Richard "Dick" Porter

Richard "Dick" Porter, a beloved father, grandfather, and cherished friend to many, passed away peacefully on May 13, 2026, at the age of 85. Dick was known for his kindness, sense of humor, and generous spirit.

Born in Seattle in 1940, he was the oldest child of Frank and Clara (Van Horn) Porter, and the first of 42 grandchildren of Bill and Jennie Porter. Growing up surrounded by numerous aunts, uncles and cousins instilled a strong sense of family, community, hard work, and faith. He met Kay Wallace while working at the Federal Reserve Bank in Seattle. They married in October 1961 and were married over 62 years before her death.

Dick's life was marked by his deep connections with family, friends, and the community. He is lovingly remembered by his children, Lori Porter and Beverly Porter (Leland Anderson), and his grandchildren Katie (Nate Baker), Katrina, and Moss. He is also survived by his sister, Kathie Simmons and brother, Larry Porter.

Dick and Kay shared a passion for music, as they sang in choirs across every church they attended and with the Whatcom Chorale. As a devoted grandfather, Dick cherished the time spent with his grandchildren, passing on his love for gardening to Katie, his affinity for computers to Katrina, and the joy of birding to Moss.

A man of many talents, Dick gravitated towards leadership roles within various organizations. His contributions ranged from serving as a treasurer and participating in search committees at church to organizing music for Whatcom Chorale and orchestrating local and national dahlia shows. His mentorship extended beyond these roles, as he was a champion for education, often hosting seminars for growers across the Pacific Northwest and nurturing the younger generation of birders, gardeners, and colleagues.

Dick's passion for gardening, most recently for cultivating vibrant dahlias, was a lifelong pursuit. As a Master Gardener, he shared the fruits of his labor with neighbors, congregations, and even strangers, embodying his generous spirit. He always looked forward to his weekly trip to the coffee shop to restock his free dahlia cart.

His love for birding grew with time, leading him to travel across the United States and as far as Costa Rica and Brazil, always eager to share these adventures with family and friends. Seeing and recording his 700th bird species in his final year brought him great joy and satisfaction.

Dick's adventurous spirit and insatiable curiosity were evident in every journey he undertook. Whether it was a winding road trip or a bird-watching excursion, he always sought the path less traveled, taking in the beauty of the world around him. He never took the same road twice when he had the choice, never passed a road that he didn’t wonder where it went, and always endeavored get to the end of it.

Dick listened to the many people in his life. His wife Kay helped him grow to understand the inequalities women face in life. His grandchildren taught him about gender identity and LGBTQIA+, disability, and the inaccessibility of the world. He became a great champion of equal rights and supporting people just as they are, striving to meet them where they were at. His legacy is not only in the passions he pursued but in the countless lives he touched with his warmth, wisdom, and generosity.

Dick leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and a community enriched by his presence. His life was a testament to the power of connection, the joy of exploration, and the beauty of a life well-lived.

A celebration of Dick's life will be held on July 25, 2026, at 1:00 PM at the First Congregational Church, located at 2401 Cornwall Avenue, Bellingham. Family, friends, and all those whose lives were touched by Dick are invited to come together to honor and remember a remarkable man who lived his life with an adventurous spirit and a twinkle in his eye.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to First Congregational Church of Bellingham or other organizations Dick supported, including The Nature Conservancy, Northwest Youth Services, and Planned Parenthood.