Grandpa Wayne Porter's Obituary

Obituary

Wayne Porter

Central Valley, UT

"On October 10, 2020 heaven gained a great man. Wayne W Porter returned home to his Father in heaven at the age of 56. He was born March 25, 1964 in Cedar City, UT to James Niel and Rena Kay Jensen Porter. He was raised in Richfield, UT where he attended all his schooling. He graduated as a Wildcat from Richfield High School and later graduated from Southern Utah State College where he received his Bachelors of Science degree in Industrial Technology.

"He served as a full-time missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Milwaukee, Wisconsin Mission. Throughout his life Wayne served in a variety of capacities, including Scout leader, ward clerk, nursery leader, and most recently as a Sunday School teacher in the Central Valley 1st Ward.

"On April 25, 1985 he was sealed for time and all eternity to his best friend, Teri Lynn Manwill, in the St. George Utah Temple. Together they raised three sons, a beautiful daughter, and a grumpy, old beagle.

"His professional career in computers took him on a journey to multiple companies in multiple locations. The highlight of his career was his time spent working at Satel for the 2002 Salt Lake City Winter Olympic Games.

"In his free time he enjoyed camping, going on car rides with his sweetheart, working with his hands, spending time with family and spoiling his grandkids. He was an Eagle Scout and life-long Scouter and spent his time "in the service of his fellow men".

"He is survived by his wife, Teri; children: Zachary James (Nicole) Porter, Christian Wayne (Carrie) Porter, Cohen Niles Porter, Niki Lynn Porter; his 2 beautiful grandkids, father; brothers, and many other loved ones.

"He is preceded in death by his sister, Jamie Kay Porter Jensen Richards; mother; father-in-law, Niles Orson Manwill; brother-in-law, Randall Bert Manwill; nephew, Jordan James Jensen; and his nephew’s son, Brody Joss Harwood."

From https://www.maglebymortuary.com/obituary/Wayne-Porter.

Tragic Phone Call

On 10.10.2020, around lunchtime Zak received a phone call from his sister. I could tell immediately based on his expression and the one or two phrases I could hear that this was like the phone call he received when Grandpa Manwill passed away.

"My dad was in an accident, and they think he's passed away!"

We grabbed bags and clothes for us and the kids, and drove the two-and-a-half hours from Salt Lake to Sevier County. Great-Grandpa Porter, who served with Search and Rescue for fifty years, called when we were on the road to confirm that Zak's dad had indeed passed away.

After helping a neighbor move some things with his skid steer that morning, Dad brought back the potatoes the neighbor gave him and continued working in his own yard with the Bobcat. When trying to stand up at some point, he bumped some controllers that lifted the arms and bucket quickly and powerfully. It caught him  in the precise point where his breathing and nervous systems were pinched immediately. It was instantaneous.

Niki was able to quickly call 911 after Mom found him. I know she had help as she called for an ambulance, called her brothers, and raced to the neighbors' houses to find someone to be with them. The neighbor and emergency personnel arrived within minutes to look after them and Dad.

All three sons drove down to stay with Mom. We saw how Heavenly Father had worked to bring us all together before Dad died. The last few years, Zak's brother, Christian, and his wife, Carrie, had been working and living in Indiana. Just months before Dad had recommended a job in Utah to Christian, which he had gotten. Just the month before we had all camped together on the mountain.

That night when I went to their RV trailer to get the kids settled, Mom got a phone call from the organ donation organization to confirm that Dad had chosen to be a donor. They asked about his medical history and explained that he would indeed be able to donate several tissues and some organs.

The next day was Sunday, and both Mom's Bishop and Stake President from her congregation came to share their love and stories about Dad with her. They recommended that Zak and his brothers give any of the family members who wanted them special priesthood blessings of comfort and counsel, which are words from Heavenly Father for that individual. Listening to Zak, Christian, and Cohen give those blessings was one of the most spiritual and comforting experiences I have ever had. It became very apparent that Heavenly Father knew what was happening and had watched over Dad through the entire process. 

I'm grateful for the ten years I had with my dad-in-law on this earth, and am so blessed for all of the effort and conversations he and Mom went through to help Zak become the man he is. Dad has been an incredible grandpa to our kiddos, and they love him very much.