Roger L. Porter

Roger L. Porter, beloved husband, coach and friend, passed away onFebruary 14, 2025, at the age of 89 in Boring, Oregon. He was born onMay 31, 1935, in Des Moines, Iowa, to Willard and Vera Porter. In 1946, thePorter family relocated to Vancouver, Washington, where Roger graduatedfrom Vancouver High School in 1953. It was during high school that he andsix other friends formed the "Slo Poks" car club, a club that remains theoldest and largest of its kind in the United States. Roger designed theclub's plaque and jacket emblem, which continues to be used to this day.Roger's love for education and sports led him to attend Whitworth andClark College before earning a Bachelor of Science degree from Lewis andClark College in 1957. He also played football for the Pioneers under theguidance of Coach Joe Houston. Following graduation, Roger answeredthe call of duty by joining the U.S. Marine Corps, where he servedhonorably. Upon discharge, he moved to Portland, Oregon and began hiscareer with the Union Pacific Railroad Traffic Office.However, Roger's true passion for football never waned. While working forthe railroad, he returned to school, earning a Bachelor's degree ineducation from Portland State University. Between 1962 and 1969, Rogercoached football and taught art at David Douglas High School, where heled the Scots to a State Championship victory in 1965. During his time atDavid Douglas, he met Joan Fast, the love of his life and future wife, whowas an English teacher at the school. Roger and Joan married and spent54 wonderful years together until Joan's passing in 2024.Roger's football coaching career continued to flourish as he and Joanmoved to Eugene in 1970, where he coached under Jerry Frei at theUniversity of Oregon while earning his Master's degree there.In 1972, Roger began coaching football and teaching art (ceramics, design,and metal/jewelry) at Mount Hood Community College. Under his coaching,the team won the NWAACC League championships in 1975 and 1977.Roger was inducted into the NWAACC Hall of Fame in 2005, a testamentto his dedication and success in football coaching. He retired in 1993,completing a 31-year career in teaching.Roger was an accomplished artist, with his works exhibited and sold ingalleries over the years. He had a warm sense of humor and a quick witthat left a lasting impression on all who knew him. He was a true Gemini - a man of two sides. He loved football, Schnauzers and blueberries. He wastough yet sensitive at the same time.Roger is survived by his sister-in-law, Judy (Jim Cornett), sister-in-law,Carol Hagerman, and brother-in-law, Jerry Fast (Linda). He is alsoremembered fondly by Stafford and Laurie Mays and their sons, Parker andTaylor, who knew him as Grandpa Coach Porter.Roger's legacy will live on in the hearts of his family, friends, and thecountless lives he touched throughout his career as a teacher, coach, andartist. He will be deeply missed but never forgotten.A Celebration of Life will be held at Evergreen Memorial Gardens, March22, 2025 at 12:30pm.In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Roger'shonor to the Oregon Humane Society.Rest in peace, Coach Porter.

Roger L. Porter

May 31, 1935 - February 14, 2025