Melvin A. Porter

Mar 12, 1953 -

Dec 14, 2024

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our father, Melvin A. Porter. Born on March 12, 1953, his life was filled with family and friends, adventures and laughter until he went to sleep on Dec. 14, 2024, at the age of 71.

Mel's endless generosity was recognized by all who knew him; he was always swift to lend a hand and spread kindness and joy to those that met him. He loved the outdoors, especially if it involved a fishing rod; some of his happiest moments were spent floating or wading in the Kenai River in search of sockeye salmon and rainbow trout. Always quick-witted, he delighted in friendly practical jokes and Donald Duck impressions. His enthusiasm and love of life and his family and friends will be missed.

Mel was born in the small town of Hysham, Mont., to Clarence and Audra Porter. After graduating from Evergreen High School in Seattle, Wash., he went on to culinary school in Seattle. That's when "The Chef's" adventures began: his culinary skills provided opportunities to travel with Hilton Hotels to Amsterdam, Honolulu, Hawaii, and finally to Alaska at the Westward Hilton in Anchorage. This is where he met Larry, who delivered dairy products. Larry convinced Mel to join him in the dairy business, where he went on to delivering milk and ice cream for Arden Dairy, then managing the Sunrise Bakery, and finally starting his own consulting company where he provided camp services and temporary structures to the oil and mining industry until retirement.

Mel was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Audra Porter; and son, Byron Devon. Survived by his children, Rusty Porter, Rory Devon and wife Brooke, and Camille Kohler and husband Jason; "Grands," Roman, Nadia, Locklyn, Leila, Madison and Kinley; and siblings, Russ Porter and wife Susan, Carla Porter and Dixie Spaid and husband Jim; along with many loving nieces and nephews. Mel is also survived by his lifelong friend and fishing buddy, Larry Brandt.

Services will be held at the Anchorage Unitarian Universalist Fellowship on May 3, 2025, at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations in his name go to Alzheimer's Resource of Alaska, https://www.alzalaska.org.