and others. He was a talented watercolor and silkscreen artist. In 2015, he won second prize at the Creede International Small Print Exhibition. He never lost his passion for science, music, politics, and learning.

His greatest joy was gardening. After renovating their 1918 cottage, he planted spectacular English flower and vegetable gardens which thrived in spite of the high desert climate of Durango. Every day of his life was a productive one.

He is survived by his wife and companion of almost 40 years, Jeanne Fowler Porter, of Durango. He is also survived by his brother John, and children Sally, John, and Michael, all of the UK. In addition, he is survived by six grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

At his request, cremation has occurred and no services will be held.